Job Interviews IV: 10 Keys to an Interview
This is Part IV in our interview series. So far we have covered what to wear, background preparation, and common interview questions. Today we’ll cover some of the basic things you should always do in your interviews.
1. PRACTICE!
One of the most common mistakes that people make is that they should just wing the interview. If you read my last post on common interview questions, then you should have a notebook full of answers to these questions. Now you should be practicing these answers over and over. By yourself if necessary, but preferably with a friend. Try to find someone who you can go back and forth with. Making many of these answers autopilot will help with the nervousness. This leads me to my next point.
2. Think in bullet points
When you learn the answers to these questions or are just making it up as you go, you should still try to think in bullet points. People often make the mistake of speaking to long, getting off point, and rambling. These are all cardinal sins of interviewing.
Also, if you memorize an answer word for word then it will sound pre-meditated and contrived. Even though you are practicing you still want to sound as natural as possible. Bullet point thinking keeps you on track and on point without sounding too polished.
For example, you are asked, “Tell me about you showed leadership to complete a project.” Rather than trying to recall your entire story about your time as fraternity presiden, think in the following terms:
1. Fraternity president
2. House with 300 members and a budget of $400,000
3. Story - Initiated new fund raising project for Susan G. Koman foundation
4. Coordinated 12 fraternities and sororities
5. Brought in sponsorships, media attention, referees, music, etc…
6. Talk about a difficulty you encountered
7. Raised a total of $12,000
The key is to keep the list in your head and then hit each point. As you hit each point move on. This will allow you to speak naturally and still be sure not to ramble or lose your train of though.
3. Keep a notebook and pen with you at all times
Be ready to take notes on the answers to your questions and the things they volunteer. This will give you notes for a future interview or a follow up email.
I often keep brief notes on anything I’m afraid of forgetting for the interview. I will review this as I wait and I also leave my notebook open in my lap. This will allow you quick reference to your notes during the interview.
After or between multiple interviews you should use this notebook to write down your interviewers name and any information you can remember about them. This will be useful at a later date.
After the interview you should also write down any interview questions that you struggled with so that you can review these at a later date.
4. Be Confident
You cannot be timid in an interview. This is the time to let yourself shine. They would not be interviewing you if they did not believe you were qualified for the job. You need to believe that you are the best possible candidate and that you not only bring the necessary qualifications but something that sets you apart. In an interview you must come across as confident and competent.
5. Make Eye Contact
This related to confidence. Confident people make eye contact. I’m not saying be creepy and always stare into the eyes of your recruiter without blinking. Weird… All I’m saying is that you need to not stare at your lap or your notes or the desk. Look them in the eye.
6. Smile
Again, this is a confidence issue. Relax and smile. Don’t keep a grin on your face when things start to get serious, but you should greet with a smile and leave with a smile.
7. Be Enthusiastic (show passion and interest)
In an interview you want to make it very clear that working for their company excites you. Show your interest and your passion. Talk about the areas of work that you really enjoy and why.
8. Be Positive
Never say anything negative about past employers, co-workers, and companies if at all possible. If the question requires you to talk about something you did not like/enjoy then emphasize then mention the negative and end on a positive.
9. Firm Handshake
When you enter and exit the interview, be sure to shake the hand of all of your interviewers. Keep your hands dry and shake firmly. Just a shake or two is appropriate.
10. Make some small talk
The interviewer will likely engage in some small talk at the beginning of the interview and possibly at the end. Don’t forget that you want your interviewer to like you. Regardless of your qualifications, you will not be hired if your interviewer doesn’t believe you will be a fun interesting person to be around. Often times when people are nervous they will answer simple questions such as, “how was your flight or morning” with one or two word answers. This is a mistake and you should try to make some simple small talk with your interviewer.
