Posted by Nikoletta Ventseslavova

Save: energy and frustration and learn how to pass through an interview successfully

An interview is an intense process requiring a best effort in order to secure a job offer. This causes emotional tension when combined with the worries of finding a new job. Fortunately we can make the interview process much easier with some mental preparation. The most important thing for job seekers is to interpret the company’s aim in offering the job. A job interview is not all about the job seeker, it is about the company and the perfect fit for its needs. Sure, it is impressive if a person can speak 4 languages, has 5 diplomas in rocket science, but all the prospective employer really cares about is how this is will benefit his company.

Read on to get some useful tips and strategies for the various stages of an effective interview.

Think ahead and get prepared

Get familiar with the company’s past performance and current targets to show that you have a clear idea of how its business is being developed. This can lead to a more interactive interview and will leave a good impression. Before the interview it is good to review the company’s web site and request more details on the position:

-    Seek additional feedback on the firm on labor forums

-   Go to the interview ten or fifteen minutes earlier and talk to the receptionist of the company, present yourself and ask for the interviewer’s name (make sure you pronounce it correctly). If possible – start a conversation, with the aim to learn more about the working atmosphere and the manager’s expectations.

Get prepared to answer questions about your past performance like: “What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?”, or “What was the biggest accomplishment and failure in your previous position?”.  These questions aim to predict your future performance, that’s why it is good to think of examples of situations, where you have successfully used the skills you have mentioned in your resume – outline your values, interests, strengths and weaknesses. After that prepare answers to the most commonly asked interview questions and record your responses. Let’s take a look at the following example:

“Why did you quit your job?”

Answer 1: “Because I want to earn more money. I am bored and I don’t feel any motivation.”

Answer 2: “This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I am not able to fully utilize them in my present job.”, or “I don’t have room to grow with my current employer and I’m ready to move on to a new challenge.”

I am sure you will agree that the second answer is more powerful than the first one. One idea could be expressed in different variations, but when we apply for a desired job wording is crucial for a first impression. Bill Cole, the Founder and President of the International Mental Game Coaching Association says: “Preparation is King to make you feel confident.” So, don’t think that preparation will make you scripted. It will help you to feel more confident and relaxed during the interview.

Appearance also contributes for a good first impression. Thus, we have to look professional, which means to dress in a formal way. Strong make up, heavy earrings and gold chains (for women) are not appropriate. For ladies – no skirts above the knee and low-necked blouses, try to keep a business style. This is a formal meeting, not a bar, right? For gentlemen – put on a shirt and make sure your tie is tight; don’t forget to shave and best leave your hat at home.

Arrive on time. In the era of satellite navigation and Google Maps it is easy to find any address. But this doesn’t mean waiting for the last minute and look for the address.  Late arrival for a job interview leaves a very bad impression. Some companies would just mark a negative point; others will refuse to interview late comers. Thus, it is better to find exactly where the building is and calculate how long it will take you to get there. Just in case – leave an extra 15 minutes and arrive earlier. This will enable you to stay calmer and to get to know a bit about the company and its policies, adapt to the environment in the office and speak to the receptionist.

During the interview

Neurolinguistics (or body language) studies have shown that people like to be around individuals who are like themselves. Body language is crucial point during any tete-a-tete meeting. For this reason – watch your interviewer closely. If he/she leans forward, this means that he/she is interested in your personality, so you should lean forward too. If the interviewer sits back in his chair, sit back too. If he is serious and unsmiling – don’t assume he/she doesn’t like you. He/she may have had a bad day, or may just want to express authority. Bill Cole advices: “Do not let them rent space in your head. Stay poised and don’t assume anything.”

More important behavioral details here:

-  Extend your hand and make a firm handshake – this shows that you are assertive, strong and confident. It should last 3-5 seconds. One advice here: some interviewees get nervous and their hands get sweaty as a result. Thus, use a wipe before your interview, or visit the rest room right before the meeting.

-  Don’t cross your hands, or legs (this expresses reticence and looks like you are hiding something for yourself); put your palms on the desk like the politicians do and don’t gesticulate too much. Instead, steeple your palms while thinking. This shows confidence.

Keep an eye contact and be positive and smile – Look the interviewer in the eye and if they are more than one, keep eye contact with all of them. They want to see your eyes. If you are staring behind them or to the side, this indicates that you may not be speaking honestly or that your communication abilities are not well developed. You may be surprised, but within 90 seconds your interviewer has made an assessment of you. After that everything you say is viewed through that perspective.

Be careful with the hobbies and special skills you include in your CV – They are not just a blab. Usually, when resuming interviewers look first those section in order to start a conversation with the candidate and break the ice. More often they find a common interest, or a shared working experience, or something they want to learn.

Always speak the truth about your abilities and exude confidence (not swell-headedness) – The interview process is incredibly subjective and everything depends on the person who is interviewing. Remember – many companies have HRs, which are psychologists and can easily detect a lie. Moreover, each experienced manager can determine if you do actually possess the abilities in your resume or not by asking questions or giving you a task. Be prepared to speak about your strengths and weaknesses and express your will to learn. If asked, give examples of failures and the way you overcame them and how you learned form it. Jeannie Kahwajy, an expert on organizational behavior made some research demonstrating that candidates who are willing to learn and accept criticism can turn negative interviews around and obtain the desired job. Some advice here: don’t use prefaces in each phrase. They weaken your message. For example, if asked: “Tell me about a time you participated in a team. What was your role?”, don’t say “I think I was a leader”, say “I was a leader”.

Talk like a professional and use positive words – Forget about slang and don’t use words not adding to the details. Secondly, try to respond to the interviewer’s questions firmly and clearly. Don’t answer with Yes/No, because the interviewers want to see the way you think, not how you pronounce “Yes/No”. Something important here – try to give a relatively short answer. If needed, they will ask you more questions for further details. If you keep talking and talking and talking, you will lose your audience and the job. Studies show that interviewers have a positive response to candidates when he/she talks more than the candidate. An interview is a conversation, not a monologue.

Finally, show interest by asking one or two questions at the end of the interview and express your expectations – ask what exactly you are going to do; who you will interact with during the training period; ask for your role in current and future projects, etc. At the first interview you need to evaluate the company as well. The choice is bilateral. At the end of the interview it is a good tactic to show your appreciation to the interviewer and reiterate your interest.