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The 2-minute drill is an industry term for how you should answer the interviewer’s opening statement, “So, tell me a little bit about yourself.” In short, it is a synopsis statement of your skills, experience and accomplishments in the work environment.
Most people, in answering this question, often give a mundane answer describing who they are and what they like to do as well as providing personal information. The reason for this is because the candidate was not expecting the question, or the candidate simply did not anticipate the question. Anyone who has been on a few interviews is familiar with this opening statement by an interviewer.
So, why is this statement used so frequently by interviewers in opening an interview? The reason is fundamental to human nature and etiquette. Most interviewers want the candidate to feel comfortable and at ease and this is a benign way of doing so.
In actuality, the interviewer really doesn’t want to know about you as much as she or he wants to know if you are a valid candidate for the open position. The opening statement is nothing more than an icebreaker. However, you should capitalize on this and answer the real question as to your validity for the job.
Keep in mind that most people tasked with interviewing are not proficient in this exercise. They are usually managers in their field who are quite adept at management, but seldom trained in the fine art of interviewing. They usually know what they want in an employee, but don’t know how to ferret the right information out of the candidate. The 2- Minute Drill helps you to overcome this obstacle and pique the interviewer’s interest right out of the box.
The 2-Minute Drill is a rehearsed statement that must be delivered in an unrehearsed manner. The statement should flow as if it is just a casual response. However, the content must be packed with demonstrable achievements supported by measurable data. Two minutes can seem like an eternity, when you are giving evidence of your worth. That’s why this is not an easy task, but it’s worth all the effort to do it effectively.
Here’s a blueprint for The 2-Minute Drill:
- Itemize your skills, i.e. organization, communication, etc.
- Describe at least three accomplishments from your present job: a. What was the status before your accomplishment? b. What did you do to improve the status? c. What was the measurable result?
- Weave the information into a well-constructed, concise statement. For example
“The current methodology for storing and retrieving data was using an antiquated Excel application. This method would not accommodate projected growth needs and required a time-intensive system for error recognition and correction..”
After researching the alternative options in a database application and estimating the changeover costs, I was able to demonstrate to upper management that the database method would be cost-effective and breakeven would be realized in less than 18 months.
The new system was explored and a comprehensive study completed, which I headed up. The results included programming time and cost as well as an initiation schedule. The estimated savings in operating costs were over 21% and the availability for storage, access and retrieval is virtually limitless. Breakeven actually occurred three months earlier than projected.
The accomplishment described above takes less than 45 seconds to recite.
The sample accomplishment speaks volumes about this candidate. For instance, the candidate recognized a need beyond the normal scope of his/her job responsibilities and took action to avert a future catastrophe. This demonstrates job ownership by the candidate.
Not only did the candidate recognize a potential problem, he or she took the initiative to solve the problem in a professional manner offering a viable solution. The solution was adopted and the organization earned substantial savings in operating costs as well as significant room for future expansion.
The 2-Minute Drill requires much thought in its creation and presentation. Spend the time, it is well worth it.
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