Have the Best Job Interview:

By JG Côté

When you first enter the interview room, make a small pause at the entrance and then enter accordingly.  I learned this trick from an old psychology professor who told me, you are more likely to be remembered if you make a slight pause when entering a room.  By pausing for a moment, you leave a small imprint in the interviewer’s brain that helps you to be remembered.  This is good because you want to distinguish yourself from the rest of the group getting interviewed.  Next, always keep your head-up, make eye contact with the interviewers and remain professional at all times.  This may be the first time they have seen or met you, so making a good first impression is very important. 

If they have water or they offer you water, I recommend you take a glass.  Very often when you are nervous your mouth becomes dry (a physiological reaction from the increased adrenaline in your body) and you may have trouble speaking clearly and properly.  As well, it sometimes gives you an excuse to pause and relax for a moment if you suddenly feel overwhelmed.

Most interviews are usually conducted by 2 or 3 people.  However sometimes you’ll get a large number of people such as a board (e.g., 5 or more).  Whatever the numbers are should not make a difference, your goal is the same whether there is 1 person or 10 persons – to get the job!

The people who will be interviewing you will all have different types of characters.  These character types are important to key in on, as it will help you during your interview.  The following are some general types of characters you may run into when being interviewed.  It is good to understand each of the characters so that you are able to perform to the best of your ability during the interview.

(1) Serious to the point but professional

This person can often come across as rude or impersonal.  Many people get nervous or uncomfortable when being interviewed by someone of this character; however this need not be the case.  One must remember that this type of person is taking the interview process very seriously and if you are professional (like them), they will respect you and reward you accordingly.  You are almost always guaranteed to have someone of this character in your interview.   

(2) Grumpy, doesn’t want to be there, will likely make your interview difficult

Encountering someone like this is probably the most difficult or all character types.  They will often uninterestingly ask you the questions and then appear to not care what your answers are.  The key is to remember that there are other people in the room listening as well.  Try to focus in on their interest and energy to carry you through the tough patches of the interview.  If you do encounter a grumpy person, they can sometimes work to your benefit as well.  If you’re enthusiastic enough and are able to make a connection with them, they could turn out to be one of your best allies.  Remember, no matter how obnoxious or rude any of the interviewers are, keep your composure and remain professional. 

(3) Interested, will help you

This is the best person to help you during the interview because they may give you help or guidance during the interview questions.  For example, you are asked a question regarding previous experience, but your answer is not exactly what they are looking for.  The interested interviewer may ask you to elaborate and be more specific in a certain aspect of your experience.  Try to queue into this person’s guidance as they will lead you to success if you follow them.

(4) Quiet and hard to read

This person can sometimes be more of an asset than you realize.  Sometimes the quietest one of the group can be the most influential.  Make sure you pay attention to them carefully and include them in any discussions.  Remember they are quiet, which means all they are doing is watching and examining you.

Now each of the character types has its’ own pros and cons.  The key is to try and balance everyone out.  If you are polite and professional to each type of character you will succeed with all of them.  The purpose of knowing the different characters is to prepare yourself for the interview and not be thrown off your game because someone acts in a manner you were not prepared for.

Something to remember is that no matter how rude someone is to you, always keep your composure and still try to leave a good impression.  Sometime the hardest, meanest people can be your best asset.  Often their hardness and rudeness are just an act or they are truly a tough person in general, but if they like you they will often fight for you.  These are the types of people you want on your side always.

Courtesy of: The Job Helper