Communicate Effectively in a Job InterviewBy Adam Dachis / Source: LifeHacker
Job interviews are a lot like first dates, in the sense that you're trying to convince another person, whom you don't know, to like you.
The key difference is that on a date you're both meeting on equal ground. When you go into a job interview, however, the interviewer has most of the power and you have, essentially, none at all.
This creates an environment where you're going to likely be considerably more uncomfortable than the interviewer.
You'll display negative body language as a result, and that's not good. When interviewing for a job, you want to override any non-verbal communication that makes you seem closed off.
A charismatic beginning can make all the difference, as
first impressions are hugely important in hiring decisions.
A smile, pleasant handshake, warm greeting, and the previously mentioned positive body language will set the stage for a comfortable interview.
You don't know what sort of (potentially negative) expectations your interviewer is bringing to the table, so it's never a bad thing to override them by demonstrating you're a pleasant and charismatic individual.
Offering up the previously discussed positive body language is easier said than done when you're uncomfortable, so the best thing you can do to override that discomfort is to
feel prepared. (A lack of preparation is the main reason you suck in an interview, after all.) Even if you begin to feel unprepared later on, walking into the room with confidence will at least help you make that important first impression.
To prepare,
research the company. Remember a few useful "sound bites" to use and fall back on if you're struggling.
Know
what differentiates you and makes you special and remind yourself right before you walk into the room. Preparation breeds confidence, and it'll be easier to display positive body language when you're feeling good about yourself.
While natural comfort is going to be your most valuable tool, there are a few tricks that can help you out.
Assuming American cultural standards,
eye contact is more important in a job interview than most other situations. If you have trouble meeting someone's eyes,
just look at their mouth.
You'll also want to avoid blocking your own eyes in any way, as doing so can convey discomfort (among other negative feelings).
Just like on a date,
leaning slightly forward is a positive cue for your interviewer. It also helps to
appear to be a good listener, as you'll be talking most of the time.
When you ask your own questions, or your interviewer has something to tell you, eye contact is especially important.
You can also convey that you're in a "listening mode" by
occasionally placing part of your hand over your mouth. This helps indicate to others that you're not going to talk and therefore paying attention.
All of this said, every interviewer is going to understand that you'll be a little nervous. It's natural and no reasonable person should or would expect anybody to walk in with no tension whatsoever.
If you're a little bit tense, don't worry about it. That much is expected. In fact, too much comfort might convey to some that you're overconfident and not taking the interview seriously.
In the end, your fate rests in the hands of another human being so there's only so much you can do. They may not like your shoes or prefer to hire someone younger or older.
You never know what you're going to run into, but you can at least try to tip the scales in your favor with the help of some positive body language.
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