As a job interview draws near too many candidates, often take the view that an interview is a competition of sorts. Instead of focusing on the questions and building rapport, they often try to memorize the “right” answers and think their interview performance will generate a job offer.
While there is truth in needing to practice and prepare for interview questions ahead of time, the point is you can’t predict every question that will be asked. Practicing your responses can give you a measure of confidence, however it might be wiser to take a look at the core values that make up a good interview and why candidates are chosen over others.
Recently, a hiring manager described an interview in which the candidate came across as “too perfect” in other words their answers were canned and seemed to be rehearsed instead of being natural. Their perfect answers turned the manager off and instead of visualizing the candidate as a new hire, they saw them as fabricating their answers and by seeming too good to be true.
That’s a good example of what happens when candidates see interviews as performances rather than opportunities to connect with the interviewer and discuss their value in helping the employer with their needs.
So how should you prepare for interviews in advance?
It helps to know there are two basic principles that govern every interview and this is where spending the majority of your efforts will pay off. The first principle is that every employer has problems that need to be solved; they have needs and priorities that require help in order for them to resolve their business goals.
The second principle is helping the employer understand your skills and experience by clearly communicating how your background can help them solve their needs. You can do this in a variety of ways; talking about your skills, values, interests and demonstrating your enthusiasm. You want to convey a clear understanding of who you are and what makes you unique in helping them succeed.
Instead of trying to forecast questions that could be asked rather focus your efforts on understanding what drives the interview process and what employers really look for in candidates. Employers basically want to hire those who can answer their questions with specific results in a clear concise way that lets them know your values, accomplishments, insights about your work style and interest in the job.
Practicing for an interview is very important, however building your confidence is easier than you might think if you consider the core principles in what employers truly care about. Interviewing is not about being perfect and answering questions with what you think employers want to hear; rather it’s about you thinking of each question as an opportunity to build rapport and discuss the value you bring.
How have you practiced for a job interview? What made it successful for you?
