Interviewing can be a stressful experience for any job applicant who is being under the spotlight from a few minutes to a full day. In this short window that you are provided by potential employers, you need to convince total strangers that you, over all the competition, are the right fit for the job and organizational culture.
Being able to get your foot in the door is the vital first step to any interview, and your résumé is the key that gets you through the door. Prospective employers review your résumé and cover letter to get a “sneak peak” of who you are and how you will fit in their organization. How you choose to use formatting and wording will create the invaluable first impression you want to share with this prospective employer. Once they call you in for an interview, you must now back up everything you’ve written in your application materials with how you present yourself in the interview.
In the National Lampoon’s Van Wilder movie, the main character Van, jokingly compares interviews to first dates. There is truth to this comparison. Individuals on first dates ask questions to get to know the other person across from them in the hopes there is a connection. The same can be said for employers and prospective employees. When you consider how much time people at work with their colleagues (8 to 12 hours a day. easily), it is vital that prospective employers get to know as much about you as possible and why you would be a good match for their organization, in as short amount of time as possible.
Typical employees spend 8 to 12 hours (a majority of their day) at work. That is more time, in a typical day, than people generally spend with their families at home. With errands, kids’ schedules, and commuting cutting further into our cherished time with loved ones, it’s critical for employers to think, “If I’m going to spend the majority of my day with this person, I’m going to make sure they fit well with our group (in addition to the required skills for the job).”
This mindset makes the interview process even crucial for both parties in the interview. Prospective employers will look at your skills, qualifications, and knowledge. With the few precious moments you have with the prospective employer in the interview, some important questions need to be addressed. Do you fit into the organization’s culture? Can you work in this environment and function as part of a team? Will you interact well with your potential colleagues? Do you fit with where they are going with their strategic plan and vision for the organization?
During interviews we tend to experience an instant vibe, similar to that of a first date, of “Hmmm, there’s something interesting here” versus “Okay, this isn’t going to work.” During my time as a career and academic advisor, I acquired through discussions with hiring managers, insights on what they look for in a variety of fields/industries: someone who dresses the part, has solid communication skills, demonstrates the passion and desire to be a part of the organization, and will connect well with the team. Hiring managers that I have spoke with have indicated that they would prefer to train someone less experienced, who possess these critical attributes, rather than select a candidate strictly on their technical know-how.
While it is important that a candidate meets the requirements for their career field – education, training, experience, etc. – it is the interpersonal connections you make during the interview that can, and will, make or break your potential to be hired.
REMEMBER: Practice makes perfect. Interviews can be nerve wracking and intense, but the best way to overcome the “stage fright” of interviewing is to practice. Practice what you want to say, how you will answer difficult questions, your non-verbal cues, and how to read the room. It is important to find a mentor in the field to help you practice answering questions. They will know the correct technical terms to use. Ask them for some time to sit down and do a mock interview where they can provide you feedback.
The Wolter Effect 