Do you have an upcoming interview? Here are 7 communication tips to help to prepare:
1.Do your research. Find out as much about the organization you are interviewing with as you can. This not only includes Google searches, but speaking informally with friends and colleagues who work in the organization or in the same industry enables you to get an insider’s view of the organization.
2. Think of your interview as a two-way conversation, not a one-sided interrogation. The goal for both parties is to determine if you are a good fit for the organization. You may have a stellar resume on paper, however, an interview gives your future employer an opportunity to evaluate you on a more personal level. An interview can give you a glimpse of the organization’s culture, and a chance to decide whether you would enjoy working there.
3. Your communication skills can be an asset or a disaster during the interview process – they can determine whether you get the job – or not. Become familiar with the questions you are mostly likely to be asked during an interview and practice your responses. For a list of the most likely questions to be asked, check out this link: https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-the-31-most-common-interview-questions
4. On the flip side, it will pay to delve into your creative side and be ready to answer those quirky, out-of-the-box type of questions. For examples of those kinds of questions, here is a link to GlassDoor’s Top 10 Oddball Questions for 2016: https://www.glassdoor.com/Oddball-Interview-Questions-LST_KQ0,27.htm
5. Practice your storytelling skills before your interview as stories make an emotional connection with your audience. Your ability to tell a succinct story detailing your successes on your resume can demonstrate your communication skills. Participate in as many mock interviews as possible to become more comfortable with answering questions and telling your story.
6. Before you walk in to the interviewer’s office, don’t hunch over your smartphone. According to Harvard Business School social psychologist and researcher, Amy Cuddy, sitting or standing in a contracted position with your shoulders hunched and head down can raise your cortisol (stress hormone) levels in your body. Instead, make your body as large as possible. Sitting or standing with good posture will lower your cortisol and raise your testosterone (dominance hormone). You will feel more confident as you start your interview.
7. Body language conveys critical information about you to your interviewer. Make eye contact, smile, and avoid defensive body posturing such as crossing your arms. Open body postures signal you are positive, attentive, and interested.
Start your preparation for your interview as early as possible. The more you practice, the more polished you will become. Good luck!