How Should I Act? (job interview part II)

How Should I Act? (job interview part II)

There are many things that you can do that can take some of
the pressure off during an interview. The way that you behave is
one of the most important. It’s not all in the words that come
out of your mouth, but often has a lot to do with the mannerisms
that you use.

Interviewers are not just wondering if you are skilled
enough for the job, they are often wondering if you would fit in
nicely with you co-workers. Your personality is a big part of
your interview and can make all the difference. Here are some of
the little things that you should pay particularly close
attention to during an interview.

You do not want to be chewing gum or breath mints during
your interview. You also don’t want to speak in slang during
your interview either. It is unprofessional and rude.

Show Confidence
You cannot enter into an interview with a defeatist
attitude. You cannot mope or exude too much placidity in your
manner. It is not inviting, and does not give the impression of
a person that you want to face every day.

Be sure of your abilities without appearing cocky or
narcissistic. You want to let you interviewer know that you are
equipped to perform well at your job, without alienating other
workers. You should point out your accomplishments in your field
while remaining somewhat humble.

List your accomplishments in a matter of fact way without
going into too much detail. I know this sounds repetitive, but
you can never get this point too strongly. Understand that body
language plays a large part in exuding confidence to others. Sit
straight. Practice good posture, and keep your head up.

Keep a Positive Attitude
You should always try to smile and keep a positive outlook
during your interview. If what you are hearing something that
doesn’t sound good to you, don’t frown and look disgruntled,
just keep a slight smile on your face until it is time for you
to say something. Then approach your interviewer with your
questions or concerns when the time is appropriate.

Maintain Eye Contact
Keeping eye contact with your interviewer is very
important, especially when one of you is speaking to the other.
If you are looking around the room or at the items on the
interviewer’s desk, you will appear uninterested. Just imagine
what you would be thinking if you were speaking to him and he
was looking all over the room. You would probably think that you
already lost the interview.

Body Language
We’ve touched on this a little bit but you should mind some
of the common errors that many people make when they are
speaking to others. I’ve listed some of the common things that
you should avoid when sitting through an interview.

• Avoid fidgeting while speaking to your interviewer. It
shows a lack of self confidence.

• Avoid speaking while using overly expressive hand
gestures. It is distracting.

• Avoid biting your lips in between sentences. It gives
the impression that you are making things up.

• Do not sit with your arms crossed because it makes you
appear stand-offish.

• Do not shrug your shoulders when asked a question that
you are unsure of. Take a second to think of your
response. Shrugging your shoulders gives the
impression that you don’t know the answer.

• Don’t answer with nods and head shakes. Use your words
to answer questions.

• Get plenty of sleep the night before the interview.
You don’t want to yawn in front of the interviewer. He
will think that you are expressing boredom.