Speaking During the Interview
Smart Job Seekers Practice What to Say and What Not to Say
Aug 18, 2009
The best interviewees for a job are those who have prepared themselves to speak throughout their lives. The good news here is that it's never too late to start. Preparing to answer questions during a job interview can be simple. This article addresses one "do" and eight "don'ts" for interviewing.
Do Prepare a Personal Elevator Pitch
Marketers and entrepreneurs talk about something called the "elevator pitch." This is a simple statement that sums up the product, service or business idea. To craft an elevator pitch, companies paint a big picture then distill the message down to the primary soundbites that will tantalize a potential investor or customer. Job candidates can benefit from this practice.
Don't Say too Much During an Interview
One of the biggest mistakes an interviewee makes during a job interview is revealing too much, non-relevant information to the interviewer. The questions asked during an interview are designed to uncover whether or not a person will be right for the job. If an interviewer asks the standard, "Tell me about yourself ..." the best response is one that offers a bit of insight then links it to a benefit statement which shows why the interviewee is the right person for the job.
Monopolizing the conversation is another no-no. Offering clear, concise answers to questions shows intelligence and an ability to think on the spot. Rambling tells the interviewer that a candidate lacks focus and is unable to stay on track.
Don't Say too Little During an Interview
It's important to cover the highlights of previous jobs and current skills so that prospective employers can see how skills match to their job opening. Don't be so quiet during the process that interviewers see themselves as interrogators. Strive to create a relaxed atmosphere where information flows back and forth calmly. Remember to let the interviewer direct the conversation, but don't be afraid to jump in with relevant, benefit-driven soundbites at appropriate times.
Don't Use Off Color Humor
Jokes or comments that could be construed as sexist, racist or even elitist can paint a candidate in a bad light. Employers want to feel that they are making a good decision, and not worry that their new employee is going to get them slapped with a lawsuit for inappropriate conduct. If the interviewer initiates the comments, offer a polite smile and redirect the conversation to an appropriate topic. The interview is not the place to air personal philosophies about religion, politics or any other controversial topic.
Don't Speak Informally to the Interviewer
Regardless of the vernacular used by the interviewer, slang is never appropriate during an interview. This is not a casual conversation. Stories about family members, pets, neighbors or former co-workers do not belong in this conversation unless the story is germane to a question presented.
Don't Criticize Former Employers
Criticizing former employers always paints the interviewee in a bad light. Typically the person conducting the interview will be a manger, VP or owner of the company. In that role, they will have had to have dealt with employee issues in the past. And while a previous employer may have been a total narcissist, the interview is not the time or place to air this information. If asked a specific question about a former boss, offer a non-committal answer, then change the subject.
Don't Forget to Ask the Interviewer Questions
Asking questions shows interest in the realities of the job. It makes the candidate appear thoughtful. It also shows an interviewer that the person they are interviewing is interested in more than just a paycheck. The important thing to remember is to listen to the answers. Firing off a list of memorized questions can lead to a disjointed conversation.
Don't Fidget During the Interview
Body language reveals a lot about a person. Talking too loudly or too softly, shifting in the seat, playing with a ring or other piece of jewelry or twisting lock of hair are all signs of nerves. Practice in front of a mirror before the interview. Coming across as overly anxious tells the interviewer that the candidate can't keep their cool.
Don't Lie to a Prospective Employer
Background checks are quite thorough. They reveal more information than most would realize. Lying about qualifications, credentials or experience is almost certain to come back to haunt a job candidate.
Being prepared for the interview means knowing the facts as they are listed on the resume, understanding the position, and confidently explaining how skills match the needs of that position. Having an understanding of the type of questions that may be asked can be helpful as well. But the most important thing is to relax and project a confident attitude while explaining what's in it for the employer.
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