An interview is a delicate dance. The employer needs to share enough information with the candidate but not talk to hear themselves speak. The candidate needs to share their accomplishments accurately and in a way that generates continued interest but without letting their confidence turn into arrogance with the wrong statement. As a job seeker, how can you find the right balance and avoid dominating the interview in an excessive way? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Be humble in your descriptions. There is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance, so make sure you don’t cross it. It is critical that you share your accomplishments with the potential employer but try not to communicate them in a way that makes you sound like a know-it-all or someone who would be difficult to work with. You have to sell yourself but don’t want to give the impression that you will know everything on day one.
- Give credit to others who have helped. It isn’t happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy. When you show gratitude for the people who have assisted you in your career along the way, it will give the interviewer a great feeling about who you are and how you work with others. This praise also shows that you are continuing to learn in your career and willing to receive help from co-workers.
- Don’t cut the manager off mid-sentence. Never interrupt the interviewer even if you have something you really want to interject. Try to make a mental note to go back to it (or even write it down). Also, don’t listen just to respond and don’t have your answers in mind before you hear the entire question or statement. Be polite and respectful in the conversation. It’s okay to pause for a couple of seconds before starting your response.
- Know the best way to correct bad information. If the interviewer makes a mistake with facts, it is important that you don’t make them feel stupid when you correct them. Learn the best way to gently share the information you know and guide them back in the right direction.
- Ask questions. Lastly, you want the interviewer to fully participate in the conversation so ask questions to get them to provide insight about the company, job, and office environment. Add these questions in throughout the interview rather than waiting until the end. Formulating these questions during your research prior to the interview will help show you’re prepared and really want this job.
Are you preparing for your next interview? CornerStone Staffing is hiring for Jobs in Dallas TX so call us today!
