How to be a Good Interviewee

        Job-hunting in the business world can be a tedious task. But with the internet, finding jobs that match your qualifications and sending in your application to different companies has become a more straightforward and accessible process than ever before. But after those initial steps comes the infamous job interview. What happens when two equally qualified and capable candidates apply for the same position? Most jobs require an interview regardless of competitiveness. When you are entering the business world in particular– where soft skills are just as crucial as hard skills– your interview may be what pushes you ahead of your competitors, or what makes you fall behind. Let’s learn about exactly what you need to do in an interview to become a competitive candidate for any position.

To get in the interview room in the first place, you have likely already proved yourself qualified for the job on paper. The in-person interview is where you can truly shine through and show off not just your skills, but also your personality.

Interview Tip 1: Make it a conversation

It’s more than likely that you are one of many faces that your interviewer will see that day. Don’t enter the room with nervous energy, enter with confidence and be self-assured. Make your interview a conversation— don’t just use one word answers. Make small talk at the start, and like in any normal conversation, follow the natural direction of the conversation.

Interview Tip 2: Be curious

As you follow the line of the conversation, get to know your interviewer in a natural way. Show them that you are interested in getting to know them as a potential future colleague and that you are curious to know more about the company and its values as a whole.

Interview Tip 3: Be prepared

Do your research about the company. Come with questions and comments that show that you know what you are talking about when it comes to the position and company. This shows your competency as a potential employee and may give your interviewer the impression that you already fit in with the community environment of the organization.

Interview Tip 4: Speak to your strengths

Before you even enter the interview room, refresh your memory on what makes you such a great candidate. Be ready to recall your hard skills that correlate with the job you’re applying for, and be sure to state them confidently when asked. Demonstrate your soft skills as well, showing that in addition to being a great employee, you can also be a great team member.

And finally, last but not least:

Interview Tip 5: Be yourself!

Job interviews can feel like high anxiety situations. The best thing you can do is calm your nerves before you enter the room, and approach it as the most genuine (and professional!) version of yourself. When you release your inhibitions and allow yourself to be a human being connecting with another human being, that interaction becomes so much more than a corporate interview.

Be sure to implement these strategies at your next job interview. Do your research, don’t be afraid to speak highly of yourself, and do it all in a way that is true to who you are.

by Gabrielle Gittens