3 Things You Don’t Do In Interviews (But Should)

You’ve done all the research, completed the homework assignment and are intellectually prepared for your interview.

 

_{Updated September 2019}

 

But what missteps you should avoid IN the interview?

 

I’m not talking about avoiding those troublesome antics like leaving the cell phone on or chewing gum.

 

I’m talking about 3 clear actions you should take in every interview – where you want the job you’re interviewing for.

 

Most people neglect these strategies. So here’s your chance to grab a competitive advantage, and get considered most qualified, for the job you really want.

 

1. Say you want the job.

 

I had a new grad client who told me recently that he was uncomfortable asking for the job. To those of you who are I say: If you don’t, someone else will. Advantage: them.

 

Here’s why. When I was a manager my team and I would huddle after panel or round-robin interviews. The first to go on the list would be anyone who didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about the job.

 

At the end of the day, managers want to hire people who want to work for them.

 

I wonder how many great talents we let walk out of the office that could have done a great job. Except they didn’t tell us they wanted to.

 

If you are uncomfortable saying this, then you need to practice before you go in. And of course, only say it if you really WANT the job. Typically you’ll be asked if you have questions, this is a good point to bring up in summary.

 

I want you to know that, without question, I want this job. What other information can I provide, or questions can I answer, to convince you I’m the right candidate?

 

Once you leave that room, you can say it in a thank you note or a phone call. But don’t leave the power of saying it “face-to-face” on the table.

 

2. Speak in terms of your value. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

 

The ONLY reason someone will hire you is they believe you have the ability to help them solve their business problems.

 

At an interview, the employer has the problem, and you are there to demonstrate you can solve it. Everything you say and do should convey that same message. Convey it in as many ways as you can.

 

• I can do it, here’s how I will.
• Here’s evidence I did for someone else.
• My proven skills are xyz, and here’s how they match up to your needs.
• I’m likeable and will be a good fit in the organization, here I am demonstrating that in the interview.

 

Repetitio mater studiorum est.

 

It’s a Latin phrase meaning, “Repetition is the mother of all learning.”

 

There’s not just one question about how you’ll provide value. The entire interview is a process in which others learn about YOU and what you are going to do for them. Help THEM learn! Repeat, repeat, repeat.

 

Whether you are convincing them of your likeability, demonstrating your fit in the organization, or presenting a 30-60-90 day start-up plan, your overarching, consistent and repeatable message is about the value you bring.

 

 

3. Convey a confident presence.

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When you have presence and confidence, people sense it.

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In an interview, the manager wants to know you are confident (NOT arrogant). No one wants to hire someone who doesn’t seem very sure of him or herself.

 

But it’s hard for new grads – and even many experienced professionals – to understand the power of personal presence. You may not have had a lot of experience with it.

 

In a recent Forbes article the author describes executive presence as “your ability to inspire confidence — inspiring confidence in your subordinates that you’re the leader they want to follow, inspiring confidence among peers that you’re capable and reliable and, most importantly, inspiring confidence among senior leaders that you have the potential for great achievements.”

 

Career success begins with building a sense of confidence and comfort in your own skin. Practice looking up and out, to see how you fit into the picture and inspire others.

 

Be who you are. Be confident in who you are. But also be a part of the system in the room.

 

The interview is not just a hiring manager evaluating you. It’s about you determining if these are partners you want to make a professional commitment to. Get in the game, take a role in the discussion, and center it in the presence you bring with you.

 

Here’s an idea for practicing your presence element. See Amy Cuddy’s video on Power Poses (controversy ensued, but you can read about it as well). See how they make a difference for you!

 

In your next interview, take a deep breath, and own it. Having a solid approach to interviews, preparation, and confidence building, is a solid Job Search Strategy.

 

 

• This post was previously published and was updated in September 2019.

 

Image: https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/