If there’s one thing that most people in the workforce can agree on, it’s that job interviews are hard. The stress involved in the entire process can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely that the classic form of job interviews will go away anytime soon. Therefore, mastering these meetings is critical during job hunting. This isn’t merely referring to your preparation beforehand. In fact, your mindset during the interview is arguably more important than anything else. So, for those looking to improve in this area, here are three critical things to remember during a job interview.
1. You’re Selling Yourself
Similar to a company promoting its product, you’re selling yourself during a job interview. The employer should leave the meeting with an understanding of how right your are for the company. Therefore, it’s wise to present yourself like any sales team would. First, make yourself look comfortable in the given environment. No one wants a product that isn’t suited for a buyer’s habitat. Are you going to be nervous? Almost certainly. But there’s a difference between basic nerves and an inexperience with a certain culture. A large part of this concerns clothing. No matter what the interview calls for, from a suit to manual labor workwear, try to appear at home in the apparel. You should also avoid fidgeting in general. Next, focus on how you can benefit the company. If you’re asked about your previous experience or training, provide an answer that highlights how that experience relates to the employer’s business. You should also try to avoid looking self-congratulatory while giving these answers. This gives the sense that you’re uninterested in the recruiter’s business. Instead, stay professional and make it about the company. Doing so gives the impression that you truly want to be of use.
2. The Interview Is a Conversation
Unless you’re engaging in a particularly odd job interview, there’ll probably be some back-and-forth discussion taking place. While you shouldn’t be too familiar with your potential employer, especially if the job is in a particularly professional setting, it’s vital to keep in mind that you’re having a conversation. Any successful conversation contains a few key elements – listening, thoughtful responses and engagement. Listening is first on this list because it’s vital to practice throughout the interview. In an obvious sense, keeping an open ear ensures that you’ll never be caught off guard. However, it’s also important to listen so that you can hold an effective discussion. Showing the recruiter that you can take in information and use it to further a thought is important. Speaking of which, you should also be giving thoughtful responses. Don’t blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. Take the time to analyze what’s been said and to conduct an appropriate reply. Lastly, engage in the conversation. It shows little initiative when you only speak up after a question has been asked. While you should never interrupt the recruiter, try to add your own opinions into the discussion. This shows that you’re legitimately interested in the job and the company, which is often an important factor for businesses.
3. This Isn’t About Your Worth
One thing to always keep in mind is that job interviews aren’t about your worth. If an employer doesn’t seem impressed, that has nothing to do with you as a human being. A job interview’s main goal is to find a candidate that works with the company’s culture and criteria. You could be an expert in your field and still get turned down. By keeping this in your thoughts, you can minimize the amount of unsettling behaviors you may portray. You don’t want to come off as needy or exceedingly nervous. This gives the impression that you’re unprepared for the stresses of the workforce. Anytime you feel yourself beginning to ramble out of fear, remember that you’re not being judged as a person. If you are, you’ll probably be better off avoiding that company anyways. This knowledge is also essential for maintaining mental health. You may end up having a streak of unsuccessful interviews, which can be extremely disheartening. Unfortunately, this could escalate into mental health problems such as depression. Among numerous other negative effects, mental health issues can greatly undermine your performances during interviews. This could land you in a toxic cycle. This is why it’s so important to remember how little a job interview reflects on your worth. If you are struggling with mental health problems, consider seeking out treatment as soon as possible.
Job interviews are rarely enjoyable or easy to get through. However, completing one is usually necessary in order to secure a position. So, instead of diving into one and hoping it goes well, try keeping these three things in mind. While remembering each one won’t guarantee that you get every position available, it can help you to secure one you’re right for.
