Answering interview questions is an ART. To feel more comfortable in any interview, always remember you are interviewing the employer as well. Use the interview to find out as much as possible about your fit with the culture of the organization to which you are applying.
Have plenty of questions prepared about the position and organization. Not only will this allow you to assess the fit for yourself, but asking questions will also make you look smart and curious to the employer.
Resist getting into the “win” mode and act as if you’ll get the job at any cost. Just focus on sounding curious, smart and enthusiastic.
It may feel like you want to just get the job search over and done with, but its worth the patience to find the job you really want, as long as your target job is realistic for your skill set and experience. With this mindset, you will feel more confident in interviews as you won’t feel as if you are being sized up or interrogated.
While waiting in the lobby, pick up a book or newspaper, if there is one, even if you aren’t really reading it. You will look much more calm, together and curious to the interviewer, than if you were looking at your notes or resume or staring off into space.
It’s best to use this time to take several deep breaths and calm and focus yourself. Your demeanor is just as important, if not more important, than what you say.
Interview DO’S and DON’T’S:
1. DO project a positive and confident attitude, whether you are feeling confident that day or not.
2. DO arrive 10‐15 minutes early, but no more than 15 minutes early.
3. DON’T leave your mobile phone on, not even on vibrate.
4. DON’T yawn, or look away when the interviewer is talking to you. It may feel awkward to maintain eye contact for the entire conversation, but it doesn’t look awkward. If you have to look away, do it when you are talking, not when the interviewer is talking.
5. DON’T say anything negative about your current boss or job, no matter how you really feel.
6. DO have a list of prepared questions to ask about the company and the position.
7. DO dress to fit the company’s corporate culture. If you are unsure, err on the side of formality.
8. DON’T talk about your personal life, unless you mention a specific hobby or interest that will make you seem more well‐rounded and interesting.
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