8 answers
Anonymous Moose
Student
Berkeley, California
1
Question
Updated
1193 views
How do I pass an interview?
I've done multiple interviews, I'm on a rejection streak, and I am in the dumps because of it. It seems to me like my resume and application is good enough to be offered an interview but when it comes to the interview, I choke up. I know everyone says to just be yourself, but i don't know how to do that. I'm not putting up a facade for these interviews, I think the problem is I don't know how to sPeAk and improv on the spot. I go to the interview practiced and prepared but it ends in agony and I don't know how to fix that. HELP.
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8 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Here are five things you can do before and during your next job interview to improve your comfort level—so you can focus on showing everyone that you’re a great fit for the job.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
It goes without saying that you should find out everything you can about your potential place of employment ahead of time. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and the company’s website and blog all provide you with information that will help you go to a job interview confident and prepared. But this research isn’t about memorizing facts and figures—it’s about getting information that you can use to your advantage. For example, by visiting the company Facebook page, you should get a feel for the culture and overall vibe of the place. Are there photos of the employees. Great—you can decide whether to dress extra professional or don business casual to the interview. Twitter can also be an excellent resource because you can see what the company and its employees are talking about. Are they tweeting up a storm about an event or product launch. Use it as a conversation starter.
KNOW WHO YOUR TALKING TO
Before you go, try to find out who you’ll be meeting with, whether it’s an HR representative, your would-be boss, So... now your interview answers and conversation topics should vary based on the person you are speaking with, and by knowing who you'll be talking to, you can spend time thinking through how you might connect with each of these people. For example, if you’ll be talking to an executive, he or she will likely be focused on the big picture. So, rather than sharing the minutia of your responsibilities in your last role, talk about a few big results you can point to. On the other hand, if you’re interviewing with your immediate supervisor, you’ll want to demonstrate exactly why you’re the best person to tackle the day-to-day responsibilities of the position.
BE YOUR SELF
Remember... YOU were selected for this interview based on your skills and accomplishments. The interviewers know you have what it takes to do the job, so now’s your chance to inject some personality into what’s written on that resume and cover letter. If someone asks about your hobbies outside of work, it’s totally OK to open up and share what really makes you tick. (Do keep it semi-professional, though: Saying you like to have a few beers at the local hot spot on Saturday night is fine. Telling them that Monday is usually a rough day for you because you’re always hungover is not.)
DON'T SAVE QUESTIONS FOR THE END
Naturally, you’ll probably go into the interview with a few questions (because you did so much research ahead of time). But, contrary to what you might have heard, don't compile said questions into a list and save them all for the end. Remember, during the interview you should be engaged in discussion. So, weave your questions in naturally, as the topics come up. (e.g., “I’ve supervised up to five people at a time. How many direct reports does this position have?”) You may also find that many your questions will be answered before you can even ask them.
SHOW THEM YOU FIT IN
While no one’s ever been denied a job because they said no when offered a beverage—take one. I’m serious. Remember, your goal is to be relaxed and comfortable so you can show the best you. And think about it: You’re going to be talking. A lot. Which means you are going to regret saying, “No thanks, I’m fine” to a beverage 45 minutes into the interview after you’ve been talking for 29 of them. But what’s more, saying “Yes, I’d love one, thank you,” is the natural thing to do. When you visit a family member or friends house, you have no problem accepting a refreshing glass of water or a coke. And doing the same with the interviewers will show them that you’re comfortable enough to spend 40+hours a week with them. (And, hey, free drink! You might not get the job, but you got a Coke, so it’s not a total loss.)
Interviews are a big deal, and landing that new career can be a game-changer, but it’s important to remember that you’ve already accomplished something: You landed the interview. So, relax a little bit. As long as you’ve done your research and you let your personality shine through, you’ll be prepared to ace the interview.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
It goes without saying that you should find out everything you can about your potential place of employment ahead of time. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and the company’s website and blog all provide you with information that will help you go to a job interview confident and prepared. But this research isn’t about memorizing facts and figures—it’s about getting information that you can use to your advantage. For example, by visiting the company Facebook page, you should get a feel for the culture and overall vibe of the place. Are there photos of the employees. Great—you can decide whether to dress extra professional or don business casual to the interview. Twitter can also be an excellent resource because you can see what the company and its employees are talking about. Are they tweeting up a storm about an event or product launch. Use it as a conversation starter.
KNOW WHO YOUR TALKING TO
Before you go, try to find out who you’ll be meeting with, whether it’s an HR representative, your would-be boss, So... now your interview answers and conversation topics should vary based on the person you are speaking with, and by knowing who you'll be talking to, you can spend time thinking through how you might connect with each of these people. For example, if you’ll be talking to an executive, he or she will likely be focused on the big picture. So, rather than sharing the minutia of your responsibilities in your last role, talk about a few big results you can point to. On the other hand, if you’re interviewing with your immediate supervisor, you’ll want to demonstrate exactly why you’re the best person to tackle the day-to-day responsibilities of the position.
BE YOUR SELF
Remember... YOU were selected for this interview based on your skills and accomplishments. The interviewers know you have what it takes to do the job, so now’s your chance to inject some personality into what’s written on that resume and cover letter. If someone asks about your hobbies outside of work, it’s totally OK to open up and share what really makes you tick. (Do keep it semi-professional, though: Saying you like to have a few beers at the local hot spot on Saturday night is fine. Telling them that Monday is usually a rough day for you because you’re always hungover is not.)
DON'T SAVE QUESTIONS FOR THE END
Naturally, you’ll probably go into the interview with a few questions (because you did so much research ahead of time). But, contrary to what you might have heard, don't compile said questions into a list and save them all for the end. Remember, during the interview you should be engaged in discussion. So, weave your questions in naturally, as the topics come up. (e.g., “I’ve supervised up to five people at a time. How many direct reports does this position have?”) You may also find that many your questions will be answered before you can even ask them.
SHOW THEM YOU FIT IN
While no one’s ever been denied a job because they said no when offered a beverage—take one. I’m serious. Remember, your goal is to be relaxed and comfortable so you can show the best you. And think about it: You’re going to be talking. A lot. Which means you are going to regret saying, “No thanks, I’m fine” to a beverage 45 minutes into the interview after you’ve been talking for 29 of them. But what’s more, saying “Yes, I’d love one, thank you,” is the natural thing to do. When you visit a family member or friends house, you have no problem accepting a refreshing glass of water or a coke. And doing the same with the interviewers will show them that you’re comfortable enough to spend 40+hours a week with them. (And, hey, free drink! You might not get the job, but you got a Coke, so it’s not a total loss.)
Interviews are a big deal, and landing that new career can be a game-changer, but it’s important to remember that you’ve already accomplished something: You landed the interview. So, relax a little bit. As long as you’ve done your research and you let your personality shine through, you’ll be prepared to ace the interview.
Thank You Michael. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others.
Doc Frick
Michael Carlisle
Software Engineering Manager
1
Answer
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I suggest practicing with someone in an unfamiliar setting. There are many techniques you can use, but the STAR method often provides the best results.
The way you frame your question suggests that you might already be feeling defeated. Changing that mindset isn't easy, but it's possible! Let's begin with a behavioral interview. Interviewers usually look for someone they would want to work with. Red flags typically include handling conflicts poorly, displaying a bad attitude during the interview, blaming others, not being a team player, and either not knowing when to ask for help or asking for help too frequently. Have examples ready for each of these situations. Practice with someone and get their feedback. The "weakness" question (what is your greatest weakness, what is one of your weaknesses) is to show that you are working to overcome that weakness. There are a lot of examples online of how to answer this type of question, and I would recommend answering with a weakness that is tangentially related to what you are interviewing for and have examples or provide some sort of reassurance that you are working to improve in said area.
For a technical or skills-based interview, it's crucial to thoroughly study and understand the basics. These foundational questions are almost always asked and set the tone for the rest of the interview. Gather questions from online resources and friends who are interviewing for similar positions, and practice extensively.
Before the interview, remind yourself that you deserve to be there. Use breathing techniques, meditation, or any other methods that help you feel at ease. Avoid memorizing exact answers. Instead, practice explaining concepts using analogies and articulating the basics in your own words. Interviewers are looking for competence in the skills required for the position. Make sure you've read the job description and the requirements/qualifications so you can discuss them intelligently.
It's completely normal to be nervous during an interview. Take deep breaths and reassure yourself that you deserve this opportunity. Practice is key—the more comfortable you are with answering questions in a mock setting, the more confident you'll be during the real interview. You can do this!
The way you frame your question suggests that you might already be feeling defeated. Changing that mindset isn't easy, but it's possible! Let's begin with a behavioral interview. Interviewers usually look for someone they would want to work with. Red flags typically include handling conflicts poorly, displaying a bad attitude during the interview, blaming others, not being a team player, and either not knowing when to ask for help or asking for help too frequently. Have examples ready for each of these situations. Practice with someone and get their feedback. The "weakness" question (what is your greatest weakness, what is one of your weaknesses) is to show that you are working to overcome that weakness. There are a lot of examples online of how to answer this type of question, and I would recommend answering with a weakness that is tangentially related to what you are interviewing for and have examples or provide some sort of reassurance that you are working to improve in said area.
For a technical or skills-based interview, it's crucial to thoroughly study and understand the basics. These foundational questions are almost always asked and set the tone for the rest of the interview. Gather questions from online resources and friends who are interviewing for similar positions, and practice extensively.
Before the interview, remind yourself that you deserve to be there. Use breathing techniques, meditation, or any other methods that help you feel at ease. Avoid memorizing exact answers. Instead, practice explaining concepts using analogies and articulating the basics in your own words. Interviewers are looking for competence in the skills required for the position. Make sure you've read the job description and the requirements/qualifications so you can discuss them intelligently.
It's completely normal to be nervous during an interview. Take deep breaths and reassure yourself that you deserve this opportunity. Practice is key—the more comfortable you are with answering questions in a mock setting, the more confident you'll be during the real interview. You can do this!
Dale Donchin
Program Manager
4
Answers
Framingham, Massachusetts
Updated
Dale’s Answer
It's hard to augment the excellent advice that's already been provided.
My contribution, if you are finding it difficult to know what to say, is to ask the interviewer about themselves (how did they wind up at this company and in this position). People tend to be comfortable talking about a subject they know well, they do the talking (not you), and they likely appreciate your interest in them, while also learning about the company from their perspective.
In advance of the interview, think of one key takeaway that differentiates you from other candidates and will be remembered. State that just before the interview ends so it's part of the last impression you leave and maybe the first thing the interviewer may jot down in their notes.
Good luck!
My contribution, if you are finding it difficult to know what to say, is to ask the interviewer about themselves (how did they wind up at this company and in this position). People tend to be comfortable talking about a subject they know well, they do the talking (not you), and they likely appreciate your interest in them, while also learning about the company from their perspective.
In advance of the interview, think of one key takeaway that differentiates you from other candidates and will be remembered. State that just before the interview ends so it's part of the last impression you leave and maybe the first thing the interviewer may jot down in their notes.
Good luck!
Bonnie Garza
Revenue Sales Operations VP
58
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hey there, remember, it's never a simple scenario to navigate, but I promise you, many of us have faced this same challenge. My suggestion? Keep pushing forward, keep applying, and use your previous interviews as learning opportunities. Reflect on what could have gone better and make those improvements. Have you tried role-playing as a practice method? It's been a game-changer for me in the past. Alternatively, consider checking out a local workforce community center. Many of these places offer valuable advice for acing interviews and could be really helpful for you. Stay positive and keep believing in yourself. Good luck!
Rahila Passi
Sales
4
Answers
Redwood City, California
Updated
Rahila’s Answer
Hi there!
First of all--keep your chin up and spirits positive! That is easy for me to say and I'm sure hard for you to do and feel right now when you feel you're on a rejection streak. However, the only way to break out of a negative streak is to keep going. I empathize because the last time I was looking for a new job, I felt like I was in the exact same spot of being "good enough" for a recruiter to reach out to or to interview but just not making it to the offer stage. It took a while, but the job offer did eventually happen.
Great job on reaching out and looking for something different to try. I see you already have several responses, so I'm going to try to not duplicate any of the great advice you've already received. Instead, I am going to go deeper on the advice of practicing. I just got a newsletter from Chris Donnelly (who I found on LinkedIn) that included this advice. (It’s even better if you practice out loud and best if you have someone else ask you questions) Good luck!
How to Nail Your Next Job interview
Have you ever wondered how some people will often thrive when it comes to a job interview? Despite all the pressure, unpredictability and high competition, some people will just feel completely natural at the interview stage and tend to get whichever job they apply for.
After having many people reach out for advice on how to land the job and crush the interview, I decided to reflect back on the top candidates I’ve personally hired in the last 3 months to try and put together a helpful guide which is applicable for a job interview in any industry. Check it out below:
1. Tell me about yourself and background - Here you want to share your work journey, mentioning the explicit experience you built up that would help with this job. Aim to tell them about your passions and hobbies and what skills they built up. But make sure to keep this under 5 minutes.
2. Why do you want to work for this company? - Show you’ve done your research, mention things you really like whilst relating it to the position and how you align with it. It’s super important you are passionate and excited here.
3. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? - Share an instance when you remained calm despite the turmoil. And then discuss how it’s been a continuous journey of improvement and talk about how you’ve learnt with every new experience.
4. What is the hardest problem you’ve ever tackled? - Explain the caliber of the problem and its importance. Discuss how you approached it despite the difficulty and explain clearly how you solved it and the impact that had.
5. What sets you apart from other candidates? - Talk about your top strengths and ensure you relate them back to the role. Then talk about any unique strengths and how you built them. Even bring in your extensive research about the company.
6. What are the main strengths you’ll bring to us? - Discuss your main strengths in relation to the role. Then go over any experience and how these developed over time and share how you think these strengths will directly benefit them.
7. What would you say are your weaknesses and how would you improve them? - Here it is so important to be honest, and share actual weaknesses not “I work too hard” but ensure the weakness isn’t a core skill of the role. And then show them the action steps you have in place to improve it.
8. Describe a situation where you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you manage your time? - Describe how you were organised and prepared showing what techniques you used to multi-task. Use a specific example and discuss the impact of the result.
9. Tell me a time when you couldn’t meet a deadline and how you decided to handle it? Discuss honestly how things didn’t go as you expected and share how you reflected on this and learnt a lesson. After, explain how you would of handled it with this new knowledge.
10. Share an example of when you were working with someone who’s difficult. How did you handle working with them? Explain how you communicated very clearly with them to ensure nothing was missed. Then share that you went in with empathy as you never know what others are going through and finally discuss the common ground you reached and what you learned from it.
11. Why did you want to leave your current position? - Flip the question and talk positively about your current place of work but highlight how you wanted a new challenge/improve of areas of your skillset. Then go on to talk about the importance of growth and improvement with new challenges.
12. Do you have any questions for us? Use this time very wisely, it’s a great way of showing your research. Select 3-5 very precise and important questions and ensure you ask them politely and with respect.
Write out answers to the questions above
Think of your 2-3 questions you'll ask at the end (definitely ask what their selection process is and what the next steps are). Make sure you leave yourself time to ask some questions
Practice with a mirror or a friend so you get used to saying your answers out loud
First of all--keep your chin up and spirits positive! That is easy for me to say and I'm sure hard for you to do and feel right now when you feel you're on a rejection streak. However, the only way to break out of a negative streak is to keep going. I empathize because the last time I was looking for a new job, I felt like I was in the exact same spot of being "good enough" for a recruiter to reach out to or to interview but just not making it to the offer stage. It took a while, but the job offer did eventually happen.
Great job on reaching out and looking for something different to try. I see you already have several responses, so I'm going to try to not duplicate any of the great advice you've already received. Instead, I am going to go deeper on the advice of practicing. I just got a newsletter from Chris Donnelly (who I found on LinkedIn) that included this advice. (It’s even better if you practice out loud and best if you have someone else ask you questions) Good luck!
How to Nail Your Next Job interview
Have you ever wondered how some people will often thrive when it comes to a job interview? Despite all the pressure, unpredictability and high competition, some people will just feel completely natural at the interview stage and tend to get whichever job they apply for.
After having many people reach out for advice on how to land the job and crush the interview, I decided to reflect back on the top candidates I’ve personally hired in the last 3 months to try and put together a helpful guide which is applicable for a job interview in any industry. Check it out below:
1. Tell me about yourself and background - Here you want to share your work journey, mentioning the explicit experience you built up that would help with this job. Aim to tell them about your passions and hobbies and what skills they built up. But make sure to keep this under 5 minutes.
2. Why do you want to work for this company? - Show you’ve done your research, mention things you really like whilst relating it to the position and how you align with it. It’s super important you are passionate and excited here.
3. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? - Share an instance when you remained calm despite the turmoil. And then discuss how it’s been a continuous journey of improvement and talk about how you’ve learnt with every new experience.
4. What is the hardest problem you’ve ever tackled? - Explain the caliber of the problem and its importance. Discuss how you approached it despite the difficulty and explain clearly how you solved it and the impact that had.
5. What sets you apart from other candidates? - Talk about your top strengths and ensure you relate them back to the role. Then talk about any unique strengths and how you built them. Even bring in your extensive research about the company.
6. What are the main strengths you’ll bring to us? - Discuss your main strengths in relation to the role. Then go over any experience and how these developed over time and share how you think these strengths will directly benefit them.
7. What would you say are your weaknesses and how would you improve them? - Here it is so important to be honest, and share actual weaknesses not “I work too hard” but ensure the weakness isn’t a core skill of the role. And then show them the action steps you have in place to improve it.
8. Describe a situation where you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you manage your time? - Describe how you were organised and prepared showing what techniques you used to multi-task. Use a specific example and discuss the impact of the result.
9. Tell me a time when you couldn’t meet a deadline and how you decided to handle it? Discuss honestly how things didn’t go as you expected and share how you reflected on this and learnt a lesson. After, explain how you would of handled it with this new knowledge.
10. Share an example of when you were working with someone who’s difficult. How did you handle working with them? Explain how you communicated very clearly with them to ensure nothing was missed. Then share that you went in with empathy as you never know what others are going through and finally discuss the common ground you reached and what you learned from it.
11. Why did you want to leave your current position? - Flip the question and talk positively about your current place of work but highlight how you wanted a new challenge/improve of areas of your skillset. Then go on to talk about the importance of growth and improvement with new challenges.
12. Do you have any questions for us? Use this time very wisely, it’s a great way of showing your research. Select 3-5 very precise and important questions and ensure you ask them politely and with respect.
Rahila recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Valued Moose,
The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your Interview
Experiencing rejection in job interviews can be disheartening, yet it's crucial to view each encounter as a stepping stone to success. Here are some practical steps to boost your interview performance and maximize your chances of success:
1. Prior Preparation is Paramount:
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the company's ethos, work culture, products/services, and current affairs. Customize your responses to reflect your alignment with their objectives.
Practicing Standard Interview Questions: Get ready for common questions such as "Can you tell me about yourself?", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", and "Why are you interested in working here?".
Mock Interviews: Try role-playing with a friend or mentor to mimic actual interview scenarios and get constructive feedback on your performance.
2. Cultivate Effective Communication Skills:
Articulate and Confident Speech: Practice speaking clearly and confidently, ensuring your words are well pronounced and maintaining steady eye contact with the interviewer.
Active Listening: Focus on the questions asked and provide insightful responses. If necessary, take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering.
Body Language: Keep a good posture, smile genuinely, and use gestures suitably to express engagement and interest.
3. Perfecting the Art of Improvisation:
Consider Your Words: It's perfectly fine to take a short pause before responding to organize your thoughts and formulate your answer.
Utilize the STAR Technique for Behavioral Questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method can assist you in providing structured responses when discussing past experiences.
Maintain Composure Under Stress: Understand that it's alright not to have an immediate perfect answer. Take a deep breath, gather yourself, and respond thoughtfully.
4. Embrace Authenticity:
Be Genuine: While preparation for interviews is critical, avoid appearing over-rehearsed or insincere. Allow your personality to reflect in your responses.
Narrate Pertinent Stories: Share instances from your past that highlight your skills, achievements, and problem-solving capabilities.
5. Embrace Feedback and Learn from Rejections:
Solicit Feedback Post-Interview: If feasible, request the interviewer for constructive feedback on areas you could enhance.
Reflect on Previous Experiences: Evaluate what worked well in past interviews and areas where you faced challenges. Use this knowledge to fine-tune your strategy for future opportunities.
Remember, interviewing is a skill that gets better with practice and perseverance. Stay optimistic, keep honing your techniques, and maintain self-belief throughout the process.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Harvard Business Review: Offers insights into effective communication strategies during interviews and tips for honing improvisation skills.
The Muse: Provides practical guidance on preparing for job interviews, including anticipating common questions and demonstrating authenticity.
Indeed Career Guide: Features resources on mastering interview techniques, dealing positively with rejection, and seeking feedback for ongoing improvement.
May God Bless You,
JC.
The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your Interview
Experiencing rejection in job interviews can be disheartening, yet it's crucial to view each encounter as a stepping stone to success. Here are some practical steps to boost your interview performance and maximize your chances of success:
1. Prior Preparation is Paramount:
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the company's ethos, work culture, products/services, and current affairs. Customize your responses to reflect your alignment with their objectives.
Practicing Standard Interview Questions: Get ready for common questions such as "Can you tell me about yourself?", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", and "Why are you interested in working here?".
Mock Interviews: Try role-playing with a friend or mentor to mimic actual interview scenarios and get constructive feedback on your performance.
2. Cultivate Effective Communication Skills:
Articulate and Confident Speech: Practice speaking clearly and confidently, ensuring your words are well pronounced and maintaining steady eye contact with the interviewer.
Active Listening: Focus on the questions asked and provide insightful responses. If necessary, take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering.
Body Language: Keep a good posture, smile genuinely, and use gestures suitably to express engagement and interest.
3. Perfecting the Art of Improvisation:
Consider Your Words: It's perfectly fine to take a short pause before responding to organize your thoughts and formulate your answer.
Utilize the STAR Technique for Behavioral Questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method can assist you in providing structured responses when discussing past experiences.
Maintain Composure Under Stress: Understand that it's alright not to have an immediate perfect answer. Take a deep breath, gather yourself, and respond thoughtfully.
4. Embrace Authenticity:
Be Genuine: While preparation for interviews is critical, avoid appearing over-rehearsed or insincere. Allow your personality to reflect in your responses.
Narrate Pertinent Stories: Share instances from your past that highlight your skills, achievements, and problem-solving capabilities.
5. Embrace Feedback and Learn from Rejections:
Solicit Feedback Post-Interview: If feasible, request the interviewer for constructive feedback on areas you could enhance.
Reflect on Previous Experiences: Evaluate what worked well in past interviews and areas where you faced challenges. Use this knowledge to fine-tune your strategy for future opportunities.
Remember, interviewing is a skill that gets better with practice and perseverance. Stay optimistic, keep honing your techniques, and maintain self-belief throughout the process.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Harvard Business Review: Offers insights into effective communication strategies during interviews and tips for honing improvisation skills.
The Muse: Provides practical guidance on preparing for job interviews, including anticipating common questions and demonstrating authenticity.
Indeed Career Guide: Features resources on mastering interview techniques, dealing positively with rejection, and seeking feedback for ongoing improvement.
May God Bless You,
JC.
Dariia Prokopovych
Team Lead
2
Answers
Lviv, Ukraine
Updated
Dariia’s Answer
Mastering interviews is a unique skill in itself.
One technique that can significantly boost your performance is conducting a "mock" interview. Seek out a friend or colleague who works in the same field and let them "interview" you. This not only provides you with useful feedback that you can act upon, but it also serves as excellent practice.
Remember, there's no need to stress. The more interviews you experience, the better you become at them, increasing your chances of success.
Moreover, it's important not to take things personally. It's fantastic that you're honing your skills (keep up the good work!), but bear in mind that sometimes companies may not hire you for reasons beyond your control, such as a change in priorities or other factors.
One technique that can significantly boost your performance is conducting a "mock" interview. Seek out a friend or colleague who works in the same field and let them "interview" you. This not only provides you with useful feedback that you can act upon, but it also serves as excellent practice.
Remember, there's no need to stress. The more interviews you experience, the better you become at them, increasing your chances of success.
Moreover, it's important not to take things personally. It's fantastic that you're honing your skills (keep up the good work!), but bear in mind that sometimes companies may not hire you for reasons beyond your control, such as a change in priorities or other factors.
Amy Lloyd
Contract Management
30
Answers
Woodbine, Maryland
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Here are some key strategies to help you gain more control and confidence:
1. Regular Rehearsals: Seek assistance from your family, a mentor, a trusted friend, or a teacher to conduct mock interviews. This will help you become more comfortable with on-the-spot questioning.
2. Preparation is Key: You've likely encountered some recurring interview questions. Make a note of your strongest responses to these questions. This isn't about memorizing answers, but rather giving yourself a reference point when under pressure. Often, a few key words can trigger your thought process and alleviate stress.
3. Post-Interview Actions: Always send a thank-you note post-interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate why you're a perfect fit for the role and why you're enthusiastic about the company. If you face rejection, don't hesitate to ask for feedback on how you can improve and stand out in future applications. Remember, feedback is a valuable tool for growth.
Lastly, come prepared with 2-3 questions about the company's future direction and the next steps in the hiring process. These questions should not be about salary or working hours.
Staying positive and handling rejection can be tough, but consider this as a learning experience, paving the way to the right job for YOU!
1. Regular Rehearsals: Seek assistance from your family, a mentor, a trusted friend, or a teacher to conduct mock interviews. This will help you become more comfortable with on-the-spot questioning.
2. Preparation is Key: You've likely encountered some recurring interview questions. Make a note of your strongest responses to these questions. This isn't about memorizing answers, but rather giving yourself a reference point when under pressure. Often, a few key words can trigger your thought process and alleviate stress.
3. Post-Interview Actions: Always send a thank-you note post-interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate why you're a perfect fit for the role and why you're enthusiastic about the company. If you face rejection, don't hesitate to ask for feedback on how you can improve and stand out in future applications. Remember, feedback is a valuable tool for growth.
Lastly, come prepared with 2-3 questions about the company's future direction and the next steps in the hiring process. These questions should not be about salary or working hours.
Staying positive and handling rejection can be tough, but consider this as a learning experience, paving the way to the right job for YOU!