(Image by Canva)

We tend to be nervous and anxious before an interview. It is only human. After all, don't we all want to perform and ultimately receive an offer? Many educational institutions run mock interview sessions to give their pre-graduates a head-start in the employment market. It gives the individual valuable insights in fielding questions as well as introduces interview etiquette. Plus, it helps with the nerves.

Interview Resources

For those who have not had this opportunity, fret not for the internet is a rich resource. Run a search online on the media of your choice, whether it is YouTube, LinkedIn or your favourite AI assistant. There is no dearth of resources offering guidance and tips. You may even notice a pattern and soon derive your own list of interview FAQs. For example, "Why do you want to work for us?" or "Tell us about yourself."

Suddenly, you are inundated with key phrases to use because these make you sound assertive, confident, motivated etc. Specific responses sound appealing to interviewers to convince them of the best candidate for the job. There are a bunch of questions guaranteed to impress the interviewer and show off your substance.

Use Resources Effectively

All that you now know is useful to the extent that you have awareness and understanding about the possibilities of their application. If you are practising answers with a list of sample questions, here are some recommendations to work with.

•         Personalise responses

          Sample answers are a guide to help understand the question. Think of your own reality and values, then form your own response. Practise saying them out loud. Look for the correct vocabulary to use. Be comfortable saying it because it is truly reflective of who you are.

• Keep it simple

          Do not use words that are jarringly different from the rest of your vocabulary. Unless, it is a technical term, keep your speech natural and simple.

 ·        Do not memorise responses

1.      Respond according to what is true for you. Be attuned to how questions can be framed differently based on the context of the interview and cultural or industry differences.

2.      You may forget when feeling stressed.

3.      Memorised answers tend to sound unnatural in a conversation. Interviewers pick them up easily. They may select someone they feel has been more honest and better able to connect during the interview.

•         Think of the interview as a 2-way conversation

          Your interviewer is not a robot (not yet) grading you against a checklist. I believe the interview is still a context-rich environment where two parties can explore opportunities to offer each other resources and abilities. Each is looking to fulfill a need and aiming for a match. The interview is as much a venue for the interviewer to assess if they want to offer you a job as it is for you to gain additional insights as to whether you can build a career with the organisation.

Trust in yourself. Having done the preliminary homework and preparation, allow the interview conversation to run its natural progression. You will find the process worthwhile for all your efforts.