We have all been in that position of applying to a much-needed/much-wanted job. Been there, wanting to do everything right to get that job. In a recent entry, we talked about how to prepare for your interview. Today I will give you tips and recommendations on what should you do during the interview to have successful results. Here's how to have a successful job interview.
I believe this is obvious in every social interaction, but it is never a bad idea to remind people about this. I always remember this one time I interviewed someone for an executive position. It was in my first year as a recruiter so I was as small as a fingerling. However, I have always been confident about the way I perform my job. This person had an outstanding experience with big companies. The first thing they asked me was my age. When I answered they told me it was offensive to their expertise that "someone like me" was interviewing them. That someone with a higher rank should have interviewed them. My boss at the time closed the process with this person and they were not hired.
No matter who we are dealing with we need to be respectful of the other person's time and persona. From the janitor and the security person to the manager and CEO. Our actions always speak louder than our words. You dressed to impress, but remember giving your maximum respect at all times is your best first impression. Respond to questions with respect and remember people are always taking notes on your behavior.
Thank your interviewer for taking their time and considering you for this position. Do short pauses before answering their questions or responding to what they said. Modesty and humility are immensely valued, and balancing it with confidence and professionalism will provide you with extra points.
Our body language is in every communication, and we must gauge according to each situation and interlocutor. Our body language is the vehicle to establish trust, build rapport and emphasize our messages. Look good, sit straight and make eye contact. But we also need to read their body language to make sure our message as a whole is not being contradictory and we have a successful interview.
This aspect is merely based in our culture, but also in the social environment we are in. Expert suggest for professional interactions we use a distance of at least 3 feet. When standing we should be able to see the tip of their feet without tilting our head down.
This distance advice also comes in handy with COVID regulations. Keeping your distance will not only make look professional, but also show you are being conscious of Social Distancing precautions.
We are looking for signs on whether our communicator is feeling comfortable and is being honest. And oftentimes we get and send all that information with just our face. Make sure you are sharing a genuine smile, a fake one can be spotted easily. A genuine and prompt smile communicates enthusiasm. And if this is the job you are really looking to get, you need to show you are excited about the interview.
Bring a handkerchief with you to the interview. Sometimes our nerves betray us and give us a sweaty palm. You do not want to offer a sticky handshake. Look your interviewer directly in the eyes and give them a firm and full handshake. Offer a straight hand parallel to the floor. Grasp their hand entirely. Firmly, not tightly or aggressively. The firmness of your handshake is a cue to your confidence.
Learn to use your hands to speak as well. Our hand's movement helps us emphasize our message, but we should use just the right amount of hands. Too much use can distract our interlocutor from what we are saying. Use your hands symmetrically, Not too far up, not all the way to the front.
There is one exact level we should be having and using our hands at, the truth plane. Mark Bowden says our truth plane is the ideal place to have our hands and be able to express honestly. Keeping our hands in front of the middle of our abdomen makes us seem trustworthy.
Now get down to business to the core of your successful interview. I do not need to explain you need to speak clearly and passionately about your experiences and skills. You should prepare beforehand most of the things you are going to be asked. You should be able to determine from previous interviews, the vacancy's description and your actual job experience. Be assertive. The way you carry out the conversation is essential.
Listening is crucial to every conversation, from the start of your interview you need to be observant of all the information they are providing you. And always respond based on what you are listening, to show you are active in the conversation.
Do not overshare information. Anything that is not related to your functions is not being asked or is not linked to the niche you are applying to, you do not need to share. Rambling can negatively affect your application. If you are going to address matters that are not associated with what I mentioned before, then make sure you prepared that when practicing for your interview.
Stay positive. We all have had bad experiences in the past. We may all have faced certain feelings and problems. Even if these negative happenings are completely legitimate and valid, stay away from having a negative approach to them. If you are asked about your weaknesses or certain negative experience, do not be resistant to answering. Address the matter concisely and then make sure to emphasize what you learned from it.
As much as you want to land this job you do not want to give the message that you are desperate. It may take away the confidence and rapport you have been building throughout the interview. Once the interview is finished, thank your interviewer for their time once again. Ask them what the next steps could be and which would be the best time and way to follow up with them.
Next week I will be sharing with you tips you may want to consider after the interview.
