An interview is a platform, is an opportunity and is a door to what could be a fantastic adventure. If you want it, you will do what is needed for you to win it.
But what exactly do you need to win it? How do you sell yourself successfully? How do you convince the other side that you are the business?
Well, here is the thing. Firstly, we would have already seen your CV and cover letter. This means we have read about your experience, understood your technical skills and even grasped your creativity by how you wrote your CV. So if you are being invited for an interview, this means we want to know you more in depth and on a personal level.
And this is the opportunity to bring your A-game. The three C’s are basically confidence, communication and common sense.
There is an extremely fine line between confidence and over-confidence. So be sure to understand both well. And you can be confident by doing the following:
- Understand the job description well
- Research about the business, its services/products, its mission/vision, etc
- Find out some key facts or milestones about the company
- And of course, practise some of regular questions that people ask
By being confident, you give the interviewers confidence that you are worth their time and that of the hiring manager.
The second C which is communication is very important too. The way you speak, articulate, your grammar, how eloquently you communicate is instrumental in an interview. Interviewers can relate to your communication skills on how professional, educated and experienced you are. English may not be your first language but that has no bearing on your communication abilities. All you need is practise, practise and practise.
Lastly, common sense. Yes, we should have a certain degree of common sense in us. Common sense simply means being practical and having a sound judgement of a situation. During interviews, you may be asked questions about projects or situations you have dealt with. How you respond to this question says a lot about how practical you are, and in turn tells the interviewer/s if you are going to be a demanding or a ‘get on with it’ type of person.
Research, prepare and practise as best and as much as you can – this is how you can be confident, ensure decent communication and apply common sense in an interview to give you the edge.
As someone deeply immersed in the field of professional development and recruitment, I've spent years refining strategies and insights on acing interviews and presenting oneself effectively. My expertise stems from a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics involved in the interview process, encompassing both sides of the table: the candidate's perspective and the hiring team's expectations.
The provided article offers valuable guidance on optimizing interview performance by emphasizing three fundamental elements: confidence, communication, and common sense. Drawing upon my experience, let's break down each concept mentioned in the article:
-
Confidence: Confidence in an interview context is a delicate balance. It involves showcasing your abilities without crossing the line into overconfidence. The article suggests several steps to exude confidence:
- Thoroughly understand the job description to align your skills and experiences.
- Research the company extensively, including its products/services, mission, and achievements.
- Practice common interview questions to feel more prepared and self-assured.
-
Communication: Effective communication plays a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression during an interview. The article rightly highlights the significance of articulate speech, grammar, and eloquence. Key points to enhance communication include:
- Focus on clarity and professionalism in verbal expression.
- Continuously practice and refine communication skills, irrespective of language background.
- Emphasize the importance of non-verbal communication (body language, eye contact, etc.) alongside verbal skills.
-
Common Sense: The article underscores the importance of practicality and sound judgment, often encapsulated as 'common sense.' During interviews, showcasing practicality involves:
- Providing well-thought-out responses to questions about past experiences or projects.
- Demonstrating problem-solving abilities and adaptability in various scenarios.
- Displaying a balanced approach between being demanding and proactive in handling challenges.
The overarching advice from the article can be summarized as a triad of preparation, practice, and self-awareness. Thorough research about the role and company, continuous refinement of communication skills, and the display of sound judgment during interview scenarios are pivotal elements to excel in the interview process. These practices help candidates stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers, creating a pathway to securing coveted opportunities.
