Always Remember Your Power During Interviews
Mastering the Art of Job Interviews: Tips for Navigating the Process with Confidence
Interviewing for a job can intimidate and stress you out; or be confidence-boosting and fun. It’s important to remember that the purpose of an interview is not only for you to share what you offer but also to get a sense of the company and its people. If your values, hopes, or talents do not align with the role, gracefully letting go of this opportunity is recommended. Conversely, if you’re passionate about this role and your experience makes you the perfect fit, take critical steps to ensure that potential employers also recognize your capabilities. You have the power — and the grace — to control what lies ahead in your professional life when you interview.
The Pressure of Interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. You want to ensure you present yourself in the best light while still being honest about your capabilities and experiences. There’s also pressure from recruiters or hiring managers who might have high expectations of you since they already know you are fit enough for a job through the resume screening. It’s natural to feel some pressure when interviewing for a job; however, it’s important not to let it get too out of hand.
Don’t try hard to get a job you know is not right for you.
Assessing Fit
Besides selling yourself during an interview, you must assess whether this opportunity would also be a good fit for you. How will it align with your values? What kind of team would you be working with? What type of culture does this company have? You should answer these questions before accepting any offer to avoid surprises down the road once you’ve started your new role.
Remember that being honest about who you are and your capabilities is paramount when interviewing. Instead of trying to sound like someone else during interviews, let potential employers know who you are and how they can best use your talents. This way, everyone knows precisely what they’re getting into before signing contracts or making long-term commitments.
Realistic Expectations
It’s also important not to have overly ambitious expectations when interviewing for a job. You don’t want to undersell yourself by settling for less than what’s deserved; however, don’t expect more than what’s reasonable, either. Research what kind of compensation and responsibilities come with a particular role before going into an interview so that an offer won’t surprise you.
Avoid underselling or overestimating yourself
Before interviewing for a position, you don’t know that ‘you are a perfect fit.’ But this line is a shockingly prevalent thing to say to hiring-managers and talent acquisition professionals when candidates reach out. Don’t be that person. Instead, consider these lines when asking for a preliminary conversation: “My experience seems to align with what you’re looking for. Can we have a 25-minute discussion about the job and objectives?” or “My expertise in X and Y, gained through managing projects like those mentioned in this role, could be of great value in resolving similar business issues.”
Be Emotionally Intelligent
Are you confident you’re perfect and that the interview is going well? Don’t let that confidence take over you. Be aware of your body language and give the interviewer enough time to finish before responding. Speak clearly and concisely to communicate your ideas effectively. Pay attention to the interviewer’s facial expressions and any changes in their tone as you answer their questions.
Also, be sure to ask questions — this is a great way to show an interest in the role and better understand what’s expected of you. Add a question or two to your back pocket to pull every time. Bring out these questions when they invite you to ask questions. The answers they give you should reveal two things (1) Are there any elements of your resume or the interview that could deter them from offering you a job? And (2) What about you would be a perfect fit for the role? Let them tell you why or if you fit.
Do not to settle for a job that isn’t the right fit for you
Walk Away Gracefully
You may realize that the job isn’t the right fit for you; or that the interviewers are not in love with you. In that case, it’s crucial to walk away graciously. Always thank the talent acquisition manager and the interviewer for the opportunity. Express enthusiasm and interest in the company and show you appreciate their time. Depending on how you handle this part, they may keep you in mind for future opportunities. Your best opportunity is waiting just around the corner; don’t try hard to get a job that isn’t correct for you now — chances are there’s something better already in store!
Job interviews can be stressful and it’s crucial to assess if the opportunity is a good fit for both you and the company. Honesty about capabilities and reasonable expectations is important. Interviews allow both parties to evaluate how well they would fit together based on skill-sets and values alignment. To assess alignment, you should be aware of your body and the interviewer’s body language too; and ask relevant questions. It’s important to trust yourself and walk away gracefully if the position or the interview doesn’t seem right. Despite the temptation to accept any job, you shouldn’t be afraid to refuse opportunities that aren’t a good fit. Your perfect job opportunity could await you just beyond this one.
© 2023 K. Joseph. All rights reserved
🙏🏾 Thanks for reading.
Based on recent real-life hiring experiences, I developed this piece to share my observations. I have been thoroughly impressed by the high quality of candidates in the pipeline, but some have encountered challenges at certain points in the process. With the desire to help others benefit from my insights, I felt compelled to share my thoughts. Keep or toss.
Disclaimer: This article is the product of my original thoughts, creative ideas and boundless imagination. The AI writing assistant, Jasper.ai (affiliate link) and ProwritingAid helped with my story’s birthing process.
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