Millionaire Tip: 90% of your success depends on one single skill, and here's how to develop it

Before I retired early at 35, I worked in tech for 14 years. In leadership positions, I have interviewed over 100 candidates. Surprisingly, many of them did not even make it to the second round, says Steve Adcock on CNBC.

But being good at interviews isn't just about getting a job. The ability to get along with people is critical to many aspects of your professional life. Such as building relationships, solving problems, attracting clients, public speaking, negotiating salary and increasing it.

In my experience, 90% of your early success comes down to being good at interviews. Unfortunately, most young people do it terribly.

My Five Rules for Successful Interviews

1. There is no such thing as being too strict

I've seen people show up to interviews wearing a T-shirt and jeans, while I was wearing a button-down shirt. Even if they were qualified in other respects, it showed a lack of attention and respect for the work.

I never thought badly of a candidate because he was too formally dressed. If you're not sure how professional your outfit should be, ask your HR person about the office's dress code.

Take a notepad and pen with you to help you look prepared and organized.

2. Be honest about what you can improve.

When interviewers ask about your biggest weaknesses, they are really assessing your level of self-awareness and problem-solving skills.

The best way to respond is to be honest about where you are having difficulty and what you have already done to improve the situation.

For example: “I tend to rush through projects and sometimes miss small details. Therefore, I start to move at a more relaxed pace and ask the opinion of other team members.”

3. Emphasize unique problem-solving skills

Two interview questions that I always consider:

1. Tell me about a time when you solved a common problem with an unconventional solution.
2. Describe a time when you failed. How did you handle the situation?

Many people got stuck on these questions because they didn't want to talk about their mistakes. But I didn't worry about them being wrong. Failure helps us get better. I was more interested in how they appreciated the failure and recovered from it. After all, they will do the same in my team.

On the subject: How to earn $90 in 3 minutes in New York: a little strange way, but effective

4. Always ask at least two questions

Never miss an opportunity to ask questions at the end of an interview. I hired people because they asked deep questions and didn't leave at the first opportunity.

The best questions show that you want to be helpful to the team right away and that you have a growth mindset.

A few examples:

What problem do you regularly face in your work?
What are the most relevant projects requiring attention?
Will I have opportunities to complete assignments where I can learn and use new skills?
Does the company offer training programs for employees?

5. Bring fascinating stories with you

One of the best signs that a person was right for my team was his ability to tell a story.

What is your most memorable work experience? Maybe it was an unexpected case that helped you attract a client? Or how you used humor to save your company from embarrassment. The best stories are captivating, unforgettable, and evoke certain emotions.

A good story, among other things, makes the interview process more interesting and enjoyable for everyone present.