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Being interviewed by a potential employer is one of the most challenging and stressful tasks adults face. Add to that experience a difficult economic environment with businesses struggling to make a profit, and competition for jobs more fierce than ever, and you have a battlefield like none other you have faced before. In order to be successful in these circumstances, you must know how to prepare for interviews differently so that you stand out to employers. This article provides 5 steps to interviewing with confidence in difficult economic times.
1. PREPARE THOROUGHLY
Experts will advise that you research the company you are interviewing with and be sure to understand the job you are pursuing and the responsibilities involved. This is an important part of preparing for the interview, however that's just the beginning. You must also understand yourself and how your background, skills and experience are a fit for the position. I suggest starting an interview preparation journal where you write down key thoughts that you can refer to before the interview. You should know your top 3 strengths and how you have applied them in prior positions. Also, recall areas that you have improved on in the past and explore those areas where you still need to grow. Write details about your strengths and opportunities for growth in your journal and use them for every interview. Next, write 10 questions you expect to be asked during the interview. Write your answers to these questions and try to communicate your strengths in your response. Practice is a very important part of your preparation and is addressed in Step 5.
2. BUILD AND MAINTAIN RAPPORT
Most of us have been told to always greet people with a "firm handshake" to show our confidence and likeability. What if the person you're shaking hands with only offers their fingertips in a quick gesture? How will a firm handshake feel to them? The truth is we all like people that are like us. If we have a firm handshake, we like people to give us a firm handshake. If we prefer not to shake hands at all, it is most comfortable for us if others do not extend their hands for a handshake. So instead of introducing yourself in the same way with everyone you meet, wait a second to see what they do and follow their lead. Notice their posture, facial expressions, energy level and tone of voice and try to match those as you interact. This will give the person you are communicating with a true sense of connection that they will remember long after your interview ends.
3. WOW(TM) THEM WITH YOUR ANSWERS
Before you begin answering questions, make sure you understand what is being asked and where you want to end with your response. It is ok to pause for a few seconds to think about your response or ask for clarification if you need it. Keep your answers, simple, brief and truthful.
In order to really stand out in the interview process, give specific examples from your experience and explain how you handled the situation successfully. Use the WOW(TM) formula for your responses.
What happened?
Provide brief details regarding the situation.
Own action/decision.
Explain your specific actions or decisions.
What was the result/learned?
Explain the successful outcome of your action or what you learned if it didn't work out the way you planned.
This formula for responses will boost your confidence because you will already know how you're going to answer each question. You can use this formula to write examples in your interview journal during preparation.
4. CLOSE THE INTERVIEW SUCCESSFULLY
Towards the end of most interviews, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare 2-3 questions about the work environment and company culture to ask during this time. Share how that culture is a good fit for your own style. Consider asking the interviewer what the 2 most important qualities are they are looking for in a candidate. Then use those responses to share how you have the experience or skills to fit those needs. For example, if the interviewer shares that organization is the most important skill they need, share how you recently organized a project in your last position or that your last manager complimented you on how well organized your work was.
You should also use this time to provide a final summary to convince the interviewer that you are right for the job. Explain how you are a good fit and what makes you unique as a candidate. Prepare a closing statement in your interview journal and be sure to summarize your strengths and reasons for wanting the job. As you share these comments at the end of the interview, make sure you are in rapport with the interviewer by matching their posture, pace and gestures. Show your true appreciation for the opportunity.
5. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
It is critical that you practice each step of the interview process. Ask a friend to work with you and role play different personality types so that you can practice building rapport. Use the questions you anticipate to practice the WOW(TM) formula for giving responses. Review your closing statement and say it out loud multiple times so that you're comfortable talking about yourself and your strengths. Ask for feedback from others on how to improve. When you think you are ready and well prepared, practice one more time.
If you follow these simple steps, you will interview with confidence and stand out as someone who truly connected with the interviewer. You will be able to present yourself as a successful candidate with a genuine interest in the job. In these challenging economic times, you need every advantage you can get to compete in the current job market.
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