The best communicators do 3 simple things in job interviews—they make you a ‘very, very attractive’ candidate, says expert
You might have the perfect résumé, but if you can't articulate your value in an interview, you won't land the job. Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Charles Duhigg, author of *Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection*, argues that communication prowess is often the decisive factor in hiring decisions. After studying hundreds of high performers, Duhigg identified three specific techniques that transform nervous candidates into memorable ones.
**Ditch the script.** Interviewers expect performance, but they crave authenticity. When candidates offer overly rehearsed answers, they miss the chance to show who they really are—and whether they’ll actually thrive in that specific culture. This doesn’t mean oversharing; it means answering tactfully without hiding behind corporate jargon. Take the dreaded "What’s your greatest weakness?" question. Rather than offering a humble-brag ("I work too hard"), acknowledge a real—but non-critical—shortcoming, then pivot immediately to how you're actively addressing it. That specific, honest response is what the interviewer will remember long after you leave the room.
**Ask questions that matter.** Too many candidates squander the "Do you have any questions for me?" moment with predictable queries about benefits or next steps. Duhigg's research shows that supercommunicators ask "deep questions"—those that probe values, beliefs, and experiences. Replace "What does a typical day look like?" with "What drew you to this industry?" or "What’s the most meaningful project you’ve worked on here?" These questions shift the dynamic from interrogation to conversation and signal genuine curiosity.
**Listen with your body.** Communication isn’t just verbal. Subtle mimicry—leaning in when your interviewer leans in, matching their energy level, returning a smile with warmth—creates unconscious rapport. Duhigg emphasizes that this mirroring only works when it feels natural; forced mimicry backfires. The goal is relaxed attentiveness that puts both parties at ease.
Mastering these three habits won't just help you perform better in interviews—it will help you forge the kind of genuine connection that turns a hiring manager into an advocate.
