In order to be successful at an interview, you have to get good at one thing: the interview itself. This means staying calm, thinking before you speak, being intentional about what you say, and asking thoughtful questions.
And there are 4 important ways to do this, which I will share with you today.
4 Steps to a Successful Interview
1. Do your research
Before thinking of pass the interview, review the job posting and be prepared to talk about how you’ve used the skills you’ve listed in your resume. Describe any experience that hasn’t been addressed and let the interviewer know what you would bring to the role. If they don’t explicitly ask, it’s OK to discuss your skills and experience in interview.
2. Show your personality
Many interviewers feel that it’s harder to interview someone who doesn’t smile or laugh. The best way to ease the discomfort of an interview is to make light of it with a funny story about your past. This will make you feel less nervous and the interviewer will relax.
3. Use non-verbal cues
Although you are presenting your resume, you want to also show that you’re personable and friendly. Stand up straight, hold your hands at your side, move your hands around while talking, and walk with your head up and your eyes forward. You should not look like you are trying to hide a mole or a cat or something. You are communicating to the interviewer that an interviewee is a true expert, not someone just pretending to be from the company to get his or her start.
4. Keep your attention
Don’t walk around the room or chat with people. Instead, focus on the interviewer and make eye contact. This signals that you are paying attention and are comfortable. If you need to do something to take your mind off the conversation, find a distraction, such as using your cell phone or slipping out to the bathroom.
Don’t do anything that might make the interviewer uncomfortable. If you’re drinking water or getting a drink of water, make sure it’s through a straw. Avoid food and drinks that you might eat. Make sure you go to the bathroom after having water or anything else, if possible.
There is no easy way to pass an interview, but preparation, focusing on the interviewer, and keeping your attention will go a long way in preparing you to receive an offer.
Our Interview techniques topics will continue in the near future. Stay tuned!
The interviewer, when they see you in a nice and neutral way, will say, “Uh, my question was really hard, so I wanted to go over your resume” So, be nice!