Preparing for a successful interview
One of the major obstacles when applying for a job is the interview. The interview is a source of concern for many. Even experienced workers feel apprehension prior to an interview.
We will discuss the emotional factors that affect the interviewee, prior and during the interview and suggest ways to successfully cope and pass the interview.
The information provided here is a result of experience accumulated since 1992 at Job Test Prep, preparing thousands of candidates for job selection processes. Quotes from these interview sessions are incorporated.
A personal story – how I failed an interview?
We chose to begin with a personal story, one which occurred to our leading psychologist and founder of JobTestPrep which most of us can probably identify with.
"I applied for a position as an Education Department Manager in a town municipality. I was to be interviewed by the mayor and his team. As the date of the interview drew closer my apprehension grew. I was consistently pre-occupied with thoughts;
- I didn't know how to introduce myself, what is important to say in the interview and what isn't.
- I didn't know anything about the interviewer, apart from his position.
- I didn't know how many applicants were competing for the job.
- I didn't know what the mayor was expecting from his Education Department manager.
- I didn't know if my skills and experience suited the job description.
- I didn't know what I would be asked during the course of the interview.
- I didn't know how I should actually behave during the interview.
These thoughts raised my stress and anxiety levels which peaked on the day of the interview. When I arrived at the town municipality, where the interview took place, 15 candidates were already waiting to be interviewed. The actual wait increased my apprehension; the other candidates seemed worthy and I managed to make all kind of attributions to each of them. I concluded that few of them would prove to be stiff competition and had a better chance at getting the job. Needless to say my stress levels increased.
The longer the wait, the worse off I felt. I was convinced my chances of success were waning. The stress prior to the interview triggered negative thoughts; perhaps I was not the best candidate. In attempt to calm myself I went to the restroom and tried to focus my thoughts on what I was going to say in the interview. A few moments later I was invited to the interviewing room.
The interviewing panel seemed tired. They had already interviewed 10 candidates. I knew I had to make a special effort to impress them. I gave it my best shot but I lost my ability to remain focused. I felt I was unconvincing and as the interview progressed all the things I rehearsed got knotted in my head and I felt I was not articulate. I did not make it clear why I was the best candidate for the job.
Needless to say at the end of the interview I felt disappointed. I didn't manage to emphasise and bring forward my skills and experience. I did not get the job."
"After the interview, while driving back home I thought to myself:
- Why was I so stressed?
- Why did I have a hard time maintaining my concentration during the interview?
- Why is it so easy for me to be clear and articulate in any conversation whilst during the interview I felt a complete loss for words?"
"About a decade later, after JobTestPrep was already established and known, I was invited for an interview on a TV morning show. Even though the context was different as well as the purpose of the interview, I felt again that similar anxiety. The thoughts kept spinning in my mind once again:
- What will the interviewer ask?
- What if I have a slip of the tongue?
- What if my message does not come across clear?
- What sort of impression will I make on the viewers and how will it impact my business?
- How will I effectively deal with a professional interviewer?
- What if I fail to convince?
The same stressful and unpleasant symptoms appeared. In spite of years of experience and preparation of numerous candidates for exactly the same scenario, I realised that I could not avoid the emotional roller coaster I was in. However, I was determined to succeed. So, I decided to practice what I preach; I took part in one of the training sessions in the institute – on the receiving end this time. The session enabled me to prepare thoroughly and make all the necessary mistakes and learn from them prior to the 'real thing'. On the day of the interview, I felt prepared and relaxed. The TV interview was a success. I was calm, focused and eloquent."
If you feel apprehensive and concerned prior to a job interview; if you dread the outcome; if you feel you are convincing in any other setting but fail to do so in an interview – this session will assist you. You will learn what the main causes for your apprehension are and how to manage and overcome them prior to an interview and during.