How I survive interviews!

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