Take Charge of job interview jitters
Wed, September 10 2008
Because anxiety impairs performance, answers tend to be more conventional than creative, more banal than thoughtful. Here are some techniques to curb anxiety and minimize its consequences.
Before an interview, clench your left fist, preferably for 30 seconds or more, especially if you are right-handed. Clenching the left fist activates specific circuits in the brain’s right hemisphere. These circuits have been shown to enhance people’s capacity to reach decisions and alleviate unpleasant emotions.
Next, imagine the life or status you want to achieve in two years’ time. Reflecting on future aspirations and core values helps anxiety subside and boosts your sense of confidence.
Once you’ve formed these images, practise your answers to standard questions — the ones that relate to your attributes, limitations, preferences and values. Pretend you’re giving your answers to someone in your life who is supportive. Mental images of these people can curb agitation and promote trust.
Try not to conceal your anxieties, concerns or limitations. By admitting that you’re nervous you can prevent your anxiety from getting worse.
[Answer these questions before your job interview]
Q: “So, tell me about yourself.”
This question may be used to assess your personality, preparation, communication skills and ability to think on your feet. Prepare a list of what you do (your current or last job), your strengths (stick to job-focussed skills), and a summary of your career trajectory, linking your experience to the job at hand.
This question may be used to assess your personality, preparation, communication skills and ability to think on your feet. Prepare a list of what you do (your current or last job), your strengths (stick to job-focussed skills), and a summary of your career trajectory, linking your experience to the job at hand.
Q: “Why did you leave your last job?”
Respond positively — “...for better career advancement or promotion opportunities, increased responsibility, more greater variety at work...”
Q: “Why do you want to do this job / work for this company?”
Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and re-emphasize your suitability for the position.
Q: “What do you think you have to offer this company?”
This is a chance to sing your own praises, concentrating on the skills you have that are required for the position. An example: “I have strong sales skills, am a good team player and am very keen to be involved in the new markets you are developing in the Asian region.”
Q: “What do you think this position involves?”
This question is designed to reveal if you have thought about the position, done some research, listened to the interviewer, and can summarize all of this information clearly.
Q: “What do you know about the company?”
Demonstrate your interest in the job, and your understanding of the organization and industry. Talk about the research you did into the company’s key areas of interest, its size, its main customers or current status, making reference to your source of information.
Q: “Do you have any questions you would like to ask?”
Always prepare a question to ask the interviewer. Ask about the position, request clarification of general information about the company, or summarize your understanding and request confirmation. If they have already answered your questions tell them (be specific) so they know that you have thought about the position in preparing for the interview.
Q: “What do you believe are your key strengths?”
Prepare responses giving specific examples of your strengths at previous jobs that support your jobs application.
Q: “What do you believe are your weaknesses?”
No one readily admits real weaknesses in an interview situation. It is general knowledge that this is an opportunity to turn the question into a positive. Think of something that relates to your work experience that is plausible as a weakness but is not really a negative point, such as “I am very particular about detail”, or “I become very focussed on the projects I am involved in.”
Q: “Why have you had so many jobs?”
If you have had jobs in different industries or several positions in a short period, describe the positives — that you were learning new skills, following different career paths, and travelling overseas etc. Refer to the experience you gained in past jobs that relates to the position under discussion.
Q: “What do you enjoy most about your current / last job?”
The trick with this question is to list what you have enjoyed about work that strongly relate to the key competencies of the position in question, and mention that you are looking forward to expanding your ability in these areas.
Q: A question requesting confidential information about a previous employer.
This may be a test of your discretion and professionalism. It is best to reply that you would prefer not to divulge any confidential information (sales figures, for instance), citing the fact that you are sure your interviewer would expect the same discretion from their employees.
Q: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Demonstrate that your long term goals are appropriate for the position and your commitment to them.
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