As management students, there is a 90% chance or more, that we will be interviewed in the future or already have been.
Whether it is for part-time summer work, full time work or volunteer
internships, an interview is tool that removes the barrier between you
and the organization. I have been in a few interviews myself and have
adopted a few personal strategies.
1. Setting the mood.
Most interviewers that I've come in contact with, have fallen under one
of three categories: the nice interviewer, the neutral interviewer or
the tough interviewer. Sometimes it is not wise, especially for
minimally experienced students like myself, to rely on chance when going
through an interview. I found it much wiser to set the mood as early as
possible with either a friendly smile, a light & humorous comment
or verbally express how excited you are to have gotten the interview in
the first place. Often enough, these initial behaviors may, at the least, make the interviewer smile, which in turn could change his or her
mood for the better as the interview proceeds (tough to neutral, neutral to nice). However, this has not always adjusted the interviewers mood, but regardless, it allowed me continue answering questions feeling optimistic and enthusiastic.
2. You don't have to feel confident. You should, however, look and sound confident.
Showing signs of doubt or extreme nervousness can sometimes make the
interviewer assume that you do not believe in your own skills. If you do
not look like you believe in yourself, it is not likely the interviewer
will. One of the first interviews I have ever had definitely proved
this point for me. I had applied for a very dynamic position when I was
in the eleventh grade and somehow earned an interview even though I knew
I didn't demonstrate half the qualifications and skills listed in the
position's description. In short, it was the shortest interview I have
ever been in (she ended it early) but it felt like the longest. I've learned that the best way to look confident is by maintaining a fair amount of eye-contact and smiling whenever it's appropriate. To sound confident, do not mumble or shout. I found it useful to practice mock interviews at home or with a friend to find the appropriate tone and volume that projects confidence.
3. Coming prepared.
I found it extremely beneficial to know about where I'm applying to.
That might sound like a silly thing to say. "Of course I know that Kraft
Canada is a food company, what else is there to know?" Knowing their
corporate goals, their mission and/or where they see themselves in the future could be useful. What projects are they currently working for? What NGO's are
they supporting? You should also try to know who is interviewing you. Sometimes you'll even be able to research what they enjoy or their
recent accomplishments. Going above and beyond in learning about the
organization, will show. If the interviewer asks a question about their
company, rather than a generic answer, the response will be sharp and
intelligent.
4. Thinking before I answer.
I realized, from past experiences, that I was not necessarily thinking
my responses through. I would sit at home and practice answering typical
questions and think "Wow, that would be such an impressive answer" but
when it comes to the interview, I wouldn't be able to regurgitate all
the details I had conjured up at home when I wasn't under pressure. I
learned that rather than rushing to answer, taking a 5 to 10 second
pause or even repeating the question back to the interviewer, allowed me to be more genuine
with my answer and adopt the STAR method, as I had time to think.
Learn more about interviews, and other useful information here. Or watch the video below for some... inspiration.
Cornell Jones
