26 Aug How to Be Better at Interviews
One Key Tip for Better Interviews
If you’re on the job hunt, you might be communicating with a corporate recruiter or a human resources manager – someone like me whose job is to help organizations fill their vacant positions. You might even have an interview with one of them coming up!
We all know interviewing is very stressful. Unfortunately, some candidates sometimes work themselves into a frenzy. Instead of relaxing and enjoying the conversation as it unfolds, they become overwhelmed and noticeably panic. This type of situation tends to leave both the recruiter and the candidate empty-handed and disappointed.
As you prepare for your next big interview, I don’t want this to be you. In fact, I (and most recruiters) want you to ace your interview. We want you to bring your A-game and blow us away! The better you do, the easier our job is. If it goes poorly, we have to go back to the drawing board. To help you avoid this trap of the panic-stricken candidate experience, I’m going to let you in on a trade secret…
The Problem Isn’t What You’re Saying
Notable social psychologist Amy Cuddy once gave a TED talk about body language. In the twenty-minute talk, Cuddy discussed her game-changing research on the correlation between your poses and the way you view yourself — yes, the way YOU perceive YOU, not just the way others think about you. Her findings might seem simple, but they’ll definitely surprise you.
SPOILER ALERT! Your body language has a direct impact on your body’s levels of testosterone (good/boldness) and cortisol (bad/receptivity to stress). For example, a powerful pose, like standing with your hands on your hips, increases testosterone and decreases cortisol. Yes, a seemingly simple motion produces a chemical reaction in your brain that leaves you feeling on top of the world. This also translates favorably to your audience – whoever that might be and whoever you might be.
So what does this have to do with preparing for your interview? Well, if you’ve done all of your homework: read everything that’s been given to you, and searched the web far and wide for every scrap of information about the company, the staff, and your recruiter — you are ready, right? Well, almost. Instead of huddling over your mobile phone trying to glean the last shred of intel on your prospective employer, Cuddy says you should be in the restroom practicing your best Wonder Woman/Superman imitation! Whether your interview is in-person or virtual, sit up tall, maintain appropriate eye contact and let your body language speak in your favor. Who knew? Preparation is not just a matter of careful study; it’s also practicing a posture that brings out the best in yourself. Please take this suggestion all the way to the boardroom. I’m counting on you.
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