Self-control: Check yourself before job interview begin
Whether you’re interviewing for a job in person in an office or online from the comfort of your kitchen table, it’s possible to get worked up before the conversation begins. If you have an interview in the near future, take a few minutes to get yourself together with a few of our pre-interview tips:
Remain calm: Take a deep breath and relax. Find a strategy to remain calm throughout the interview, preferably one that doesn’t involve a couple of shots of whiskey ahead of time. It’s easy to get excited when interviewing for a job but it’s important to keep your anxious reactions in check. Your interview should project confidence, not fear. Your interviewer should be able to engage in an informative conversation with someone who speaks clearly and remains calm. When you find yourself getting nervous, have a go-to mantra or thought that will help get you back on course.
Agree to agree: We’re not suggesting that you become an all-agreeing yes-man during a job interview but if you want the job, you’ll have to sell your interviewer on your willingness to say yes to various forms of work. A good rule to follow: When a question begins with a statement like “we might have some projects that require some travel, maybe even on weekends,” your interviewer is looking for a quick and confident agreement from you, not a weak “I’d have to think about that.” You’re not there to redefine their job description— there will be plenty of time for that after you’re hired. We’re not saying you should deliberately mislead your potential boss but if you want the job, make sure they know that you’re willing and able, with an emphasis on “willing.”
Be better together: Since so much of today’s work is segmented into teams, you’ll need to convince your future manager that you thrive when working with others, especially in committees and groups. By providing examples of previous projects, you’ll help convince your potential employer that you have what it takes not only to participate in the company’s group efforts, but to lead them as well.
Avoid the minutia: Be careful about asking questions about your personal situation with the company. Interviewees who ask about sick days, profit sharing and other eventual perks and policies early can come across as flippant and presumptuous. Pitch yourself for the job. You should have a good idea of what the company’s compensation package and policies are before the interview begins, thanks to numerous online resources, so focus on what you can bring to the company, not what the company can bring to you.
Stop fidgeting. Look people in the eye. Don’t look at your watch and don’t ever, ever reach for— or even glance at— your phone. What you do with your eyes, arms, hands, neck and head will say as much about you as 100 sentences. If you come across as nervous or anxious, you’ll be less likely to be considered for a position.
Tell your story: Interviews focus on real-life anecdotes and experiences, told in a simple and effective manner. Remember to use tangible examples and drop in some imagery when talking. If you’re talking about your first job, describe the desk you sat at in the corner of the warehouse. If you’re touting the million-dollar sale you closed with Company XYZ, talk about the day you presented your boss with the final paperwork. The best storytellers show more than they tell so don’t be afraid to throw in a few concrete images that will help bring your accomplishments to life.
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