What is growth mind-set and how can you best deploy this?
7 tips to demonstrate growth mind-set in a job interview

For many jobs, the degree to which an employee matches the skills profile of a role one hundred percent is not a critical success factor. Yes, a better skills match can reduce training investment slightly, or produce results slightly quicker, but the impact on long-term success in the role is usually marginal. What is critical, however, is the degree to which employees have a mindset of growth.

How to demonstrate a growth mind-set during your job interview

1. Prepare

Those with a growth mindset will see a job interview as an opportunity to learn more about a business and the industry it operates in. A way to really show this is to do some research about the company; have a look at the companie's website, look for recent news and look up your interviewer. Doing so will demonstrate that you’re proactive, engaged, and have embraced the challenge of preparing for the interview wholeheartedly.

2. Problem-solving skills

Those with a growth mindset try to approach any problems they face head-on. They aren’t afraid to make mistakes as part of that process, and, instead, tend to see problems as an opportunity to learn and develop. Prior to your job interview, try to think back to when you’ve had to solve a problem – ideally a problem that was a little out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to talk your interviewer through how you approached solving that problem from start to finish, explaining how you proactively handled any hurdles along the way and importantly, what you learnt during that process. And don’t worry if you didn’t actually manage to solve the problem – what matters in the interviewer’s mind is that you have a proactive approach to problem solving, and tackle them head on.

3. Upskilling and learning

Those with a growth mindset love learning, in a broad range of topics. Really master a new skill it takes practice, effort and time. In your next job interview, voice your commitment to continuous upskilling and lifelong learning. It’s also a good idea to ask the interviewer about the organisation’s commitment to supporting the learning and development of their employees.

4. Set goals

People with a growth mindset are well versed in taking a proactive approach to any task. A common tactic is setting SMART goals or targets – breaking down each project into manageable and realistic tasks or goals. In your next job interview, explain how you like to set yourself personal SMART goals or work towards set milestones in order to motivate yourself to get even the most difficult or challenging of project done on time, and to a high quality.

5. Step out of your comfort zone 

you need to prove that you are able to step beyond the boundaries of your normal day-to-day routine and explore new territory with zeal, confidence and proactivity. En vervolgens andere leden van je team trainen in het gebruik hiervan. An example of which could be learning to use a new piece of technology or tool which you’ve had no prior experience of and then training other members of your team on its use. Essentially, you need to prove to the interviewer that you belief in yourself and your ability to operate outside of your comfort zone, whilst driving the business forward and delivering results.

6. Be inquisitive

DBeing perceived as a curious and interested candidate in the mind of the interviewer will help them see you as somebody who has an innate mindset of growth. So, ask positive questions of them and the company which you have prepared beforehand For instance, you could ask about the interviewer’s career to date, what they’ve learned, their experience of the workplace culture, and other questions that prove your interest in learning from others. Here you find some good questions to ask your interviewer.

7. After the interview 

Always send a follow up email (via your recruiter) to the interviewer, thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the role. This will serve as another example of proactivity and tendency to go above and beyond. If you’re faced with rejection, use your growth mindset to help you see this as an opportunity to learn and improve your performance for next time. Above all, don’t give up. This is just another learning experience which can help you develop and grow.

To succeed in today and tomorrow’s world of work, we all need to adopt a growth mind-set more often in order to ensure our success. Hopefully these tips will help you position yourself in the interviewer’s mind as someone who can help them take their business forward, innovate and relish change.