Mastering the Art of Interviews: Essential Tips for Success

Why Care About Interview Success?

Most people are not neccessarily familiar with the hiring process and in the interest of saving time, I will simply explain the very basics. Most jobs, especially for larger companies or professional settings, they will have a tiered system. The very first step is getting the resume through the Applicant Tracking System (“ATS”). This is usually some software system the company has developed or enlisted to screen resumes to search for key words that are closely related to the available position. Generally speaking, and this varies across industries, but more than half of all resumes submitted will be screened out by an ATS.

For those resumes that make it past the ATS, the rest will be scrutinized and screened by human review, which could be done by a recruiter, human resources department or some other related group. In all, just about 85-90% of all submitted resumes will get rejected and approximately 10-15% will actually be invited for an interview.

For those statistics alone it is imperative, in the event you are invited for an interview, that you are well equipped and rehearsed to leave a lasting positive impression.

Do your Research !

If you are applying to a role or company that matters to you, then it would be in your absolute best interest to perform your due diligence. This means having to research who they are, how they began, who is on the team, what do they stand for, and how can you complement the current regime with your unique set of skills and personality?

If the company shares exactly who you will be interviewing with, this is your opportunity to not only get a chance to get to learn about where they started, how they landed here, and also what relevant questions you would like to ask them at the end of your interview if given an opportunity to do so.

This will underline to the company that you took this seriously and gave this role much thought, care, and due diligence that will hopefully transition to your role if hired. What you want to do is avoid stereotypical questions about the company so that you can tailor bespoke questions that highlight your appreciation for the company and how you fit in with the bigger picture… I will address questions below.

Dress Appropriately

For as common as this topic appears to be, it needs to be address regardless. Unfortunately, every job is different, just as much as every industry has varying expectations of their employees and how they will be allowed to dress for work, regardless of the role or company, your attire will speak for you. This is a quick and easy way to garner points and praise in your favor before even having to speak or answer questions so take this seriously. A study conducted by Princeton University illustrated how people judge others based solely on what they wear.

Clothing should be appropriate, this does not mean a suite and tie, but you should wear clean and unwrinkled clothing that is not too loose or too tight. The clothing should also not be too distracting or else you run the risk of leaving a negative impression before even addressing your skills, experience or expertise.

Be Ready to Address Your Accomplishments

When speaking about your previous achievements, you should also keep in mind how you could use them as a way to fit in or complement the role/position you are applying for. Regardless of what roles you held in the past, you absolutely have developed skills that could help you succeed in your new role and that should be the focus of your responses when addressing them. Whether you worked in retail, hospitality, construction, etc. You were able to learn soft skills such as collaborating as a team, effective time management or efficient communication skills that will help you succeed and contribute to your new role.

Use specific examples with appropriate details so the interviewer recognizes your reflection and growth through previous experiences. This is not, however, an opportunity to boast or over exaggerate. Do not shame or dismiss your colleagues, especially if you worked as a team. Interviewers will be able to see right through the exaggerations and eagerness to impress. Maintain the focus of your response to what you learned. Humility will get you far.

Be Mindful of Body Language

Your body language is equally as important as your verbal responses during interview. A Harvard study discusses in greater detail just how non-verbal cues and communications can help build rapport and trust without even having to say anything. Try to make eye contact with the interviewer and periodically shift your gaze from one eye to the next and also breaking eye contact at certain intervals to alleviate any intensity.

Keep a positive and upright posture as leaning back or sinking into the chair could be perceived as disinterested and eventually the interviewer will also lose interest. Using your hands to help explain things is also fine, but do not over exaggerate hand gestures. They should be kept around your abdomen in subtle movements that would not distract the interviewer from what you are expressing. Likewise your feet should not be crossed as this could also potentially create distance between you and the interviewer or indicate that you do not feel comfortable and are attempting to shield yourself. Try to mirror the poses of your interviewer, which will subconsciously help them feel more comfortable with you without you having to say anything.

Even if you do feel uncomfortable, you just want to fake it until the end of the interview. At least exhibting the correct body language will communicate confidence to the interviewer and also make you feel more confident once you see that they feel comfortable and relaxed with you.

This is something else that can be practiced even around family or friends without even asking and then you will notice how they respond.

Ask Relevant Questions !

Rehearse

Consider rehearsing your responses and holding mock interviews either with colleagues, professionals, family members, teachers or anyone willing to lend a hand. As for the feedback, take every criticism with a grain of salt, be mindful of the experience that person has and whether it is truly relevant. Not everyone has great feedback, but want to contribute. The important thing is for you to practice interviewing in a mock setting that will help you feel more relaxed and confident during your interview. The more relaxed and confident you feel, the less likely you are to make mistakes and remain in control of your thoughts and recall your experiences in an organized and coherent fashion.