Tips for Interviewing Well

Q: I don't do well in interviews because my mind always seems to start racing the minute I get asked a question. I recently received feedback that I seemed unprepared. Any advice?

A: With practice, it is possible to improve your interviewing skills. Many people that I work with are caught off guard by the kinds of questions they are asked when invited in to interview. More specifically, they feel prepared and confident going into the interview and then find themselves unprepared for the types of questions asked.

As I describe in the entry found here, many employers use a Behavioral Interview style. It's an approach that requires you to answer each question with a "real world" example. So, for example, you might be asked about a time that you had to confront some sort of challenge in the workplace. Rather than speaking vaguely about how you deal with obstacles at work, you would need to provide a specific example. Start by providing a snippet of background information before explaining what you did and the result of your action.

To be successful in a Behavioral interview, you need to come prepared with a range of workplace examples that you can speak to. It's easier than you may think, and it actually makes it quite simple to keep your thoughts organized.  Instead of trying to wrap your mind around all sorts of pre-interview thoughts, you can spend your time briefly reviewing the handful of examples that you may speak to, depending on what you are asked.

As is the case with resumes, claims without proof are frowned upon. Bolster your success as an interviewee by becoming comfortable with interviews where you have the opportunity to shine by backing up your words with past experiences.

That’s how to interview well!