The actions that you take during a job interview, or lack thereof, can be extremely influential on the outcome of the job interview and the overall outcome of your job application process. Whatever you decide to do, do not “wing it” while trusting yourself and your natural charm or abilities. This is a very big mistake, to say the least.
Let’s survey the best practices during a job interview. While it is difficult to advise what to do via such an article for every person, every job position, every employer, etc. there are still some common best job interview practices and some ill-advised job interview practices.
#1: It is important to distinct yourself personally and professionally, yet within reason. Simplified, you must show that you know them well, and you know yourself well without coming across as arrogant or condescending.
#2: At the minimum, match your clothing to the position you are applying for, or even better, match it to one position above that you are applying for. It is a skill to not over-dress nor under-dress for a job interview. In all cases, your clothing should be respectable.
#3: Make sure you are at least aware of the message/s sent by your clothing during the job interview. For example – what colors mean or how they are interpreted, wrinkles, tears, stains, patterns, slogans, etc.
#4: Control the amount of skin and body parts that are visible. When in doubt, choose to show less rather than more. You can always adjust later on if and when you get the job.
#5: Remember that counting on your looks is the short-term scheme, yet in the long run, respect is earned based on skills and character. Do not base the success of your job interview to heavily on how you look.
#6: Dress to accommodate both genders; You will most likely be interview by both women and men. Don’t risk guessing or getting it wrong.
#7: Use positive and active language as opposed to passive and negative language. When practicing for your upcoming job interview, practice using different answer versions. Constantly be mindful of your language and how you could improve upon it. Active and positive messages are the signs of a strong and successful person, one that is confident.
#8: Unless otherwise clearly indicate, choose a moderate pace of speaking. Fast and slow-paced speakers come across as negative. Slow speaking may come across as not knowing what to say or lacking confidence, while speaking too fast is dysfunctional, may be misunderstood, and is usually a sign of a person being nervous or trying to hide what they are actually saying.
#9: Use changes to your tone to create interest in what you are saying and attract their attention to certain ideas or words. Especially in a lengthy job interview, changes in your voice help “wake up” the interviewer.
#10: Unless clearly indicated, choose moderate length answers. Feel free to offer to elaborate at the end of your answer. If you are asked to answer briefly or elaborate, comply as much as possible.
#11: Though extremely difficult, be aware of your default facial expressions. 99% of human communications occur via the face making the term “body language” a bit problematic. Practice positive and friendly facial expressions prior to the job interview, then implement them during the job interview as much as possible.
#12: Body language has an effect on the sub-conscious rather than the conscious. It is a powerful tool yet also can act as a double-edge sword. This requires you to be at the top of your performance and be mindful of what you are doing with your body at all times.
#13: Assume they see everything you do, yet not to the extent that you are dysfunctional, anxious, etc.
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#14: Enter the room with confidence and purpose without seeming arrogant or condescending.
#15: Smile as much as possible within the context of the conversation/moment.
#16: Make eye-contact with everyone immediately in order to acknowledge their existence. Continue doing so throughout the entire interview. You must talk to everyone, regardless of who actually asked the question.
#17: Address the job interview as “a conversation amongst colleague” rather than a job interview.
#18: If possible and acceptable, make a physical gesture of trust and kindness (node; handshake; etc.). Estimate the right amount of force for a hand shake.
#19: If your health permits, stand-up straight; sit-up straight.
#20: Respect their private space, and at the same time, show some closeness.
#21: Answer “the question” not just “any question”. Pay attention to what the actual question is, not what you think it was or want it to be.
#22: If possible, give examples that address both genders, relevant ages, and positions.
#23: Be assertive, yet not over-powering.
#24: Be sensitive, yet able to decide.
#25: You may moderately use questions to make a point.
#26: Use your hand to send messages (within limits).
#27: Use objects if possible (within moderation).
Learn what to do and what not to do during your job interview – Visit the article titled “How to Interview – What Not to do During the Job Interview”
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