I’ve done a lot of interview coaching over the last 22 years. If I were to grade my clients’ beginning interview skills, most people would have a starting grade somewhere below average. This is by no fault of their own. It is common to not do well on things that are not practiced.
Working with my clients, I can raise the interview grade from a ‘C’ to an ‘A’ by practicing these basic principals before, during and after the interview.
Pre-interview, you must focus on tactics that will brand you in the most positive way. The goal is to have those who interviewed you to say these three things about you:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Is results oriented
- Aligns well with the position
Creating this perception starts with preparation. Begin by understanding the five top critical elements of the opportunity so that you are able to address them with current experience and success. Also, develop an effective two-minute presentation which includes humanization, elevator, and your differentiation/value statement.
[ Click here to learn how to develop your 2-minute presentation.]
As you enter the interview, introduce yourself with confidence. Confidence, not arrogance, can set a positive perception from the beginning. As you engage in the interview, pay close attention to the person speaking and begin to mirror to match tempo, breathing, rate-of-speech, directness, etc. This makes each one comfortable with each other and sets the correct filter. Also, know exactly the statement you will make or the open-ended question you’ll ask. By demonstrating your interpersonal skills, you give yourself the greatest opportunity to connect with and engage your audience.
When the interviewer engages with you, take your time to understand what is being said before you respond. Generally, people are so caught up in the world of listening to respond that we miss a vital part of the question. Answer questions concisely, close information gaps and enhance the answer when it adds value to the original thought. Always tell the truth but word it in a win-win presentation. This will provide consistency throughout the interview and keep you in a positive position.
Post interview, review how you did with the goal of improving for the next one. In order to lock in your follow up you need to ask yourself these following questions.
- Did the interview go well? If so, specifically why?
- What could I have done better?
- What did they focus on?
- What did I learn about them on a personal level?
- What value did I bring to the interview?
- What and when is my next step?
Imagine what would happen if you took the time to practice and prepare a well-executed interview. It could be a significant way to separate yourself from the crowd in a very competitive market!
If you would like more in-depth coaching to help you make the most out of your next interview, do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Here’s to your success!
Jim
