TIPS FOR FEELING CONFIDENT IN INTERVIEWS

Interviewing is an art. The more we do it, the better we will become. Believe it or not, WE CAN learn to be an interview expert. Many of us are very uncomfortable at interviews and dread the thought of going through one. However, preparing mentally for the interview is a key element in your being comfortable and at your best. Let’s look at some of the techniques we can use to be successful in different interviewing situations.

ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEWS - One-on-one interviews happen when we apply to a small company, meet with a hiring manager of a large firm or a Human Resource Director. Usually, when we are in a one-on-one situation, we feel a bit more comfortable than being in a group.

GROUP INTERVIEWS - Find out who the hiring manager is and direct your answers to that person initially. If a question is asked by someone else, look at that person first when responding and then to the hiring manager. If possible, write down the names of the interviewers.

Dress Appropriately - If the job you are applying for is a professional job where coats and ties or dresses are expected, you should wear a coat and tie or a dress. If you are unsure, you may want to visit the workplace beforehand and see how people are dressed. BE COMFORTABLE GOING INTO THE INTERVIEW THAT YOU ARE DRESSED APPROPRIATELY.

Be Prepared - Make sure you have all the information you can gather about the firm - what they do, their Dun & Bradstreet rating, how they are doing, who their competitors are and if possible, any problems they are incurring at this time. This is important because you may have the skills to solve some of their problems.

REMEMBER to take multiple Resumes with you as they may have forgotten to bring one into the meeting. Then, they go back to their offices with your name still right in front of them. ALSO, be sure you have an Invisible Resume ready and use it to let them learn more about you, your soft skills, and what you bring to the company. Make sure you are prepared to answer "The 20 Toughest Interview Questions" in Section 8.4 and that you have a list of questions to ask them.

Get To Know The Gatekeeper - This person may make the final decision about you if all things are equal with the candidates. Get there a little early, ask any questions you may have about the firm and perhaps a little about the gatekeeper and the interviewer (if you can do so subtly). Thank the gatekeeper for setting up the interview or introducing you to the interviewer and thank them again on the way out.

INITIAL Greeting AND BEING OBSERVANT - Be courteous, give a firm handshake, and make some initial eye contact. Once you enter the interviewer’s office, look for clues about that person. Check for pictures, awards, team trophies, etc. that give you ideas about his/her interests and serve as openers. Then, you can start with one of the following: "I see you have a company softball team", "are in the Lions Club", "have a super view of the mountains", etc. You can also discuss the weather. Be comfortable and be confident.

Use Good Non-Verbal Communication - Review our tips on handshakes, eye contact, posture, being comfortable with silences, and walking and talking confidently. The first 5-10 seconds of an interview are important, and body language is a big part of it.

During The Interview - Sit comfortably - do not cross your legs away from the interviewer, and do not place anything on his/her desk such as a notebook, purse, etc. Do not: chew gum, bring bottled water or a cup of coffee to the interview. Also, do not talk too much and never interrupt someone who is speaking. At the outset, a fair question is: "Is there any change to the job description that I should know about?" This can and does happen. You need to know what job you are applying for.

Just relax and be yourself. Be sure to speak slowly and clearly and use a confident voice tone. Silence can also show that you are comfortable with yourself and the interview.

It is okay if you have a notebook or folder with an Invisible Resume and paper to write on. Take brief notes on important points and refer to them later if you have questions. A notebook shows you have come prepared. Have some examples of projects you have worked on or other documents that you may need to show evidence of any awards or achievements that you want to bring to their attention. Do not be shy. You are trying to set yourself apart from the other candidates.

Answering Questions - Be ready to answer questions about your skills and how they match the job. Look directly at the interviewer and answer honestly. Direct your response first to the person who asked the question and then to the others, if it is a group interview. Do not be afraid of silences, as he/she may be thinking about your response. It is okay to briefly look away while thinking about a question and then come back and look at the interviewer with your answer.

BE ATTENTIVE AND A good listener - Every question is important. Make sure you understand the question and answer it honestly and completely. Ask for clarification if it is necessary. Tailor your answers to the job description and the needs of the company.

HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE - Show interest and enthusiasm about your skills and what you can offer them. Do not be afraid to state your accomplishments and successes. Make points politely, but stress what you bring to the company and how you will make a difference. Believe in yourself. You would not be interviewing if you did not have the expertise. Your resume has sold them that you have the talent. The interview is to see if you are a match for the job.

SELL THE IDEA THAT YOU ARE A TEAM PLAYER - Throughout the interview, attempt to sell the idea that you get along well with co-workers and leaders. Cite evidence of how you work well with peers, contribute to a company, and to community projects. Most people are fired because they cannot get along with others. THEY WANT A MATCH FOR THE JOB AND SO DO YOU. HELP THEM BY SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.

AT THE CONCLUSION – When they ask if you have questions for them, make sure you have a list of a few questions you want answers to. This shows that you are prepared and have a real interest in the job. Then, you may want to state/reiterate that you feel you are a good match for the job. When the interviewer stands up, the interview is over.

SET THEM UP - Ask what the next step is and if you have further questions, can you call or e-mail them. You want a reason for further contact to keep your name before them and to see if they have made a decision on the job or to see if they have further questions for you. Be sure to contact them again with a question by phone or e-mail to keep your name in front of them.

FINAL THOUGHTS - The interview is a sales process. You are the product being sold and they are the buyer. Be sure to stay focused on the interview and do not let yourself be distracted from your goal of selling them on how you will make a difference.

Bob Raikes, National Certified Career Counselor