Let’s face it: Job interviews are stressful.
On the one hand, artificial intelligence can make it easier to find a job, identifying opportunities and sharing pointers for peak performance. On the other hand, AI is already replacing jobs, making it even more difficult for jobseekers to compete and carve out a niche.
Jobseekers are left feeling stressed about interviews. More than 90% of people experience interview-related anxiety.
But they don’t have to make you anxious. Other than putting together a quality resume and answering questions to the best of your ability, there is some low-hanging fruit that can’t be ignored. Here are some practical suggestions for sending strong signals during and after a job interview.
Master the handshake. Before you ever answer a question about your specific qualifications or general interest in the role, you have to make an introduction. You need to say “hello,” look the interviewer in the eye and shake their hand. Don’t overlook this tiny detail. Leading with a firm handshake projects serious confidence. First impressions are always important.
Maintain eye contact. Looking down too much can project a serious lack of confidence. Looking around can convey nervousness and insecurity. You should be looking at the interviewer most of the time, so it feels like a natural conversation. This applies to talking and listening. Just don’t make the eye contact too intense; treat it like a serious conversation with a family member or a good friend.
Don’t forget to smile. While an interview is a serious conversation, a chuckle or a smile can help break up the tension and show that you’re comfortable. Jobs are often high-pressure situations, and you want to show that you can handle the pressure down the road. Showing your teeth once or twice is proof that you’re not feeling the heat, and it makes for a more pleasant conversation.
Listen intently before answering. It is easy to get caught up in nailing the response — hitting the key talking points, coming across as articulate, and impressing the interviewer with your intelligence. But interviewees often answer questions that were never asked, failing to tailor their responses to the conversation at hand. Answer the right question. Sometimes, showing that you are a solid listener is more important than answering correctly. It shows you are a team player.
Say thank you. After all of the questions are answered and the interviewer seems satisfied, the next step is gratitude — showing appreciation for the opportunity. Whether this is your dream job or just another calendar invite on the list, it is always respectful to thank the interviewer for their time and effort. They are not obligated to speak with you, so make sure that they feel appreciated. Even if it goes nowhere, it is just the right thing to do.
Write a handwritten note. Saying thank you in person or in a Zoom meeting is one thing; writing and mailing a note is another entirely. Especially if it is an interview for a dream job, choosing a handwritten note over an email can make you stand out by going the extra mile with your own time and effort. These days, emails are a dime a dozen, so an interviewer can feel extra special by receiving a printed message with a signature. Oldies are goodies.
Don’t go overboard with your thank you message. Something short and sweet can be impactful, but you don’t want to come across as desperate. Don’t make it too emotional. Be sincere but brief. This is a token of appreciation, not a novel.
Preparation is key
Remember, proper preparation prevents poor performance. By getting ready for an interview well in advance, you won’t feel as much stress and anxiety on the big day. Preparation takes many forms — from the resume to your demeanor during the interview.
The “little things” are big things, turning interviews into offers and opportunities.
