Introduction: Beyond Qualifications

There’s a skill so essential it almost vanishes into the background—a skill that can open doors in ways another certification never will. And no, it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up ready to solve problems with the team in front of you. In today’s crowded job market, where everyone seems to have similar credentials, it’s your ability to connect, collaborate, and display genuine curiosity that sets you apart.

This isn’t theoretical. According to Harvard Business Review, interviewers form their strongest impressions within the first few minutes—not from what you say, but from how you engage. Soft skills like curiosity and collaboration are crucial right out of the gate.

In this article, I’ll break down what most candidates overlook, define this critical (yet often missed) interview skill, and share practical steps to help you master it for your next big conversation.

What Most Candidates Miss in Interviews

Let’s be honest: most candidates are laser-focused on technical questions. They rehearse timelines of achievements and double-check every keyword from the job description. That makes sense—meeting the requirements matters. But it’s only your ticket in.

I’ve interviewed dozens of candidates over the years, and a clear pattern always emerges. Impressive resumes don’t always translate into memorable conversations. Too often, interviews become rigid—questions met with rehearsed responses, nerves hidden behind formality. It can feel like both sides are reading from a script.

But there’s something I’ve noticed that never fails to stand out: the candidate who engages like we’re already collaborating.

Interviewers aren’t just looking for proof that you can do the job—they want to know you’ll do it with them. The human element matters: how you think on your feet, communicate, and partner in real time can be decisive. In fact, 92% of employers value soft skills as much as technical skills—a clear sign that hiring managers want more than just qualifications.

Take a recent hiring round at a tech company I worked with: Two equally qualified candidates were up for the same role. The one who discussed team workflows and asked how success was measured left a much stronger impression than the one who simply recited achievements. That’s the impact of true interpersonal engagement.

The Overlooked Interview Skill: Curiosity, Confidence, and Collaboration

So what exactly is this overlooked skill? It isn’t just one trait—it’s a blend. Let’s call it the trifecta of curiosity, confidence, and a collaborative mindset.

Curiosity is about genuine interest. It’s asking thoughtful questions, probing deeper into challenges, and signaling that you want to understand—not just perform. Confidence means steady self-assurance paired with humility; it lets you share ideas clearly without coming across as defensive or rehearsed. Collaboration creates the sense that you’re already part of the team—brainstorming solutions instead of simply answering questions.

When candidates show these traits, the whole tone shifts. Suddenly the interview isn’t an interrogation—it feels like a working session. The candidate listens actively, responds thoughtfully, and asks questions that move things forward. That’s when an interviewer thinks, “I’d love to work with this person.”

Chuck Edward, a senior hiring executive, drives this home: he says curiosity often makes or breaks the interview—especially in the questions candidates ask at the end. “Do they ask a safe question they’ve rehearsed? Or are they building on our conversation? Do you feel like the candidate can make your company better by pushing you—‘Why do we do it that way?’ or ‘Have you ever considered this?’” (LinkedIn Talent Blog). These unscripted moments of curiosity and engagement are what stick.

The Playbook: How to Demonstrate the Skill in Your Next Interview

Let me slow down here because this is where things shift for most candidates. Turning curiosity, confidence, and collaboration into habits doesn’t have to be complicated:

1. Research and Practice With Clarity
   Go beyond just role-specific questions. Prepare for behavioral and situational scenarios as well. Write out your answers with focus and clarity. Treat each response as a mini-story: What was the challenge? What did you do? What was the impact?
2. Refine Your Responses With Feedback
   Use tools like ChatGPT or ask a friend for feedback. This helps strip away jargon and brings out your authentic voice. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s clarity and relevance.
3. Rehearse Out Loud
   Say your answers aloud. Record yourself if you can; listen back and note where you ramble or sound unsure. Edit until your answers feel natural but concise—not robotic.
4. Prepare Questions That Show Initiative
   Don’t save all your questions for the end! Throughout the interview, try things like, “How does your team approach X?” or “What challenges is the company most focused on now?” These show curiosity and initiative—not passivity.
5. Shift Your Mindset: From Audition to Collaboration
   Here’s where most people get stuck. Enter your interview thinking like a future teammate rather than just an applicant. This subtle shift helps you listen deeply, connect ideas in real time, and respond as if you’re already working together.

Try using the ‘Yes, and…’ approach from improv theater—acknowledge what the interviewer says (‘yes’) and add your own insight (‘and’). It signals both receptiveness and initiative and helps foster a genuinely collaborative atmosphere.

Turning Interviews into Working Sessions

Let’s take that mindset further because this is where things truly shift. What does it mean to treat an interview like a working session?

Imagine meeting a new colleague—you’d ask questions, share ideas freely, and build on each other’s thoughts. That’s how I encourage you to approach your next interview.

Instead of waiting for your turn or focusing only on “right” answers, try solving problems together. If asked how you’d tackle a challenge, make it conversational: “That’s an interesting problem—may I ask how you’ve approached it so far?” or “Would it help if I shared some ideas I’ve seen elsewhere?”

This shows two things: confidence to engage as an equal and genuine care about their challenges—not just your own success. Interviews that feel like collaborative workshops leave lasting impressions because they reflect real work environments.

Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed, sums it up well: “The more I do this, the less I’m looking for specific knowledge or experience. The most important thing is curiosity and adaptability” (CNBC). More hiring leaders now prioritize adaptability and engagement over technical checklists.

A LinkedIn survey found that candidates who treat interviews as collaborative conversations are rated as more adaptable and easier to onboard—two qualities every team wants.

One way to strengthen these interactions is through engaged listening—not just hearing words but picking up on tone, context, and unspoken needs during an interview. Practicing this skill not only improves your ability to respond thoughtfully but also demonstrates empathy that hiring managers notice immediately.

Building the Skill Every Day

Here’s some good news: this overlooked interview skill isn’t just for interviews—it’s a career superpower you can build daily.

Practice your elevator pitch until it feels genuine; make every introduction memorable. Use flashcards or prompts to refine answers to common questions—even when you’re not actively job hunting. Role-play with peers or mentors; let them throw tough questions your way so you flex those curiosity and collaboration muscles.

You might be tempted to skip this practice if you’re not interviewing soon—but don’t! These skills compound over time and soon become second nature.

Leverage tools like ChatGPT to simulate interviews or brainstorm thoughtful questions based on company profiles. Treat every networking conversation as practice; before long, these habits will show up automatically when it counts most.

Diane Hamilton writes in Forbes that curiosity may be the most overlooked interview skill—but it’s often what distinguishes exceptional candidates. The more you nurture genuine interest—in people, problems, possibilities—the more these moments will arise naturally in every interaction.

If you’re looking for practical ways to strengthen curiosity in everyday work—not just interviews—try adopting habits from Why Successful People Ask for Help (And You Should Too). Embracing collaboration by seeking input from others can accelerate growth and lead to richer solutions both in interviews and on the job.

Here’s something practical: join cross-functional meetings at work or volunteer for projects outside your usual role. These experiences reinforce curiosity and teamwork—and give you stories for future interviews.

One daily habit that goes hand-in-hand with building collaborative strength is learning how to ask better questions and get better feedback. This practice doesn’t just unlock actionable insights but also sharpens your ability to learn from others—a trait valued in any high-performing team.

Conclusion: Make the Overlooked Interview Skill Your Edge

Here’s what I hope you remember: qualifications might get you in the door—but curiosity, confidence, and collaboration get you invited in for good.

This overlooked interview skill isn’t rocket science; it’s about showing up as a future teammate from day one. As you prepare for your next interview—or even your next networking moment—remember that employers aren’t just hiring skills; they’re choosing people they want to work with.

Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) not only for recounting achievements but also to structure collaborative and curiosity-driven responses in interviews. This keeps your answers focused and impactful without veering off course.

Try this: take one interview question this week and turn it into a flashcard; rehearse until it feels effortless. Or revisit your elevator pitch—make it truly reflect who you are today.

The next time opportunity knocks, let them see not just what you know—but who you are.

Every interview is more than an evaluation—it’s an invitation to connect. By embracing curiosity, confidence, and collaboration, you’ll unlock more opportunities—and build a reputation as someone others want on their team.