So, you’ve got an interview call. The employer liked your professionally written cover letter and resume. They also liked your voice on the phone. Quite clearly, you’re one of the candidates that they consider qualified and experienced enough for an interview.
Mind you. You’re just one of the candidates who will be called in for an interview. So, making an excellent impression is vital. For this, preparation is everything.
Pre-Interview Nerves – It’s Only Normal
Understanding the gravity of this situation would make any job applicant feel nervous. What should I wear? Is it OK to take time before I respond to questions? How long is too long? What if they ask any tough questions? Should I be direct? Alternatively, should I be as diplomatic as possible? What if there’s too much traffic? Should I leave an hour earlier? Questions we’ve all asked ourselves.
Relax. We’ve all been there. Dealing with pre-interview nerves, I mean.
So, it’s better to channel your nervous energy from this state of pre-interview nerves for constructive purposes. Do your homework on the organisation and the most commonly asked questions. You can be sure that they’re doing no different. Yes, they are evaluating whether you make a good fit for the organisation or not.
Answering Job Interview Questions – 3 Tips to Consider
So, it’s the day of the interview. Two outcomes are certain: you either nail the interview or have to continue the job search again. Which seems better? The former. Which adds all that more pressure. Especially if you’ve been out of work for a while. As you make your way to the interview location at the time specified.
Honestly, relax.
As simple as this tip is, it’s the only way you can answer both the easy and tough job interview questions that will come your way during the interview. Remember: you’re worth their time or they wouldn’t call you in.
Apart from staying relaxed and focused, here are three other tips to consider when answering job interview questions:
1: Make eye contact with a confident tone of voice
The point of a face-to-face interview means building a connection with another human. The body language and tone of voice can either work to the benefit or detriment of the applicant. If you don’t make eye contact, you’ll seem uninterested. If you don’t break off eye contact from time to time, this will look like you’re staring. That said, speaking confidently involves not raising your voice or using filler words but pacing and articulating your thoughts so that the listener understands you clearly.
2: Sell yourself but keep it short
Taking an interview is the perfect opportunity to sell yourself in person. Up until that point, your cover letter and resume will do that for you. State your qualifications and also point out essential achievements and experience when asked to do so. Use the time to respond wisely and keep your answers as concise as possible. Don’t drone on and on about your achievements as it might make you look like a brag.
3: Responding to tough questions
Given how competitive the market is, expect interviewers to grill you. Especially if your resume seems too good to be true or you’ve answered all interview questions to their satisfaction. Whether it’s about your personality, your previous work or even hypothetical questions that seem tricky to answer. Even if you feel as if you are under the gun, make sure you do not lose your cool. Ask for time to respond to the question appropriately. Ask them to repeat the question as a way to buy a little time. However, ensure that whatever answer you give, it should have a positive tone to it.
