The Art of Interviewing
Interviewing is not a skill, it’s an art form. Knowing how to answer questions and giving example scenarios that your respective interviewer values most, is a delicate balance. Everyone thinks they are great at it, but often times most people are just good. Being just good is not enough to win the position.
There are a variety of generic Interview tips that circulate recruiter blogs year after year, promising to help you stand out as the best person for the job. They usually quote some expert in HR with very generic tips around practicing the usual question responses, reviewing your resume, dressing nicely, printing your resume on good paper, etc. etc. These are all solid tips that should be taken seriously, but there are even more, simpler tips that candidates often forget. It’s always important to take every step of preparation possible, and the following tips may just put you over the top!
1. Context – Put this interview into context in your mind and realize that this interview will not break you. It is important, but this is not the end all, be all. It doesn’t matter if this is your one shot at the dream job, or if this is an interview you have to nail to feed your family, but the outcome of this interview will not end your life. No matter what happens, you are going to wake up tomorrow and the sun will shine. You will be ok, so free yourself of the pressure that comes with big opportunities and I promise you will do much better.
2. Preparation – Be prepared the night before the interview. Do your research into who you are talking to and the culture of the company, but also do the little things: check that Zoom link, make sure you know the right physical address, which door to go into, and who to ask for at security. Make sure your ID is in your wallet, your resume is crisp and printed off, and that your clothes are properly prepared. Do not wait until the day of. This sense of knowing that you are fully prepared will also help to relieve some nervous tension.
3. Routine – Don’t break your daily routine for this interview. If you workout every day, do that. If you run every morning, do that. You need to release that nervous energy and you need to make today like any other day. I would make one suggestion that if you tend not to workout, go for a walk a few hours before the interview. Get your body and your mind moving!
4. Breathe – Literally breathe. Before you take the interview, no matter the format, take several deep breaths to calm and center yourself. Make sure that no matter how nervous your get, or how deep in thought you are, take the time to breathe.
5. Answers – You don’t have all the answers. You will not be perfect. The quicker you realize that, the easier you will be on yourself when you stumble. Take your time answering and think out the answer. There are no bonus points that are given for the fastest answer, but you will miss points if you answer incorrectly.
6. Questions – This is arguably one of the most crucial parts of the interview. Prepare at least 3 – 4 good questions for the interviewer for when they inevitably ask “Do you have any questions?”. If you answer with a “No” then I can virtually guarantee you that you will not win the position. A few good examples are: What are some of the goals you have for me in 30, 60, or 90 days? What are my top priorities in the position? My favorite interview question of all time is: Is there anything in my background or experience that gives you cause for concern about my ability to perform in this position? This question puts the interviewer on the spot and forces immediate feedback, which you can counter with your strengths. This question is one of the only reasons I landed my first job in the talent industry.