There are several types of interviews you should be aware of, including informal and formal. Informal interviews commonly happen when you’re networking or talking with someone away from an office setting, for example, where you might let your guard down.
Formal interviews are scheduled interviews and use structured, behavioral-based questions. Assessments also may be used, depending on the type of job.
Regardless of the interview format, you need to know what you can offer the employer and be able to communicate it clearly. Review your employment history, and practice answering questions about any gaps in your employment and why you’re looking for a job now.
Focus on results and your accomplishments going back at least 10 to 12 years.
Depending on the position, the recruiter may want to review your entire employment history, but the last few years will be important.
During your preparation, be sure you address these three areas, which can become barriers to advancing in the interview process.
• Using the phrase “I think” to answer questions. Replace the words “I think” in such phrases as “I think my background is a good match for this position,” or “I think I can make a difference in your department” with the words “I can” or “I know” when answering questions about your skills. Can you see how much more confident you’ll sound?
• Not listening carefully to the interviewer’s questions. If you don’t listen carefully, you can find yourself rambling. Rambling takes you and the interviewer down paths of discussion you may want to avoid. When you don’t listen to the interviewer, it speaks volumes about what you might be like as an employee. It’s OK to take some time before you answer a question and ask for clarification, if necessary.
• Failing to give yourself enough credit for your accomplishments. Most job seekers are uncomfortable tooting their own horns and may downplay accomplishments so they’re not seen as bragging. When you talk about your accomplishments during an interview, you’re not boasting, you’re talking about facts, an important difference to keep in mind.
The words you choose to describe your value during an interview are so important. They can open doors or close them.
