How to behave in a job interview
Check out tips from a selection expert on how to behave in various situations of a job interview
1. Punctuality:
Arriving at the agreed time for the interview is critical. But what if something goes wrong? What to do if something unexpected happens and you can't get there on time? Better to give up the interview or just be late without saying anything?
The tip is to warn as early as possible that you will be late, demonstrating care and respect for the interviewer, as this will also be part of your evaluation process.
2. The waiting room:
Whether at the reception or in the room where the interview will take place, you don't have to look like a robot: sit comfortably, relax, and maintain a confident and calm body language. You want to show interest and energy. Be comfortable, however, you do not want to look like you're lying on the couch at home!
Another tip is even if you are very anxious, sit down, do not walk up and down in the waiting room. Walking from side to side, tapping your foot or biting your nails are attitudes that will not help at all; Besides it shows little emotional control.
3. When the interviewer arrives…
You're sitting in the interview room and the interviewer arrives. What's the right way to say hello? Is it worth a nod? A discreet "hi" to keep your distance and not seem too excited?
Our expert's tip is very objective: "Always get up when the interviewer comes in. When the candidate does not stand up, it can be interpreted as lack of empathy or manners."
Stand up and greet the interviewer, smile, be confident, try to create a connection with the person who will conduct the interview.
4. During the interview:
How to act during the interview? Show that you are prepared and follow your own script or rely on improvisation and think about what should be answered only when asked?
It is best to demonstrate that you are open and prepared, but let the interviewer conduct the conversation and have the flexibility to adapt.
If questions become more aggressive and challenging, stay calm and answer objectively. It may be that the interviewer is testing how you behave under pressure. And if the interviewer goes to the other extreme, calling you by the nickname, using slang and seeming to be at ease, the expert's tip is to adapt without becoming "close friend". You can smile but continue to call the interviewer by name and avoid swearing, even if the interviewer uses them.
When talking about your work experience, start “from macro to micro”, demonstrating you have a clear line of reasoning. You can, for example, start by briefly talking about what the previous company does, for example. Then tell the interviewer which department you have worked for, what was your role and what was you differential and contributions to the company.
5. Should you ask questions at the end of the interview?
Asking questions generally shows interest. If you are asked if you have any questions or if there is time available, you can ask questions such as what are the challenges of this job opportunity, whether it is a new position or replacement for someone who has left and what the next steps in the selection process.
Questions such as what the company does (the candidate is expected to do some research about the company prior to the interview) or asking the interviewer if “you did well” during the interview denotes insecurity might not be a good idea.
6. The farewell:
Phew, the interview's over!
Is it? Remember that your posture is being evaluated from the beginning to the end and it does not cost you anything to be polite.
Say goodbye to the interviewer with the same care, enthusiasm and confidence of the beginning of the interview: "greet firmly, look in the eye and thank for the opportunity".