Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This interview trick gets hiring managers to sell YOU on the role.
It’s called a soft disqualifier.
It’s when you say both what you’re looking for and NOT looking for in a role.
This builds trust with the interviewer because you are showing sincere preferences.
Such as, you could say, “If the job is mostly [thing I don’t want], then it’s not the right role for me.”
For example, when I would interview for roles like the head of human resources.
I would say something like:
“If more than 50% of my time in a job is focused on administrative work, then it's not a good fit for me.
I am good at the administrative side, but I need at least 50% of my time focused on projects and strategic initiatives to stay motivated."
When this resonated with the company it got them to start selling me on the opportunity.
Why it works:
So I want you to go into your next interview being clear about your skills, interests, and priorities.
Before your next interview, fill in these blanks:
🍊 I’m motivated by...
🍊I’m strong in...
🍊 I’m building skills in...
🍊If the job is mostly.... it’s not for me
And make sure your answers are specific.
Don't say I am motivated by teamwork.
Pick something concrete such as I am motivated by building out brand facilitations.
PS: If you're currently job searching, I have a free Job Shopping masterclass that helps you attract the right job opportunities.
Watch the free Job Shopping masterclass here: selfmadeway.com/job-shopping-class
Use a soft disqualifier in your next interview!
This interview trick gets hiring managers to sell YOU on the role.
It’s called a soft disqualifier.
It’s when you say both what you’re looking for and NOT looking for in a role.
This builds trust with the interviewer because you are showing sincere preferences.
Such as, you could say, “If the job is mostly [thing I don’t want], then it’s not the right role for me.”
For example, when I would interview for roles like the head of human resources.
I would say something like:
“If more than 50% of my time in a job is focused on administrative work, then it's not a good fit for me.
I am good at the administrative side, but I need at least 50% of my time focused on projects and strategic initiatives to stay motivated."
When this resonated with the company it got them to start selling me on the opportunity.
Why it works:
So I want you to go into your next interview being clear about your skills, interests, and priorities.
Before your next interview, fill in these blanks:
🍊 I’m motivated by...
🍊I’m strong in...
🍊 I’m building skills in...
🍊If the job is mostly.... it’s not for me
And make sure your answers are specific.
Don't say I am motivated by teamwork.
Pick something concrete such as I am motivated by building out brand facilitations.
PS: If you're currently job searching, I have a free Job Shopping masterclass that helps you attract the right job opportunities.
Watch the free Job Shopping masterclass here: selfmadeway.com/job-shopping-class
Use a soft disqualifier in your next interview!
