You have power and influence
As mentioned, some of us think that in an interview situation the interviewer has the authority and the power and the interviewee is the weaker one. Yet, the truth of the matter is that the situation is quite different. The interviewer controls the length of the interview, the questions asked and his/her own behaviour, but the interviewer has no control over the outcome of the interview. The interviewer does not have in-depth prior knowledge about the job applicant, his/her past performance, his/her salient characteristics, is he/she a team player, etc.
Within the space of a few minutes the interviewer is required to assess a candidate and this is a complicated mission to accomplish. Hence, the notion that the interviewer has all the information, is aware of everything and controls the interview is misleading and untrue. The interviewer has control only over:
- the questions asked
- the length of the interview
- their own behaviour (including their attitude towards the interviewee).
Important!
It is the interviewee, rather than the interviewer, that determines the outcome of an interview by choosing to behave in a certain manner and by the nature and content of his/her responses. As an interviewee you can determine and set:
- the content of your responses, what you choose to emphasise and what not
- the tone of your voice and the pace at which you talk
- your progression – will you be optimistic, pessimistic or lack confidence?
- your appearance
- your attitude towards the interviewer
- the extent to which you are assertive
- your ability to focus on your positive and effective skills at work
Remember!
You have the power to influence the outcome of the interview. Your behaviour and your responses to the questions asked determine if you get that job or not. Take advantage of the opportunity you are given and present yourself in a concise and professional manner. Avoid confrontation with the interviewer over issues that are beyond your control such as the type of questions asked, the interviewers' attitude towards you, whether the interviewer is friendly or not. These elements are in the interviewers' hands and it is wrong for you to try and influence them.
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