I just found the words “What should I be thinking during interview” among my search engine terms. And without even pausing an extra beat, I heard myself answer the question out loud. (Not to worry…this happens sometimes and seems to amuse my cat immensely.)
And so, inspired by the moment, here is my answer – in one of my shortest posts ever:
You shouldn’t be thinking…at least not as an extra chore. You should be listening carefully and actively to what they say and to their questions and then answering what they asked you as if in conversation.
If you spend time anxiously strategizing each answer as you’re giving it or planning ahead for your next answer or maybe even thinking back to what you just said…well then you are no longer in the moment and you lose your power to make a strong connection, which is something you definitely want to do. They aren’t looking to hire a cardboard cut-out of a perfect interview candidate – they want a real person whom they’d like to work with on a daily basis.
So stop thinking so much…and just let your real self come through. If they don’t want that person, you’ll never be happy in your job anyway.
(And of course…letting them see a person who is positive, likable, determined to do well in the job, and who has a few good stories of things you’ve accomplished in the past that show why you’d be a terrific match for the new job won’t hurt either.)
Very true Ronnie! If there’s one situation in which you need to “live in the moment,” it’s the job interview. Don’t think ahead and prepare for the interview by focusing on the company, the job, and how your skills and background mesh with both. Every interviewee needs to be focus and engaged!
“What Should I Be Thinking During a Job Interview [or Business Meeting]?” « Alumni Career Notes // Feb 25, 2010 at 12:10 pm
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Yes, I agree as the interviewer needs to see you as ‘naturally’ as you would be on the job. However, I disagree with the comment about not to prepare for the interview. You need to prepare to understand if you really want to work at that company as well as let them know you are willing to work. Do not prepare with memorized speeches; your answers must flow as it would in a hallway conversation.
Thanks Rick and Dave!
Definitely agree preparation is key Dave – it’s what allows you to interview in the moment and find the “zone”…kind of like a great athlete.
Also really like the hallway conversation idea. Exactly!
And I may be mistaken, but as a fan of Rick’s advice, I think he was saying what you said Dave. But I can see why at first or even second glance, the sentence might be read in another way. (I did it too.) Feel free to pipe up and correct me if I’m wrong, Rick!
~ Ronnie Ann
That’s why I need to edit myself better sometimes.
You do indeed need to prepare for the interview by focusing on the company and job, and how your skills and background mesh with both. Have some talking points before you begin the interview, but don’t come off as wooden or as if you have rehearsed your answers beforehand. Be able to talk about things matter-of-factly. You’re having a conversation; you’re not spilling out your guts trying to hit any and every point you want to make. That’s what I meant by being focused and engaged – and NOT robotic.
Sorry for the lack of clarity in my original comment.
This has always been my problem: my mind has a tendency to wonder. But that’s when I grab it, tame it, rein it in, and concentrate on listening.
I completely agree that prepping is necessary. Not just background research but practicing how you would answer generic questions that have a tendency to come up. Memorizing the phrasing, however, is a bad idea. Just knowing what story you would want to tell to display a quality is good enough. That way you don’t spend five minutes just staring at a wall trying to think one up on the spot. Memorized speeches is always bad, even when actually giving a speech. They sound stiff.
Thanks Rick and Kate for adding so nicely to the conversation!
Totally understood of course, Rick.
Thanks for clarifying.
And Kate…my brain and fingers get away from me all the time. May need some tie-down lessons! Appreciate the visit and comment.
~ Ronnie