Jeff gets a lot of interviews. He’s got a great resume and a lot of expertise in a narrow field and over 15 years of experience in some prestigious organizations. Despite his stellar credentials, he hasn’t had one job offer. Still, he’s one of the lucky ones. At least his phone is ringing. But with all these opportunities, why hasn’t one employer made him an offer?
Once the resume does its work, it’s up close and personal. You looked good on that professionally crafted resume and cover letter. No red flags on your Facebook page or LinkedIn profile. Something is turning the thumb from up to down on your job chances. That something may be your interview style.
Here are five tips to improve your interview performance:
- Ask. Did you establish some good rapport at your last interview? If you felt comfortable with the interviewer and her with you, she may be willing to share some insight about your interview style. I once had an interview for a great marketing job at Marriott. It was a move to a new area, but I had the necessary experience, five years with the company and a brand new B.A. degree. When I didn’t get the job, I called the manager and asked what I could have done differently. She said that I was a great candidate, but I didn’t seem to have a lot of energy. The truth was, I was sick but went to the interview anyway. By then it didn’t matter. They had chosen someone else. Lesson learned-- reschedule an interview if you’re under the weather.
- Have a friend assess your wardrobe and appearance. It’s hard to see ourselves objectively. Without a job, it’s tough to spend money on new clothes just for an interview, but consider it an investment with a potential high return. Get a professional haircut, manicure, pedicure—guys, too. Knowing you look your best comes through as confidence.
- Get in shape. As cruel and unfair as it may seem, society is on a health and fitness kick. Employers want skilled employees but also those whom will positively represent the company. Employers may fear overweight, out-of-shape individuals will have more health problems, higher insurance costs and take more days off from work. Getting in shape is a great confidence booster, gives you a healthy glow and increases energy and a positive attitude.
- Be a film star. Set up a video camera and answer some interview questions. Play it back for some eye-opening evidence of how you look to others. Ask a friend to role play an interview and then ask for feedback. A good friend will be honest. Do you pepper every sentence with “like” or “great” or “awesome,” or hesitate using “ah” and “um” constantly? Do you slouch, lick your lips, twirl your hair? Are you always looking down instead of making good eye contact? These unconscious habits can be enough to take you off the short list.
- An interview is no joke. Be yourself, but trying to be funny, a know-it-all, or mistaking the need to be “right” for self-confidence can confuse or insult an interviewer. You don’t have to tell an interviewer everything about yourself or tell him how you would fix all the department’s problems in 27 easy steps. Don’t waste the time telling jokes or rambling about things unrelated to the job. Stay away from personal information that makes people uncomfortable. Don’t misinterpret friendliness with friendship. Remain professional and courteous.
Share your interview practice techniques in the Comments section below.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for communicationsjobs.net. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at communicationsjobsblog.com and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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