A job interview is often one of the most stressful and challenging aspects of the job search. Candidates who prepare themselves by reviewing interview questions, and more importantly, focus on enhancing their interview mindset, set themselves up for success before walking into the door to shake the hand of the hiring manager.
Your interview mindset could be damaging your opportunities for success, explains Kim O'Neill with Careerealism. Candidates at a job interview can derail their job opportunities when they walk into the interview displaying arrogance and an inflated ego as well as those who show insecurity and self-doubt. Ask yourself how you approach interactions with your network and interviewers to prepare for your next interview. Evaluate how you walk into the interview, how you prepare for the meeting, how you perceive the interviewer is judging you and your overall anxiety level. Are you so nervous or frustrated that you sabotage the interview before it even begins?
Determine your confidence level, and evaluate how you can find a happy medium between appearing sure of yourself and not overly aggressive or conceited. Practice interview questions, and ask professionals in your network for feedback on your responses, body language and overall professional nature. Keep your attitude in check, even if you find yourself frustrated or no longer interested in the opportunity during a job interview. You may not have found the ideal fit, but your performance during the interview could lead to stronger network connections or additional job opportunities in the future.
Evaluate how you can change your interview mindset if you uncover problems with your attitude, body language or responses to questions. Energize yourself by engaging in positive self-talk before each job interview. Energy is often contagious, and hiring managers can typically tell right away if you are truly interested in the job or just going through the motions. You may not know much about the position or the opportunity going into the interview, but your enthusiasm often encourages the interviewer to highlight the attractive attributes of the company and the team. Don't underestimate the opportunity before you have all of the information.
Revisit the job description when preparing for a job interview to alter your mindset. Arm yourself with the desired and required qualifications the company is seeking in the ideal candidate, and prepare an elevator pitch that shows how your experience matches what the company needs and wants. Hiring managers are often impressed with candidates who take the time to cater the interview discussions to the specific job duties and qualities the company is seeking.
Spend ample time identifying what you are seeking from your career before the job interview. You can change your interview mindset and fuse it with positivity when you are armed with information that is appealing and beneficial for your future career.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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