With my long and crazy job search, I've had friends start up a multitude of conversations surrounding employment. We've talked about how to make your resume stand out. We've talked about how difficult online applications are (because you are unable to create a person-to-person first impression), and we've talked about interview skills.
All of these topics are equally important, but as a lover of nonverbal communication, I am always drawn to the conversations that focus on interviewing. Let me give you a little background on my personal experience with interviews...
I have been involved in a LOT of interviews. I have also been on both sides of the interview spectrum, the hiring committee and the hire-ee. In regards to the jobs which I have actually interviewed for and been hired on, I have successfully completed nine interviews. (Yes, I have had 9 jobs in 6 years... granted there was a LOT of overlap.) I've interviewed a few other times, maybe 3 or 4, without getting the position, but every interview gives me a little bit of anxiety, even though I am a people person and I enjoy meeting new friends.
On the other side, I have participated in two interview committees, helping interview for different teams that I have been on. It is a LOT harder than I would have thought. Many times you have more than one highly qualified individual who would be a great fit in the job, and you have to be the one to nit-pick any negatives, while highlighting the positives, to see the best person get the job. It's a very complicating and tiring process.
So now that you know I am a chronic interview junkie, I've put together my list of 8 SUPER DUPER MEGA AWESOME INTERVIEW TIPS:
1) Research the company.
Coming from and interviewer, it's always impressive when a possible future employee knows about the origins of the company. My recommendation is to find out some piece of info that you could generally "bring up in conversation," such as the mission or vision statement, the origin of the company, or any community related involvements of the company.
2) Research common interview questions.
Forbes writer, Jacqueline Smith, put together a KILLER list of the top interview questions (SEE HERE) that I really enjoyed looking at when preparing for an interview recently. Even if you don't have a lot of work experience, life events can definitely be used in examples to respond to many of these questions.
3) Be honest.
You might think that fibbing a little here and there in your experiences might make you look a little better at the moment but you want them to know the real deal. Plus, if you have to make up a story, you'll have to remember your story, and that's just a disaster waiting to happen.
4) Smile.
A genuine smile, nonetheless. A warm smile can instantly put the whole room at ease so flash those pearly whites.
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5) Talk with your hands!
Talking with your hands, or making gestures when you talk shows that you are actively engaged int he conversation. It's also demonstrative of your understanding and helps to emphasize your points.
6) Look at everyone on the interview panel.
Eye contact is really hard, especially when you're nervous. You don't want anyone to see inside your nerves or to realize that you have no idea what the question was that the interviewer just asked. My advice in this situation is to make sure you look at every single person in the room. This way, it won't feel like you're talking to one individual and again, it shows that you are actively engaged. I personally know that I have a tendency to look mostly at one person more than others, but taking time to "talk to each person" will help you connect to the whole panel.
7) Lean forward in your chair.
Can I hammer it in enough? ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT. Leaning in nonverbally communicates that you are drawn to the questions, the answers and the company. I'm not saying lean all the way forward like you're sitting on the porcelain throne, but lean (without slouching) about 4-6 inches away from the back of your chair.
8) Let them see your real personality!!!
If you're goofy, make a joke, as long as it's appropriate and still semi professional. If you work best in quiet atmospheres, tell them that! I love learning a little bit about the persons demeanor in an interview to make sure that he or she is a good fit for the nature of the company.
Interviews don't need to be scary. My mom always says that an interview is for the company to look at you but it's also for the employee to look at the company! Both parties need to make sure it's a good fit within the organization. Make sure you're paying attention to the surroundings of the company to get a feel of your comfort level in the workplace.
My best advice for an interview is to go in prepared. Research the company, prepare questions to ask the panel, do something to make yourself stand out from the rest. Whatever you may do, stay calm and stay YOU! You'll have an offer on the table in no time with no end in sight :)
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