The Art of interviewing...

4 quick tips for a better interview:

Interviewing is an art form that very few have mastered. It’s something that needs to practiced weekly if not on a daily basis when you’re feverously looking for a job. The art of interviewing starts with basic principles.

The success of your interview will mostly depend on your capacity to uncover and identify needs and to try and feel empathy for the interviewer. You can accomplish this by asking questions that, without being opinionated or editorial, confirm that you comprehend what the interviewer has just said. You'll be in a better position to freely exchange ideas and prove your suitability for the job if you create empathy in this way. {(em·pa·thy/ˈempəTHē/noun

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.)}

Below I’ll share my 4 most important pieces of advice in regards to acing your next interview.

1. Enthusiasm:

Let me add this disclaimer: Don’t be overly enthusiastic. If you’re over eager and pushy it will turn your interview completely off. But make it clear how interested you are in the position. Even though you might not think it's important, in a two-way tie, employers frequently do prefer the applicant who is more passionate. Additionally, it's better to leave your choices open. After all, wouldn't you rather be in a position to decline an offer than have a career opportunity slip through your fingers because of a sluggish interview?

2. Mirroring your Interviewer:

Mirroring can be a crucial component of building a relationship and a connection to your interviewer when done intentionally. Using this method is a powerful way to establish rapport (or to make someone feel more at ease when they are reluctant). When mirroring, you first take note of how someone else is holding themselves before discreetly mirroring that stance with your own body. If he or she has crossed arms, slowly start to do the same. You adopt the same posture if he or she reclines. As an executive coach, I have even mimicked my clients' breathing patterns by taking inhalations and exhalations at the same time. Also mirroring their speech patterns is also a crucial component!! If your interviewer is a fast talker, then you become a fast talker. If they’re slower in their delivery, then you become slower in your delivery. This all helps you to establish FIT. Because 95% of all hiring decisions are based on fit. Not your skills or experience………

3. Apply Active Listening Skills:

In your interview, consider the practice of active listening. Your ability to actively listen will help you succeed in your profession as well as set you apart from other job candidates.

Active listening means being a full participant in your interactions with another person and using verbal and non-verbal cues to both take in and convey information

When you are actively listening, you are entirely present in the moment. You aren't checking your phone or email for notifications, wondering if you put enough money in the meter, or second-guessing your footwear selection.

whenever you have the chance, ask follow-up questions with a broad scope. When your interview begins to resemble a conversation, you've used active listening effectively. If either the interviewer or the interviewee appears to be rushing through the questions or giving answers that don't pique your interest for more information, this is a telltale sign of disengagement.

4. Be Sure to Sell Yourself:

Since interviewing also involves the exchange of tangible information, make sure to:

§ Present your background in a thorough and accurate manner;

§ Gather data concerning the company, the industry, the position, and the specific opportunity;

§ Link your abilities with the company needs in the mind of the employer; and

§ Build a strong case for why the company should hire you, based on the discoveries you make from building rapport and asking the right questions

At the conclusion of your interview, you can wrap up any unfinished business you failed to cover so far, and begin to explore the future of your candidacy. During your interview wrap-up, it’s a good practice to ask a closing question to get immediate feedback on the possibilities of you landing this job. So be sure to ask:

{{ “Is there anything about my background or experience that may give you pause or cause for concern as to why I may not be a good fit for this position?”}} BOOM! You’ll get immediate and honest feedback and you should know if you have a snowballs chance in hell at landing that job. Also make the interviewer aware of other opportunities you’re exploring, as long as they’re genuine, and their timing has some bearing on your own decision making

And remember to maintain a positive attitude. In today’s job market, you’d be surprised how often victory is snatched from the jaws of the mentally defeated.

The better your interviewing skills, the greater your chances of getting the job.

HAPPY HUNTING!