Going to a job interview can be almost as terrifying as being interviewed by a journalist. That is why the tips we leave here are valid not only for job interviews but also for interviews with the media.
Shall we begin?
1. Research
It is almost so obvious that it seems strange to start here, but several people do not do a thorough research on the company for which they are going to be interviewed and this can often ‘kill’ the job interviews. Do not go to an interview without knowing the company and the vacancy for which you are applying – the same goes for journalistic interviews: knowing the journalist and the media for which he/she writes is almost as important as talking about yourself. Do in-depth research about the company, especially in the media that are most easily available to you – that is the internet. Check the company’s website, social media, look for news on search engines – see if it is positive news or if it has any reason for crisis. Check on Linkedin if you know someone who works at that company and, if you feel comfortable doing so, talk a little with that person about what it’s like for him/her to work there, what he/she likes most, and what they like least. This way, you can dispel any doubts you have about the company and understand, on an early stage, if you see yourself working there one day or not.
2. Verbal and non-verbal communication
This goes for both a face-to-face interview and for a videoconference – we know, nowadays, that these are more and more common. Your body also speaks, your face, your posture and, not least, the clothes you wear. Therefore, you should never neglect the presentation of your image on an interview. Come in with a smile on your lips, greet everyone, and introduce yourself. Depending on the type of company – more creative, or more formal – always adapt the clothing to the context. When in doubt, wear a sober outfit, with neutral colors, but always comfortable, as this will automatically be noticed in your posture. For men, in the case of interviews for very formal positions, it is difficult to escape from the usual suit and tie.
3. Role play
It is very important to anticipate what will happen in the interview. So, you should try to predict the questions that will be asked and train your answers so that when the time comes, you don’t panic. Train everything, from the easiest questions to the most difficult ones – to the unlikely ones! You will see that you will do well when it’s time to answer.
4. Be empathetic
Try, before the interview, to start an informal conversation with the interviewer(s). It is important to try to create a connection with who is going to interview you and always remember that on the other side there is also a human being and not an extraterrestrial. Here, the research part about the company can be an important icebreaker when you want to start a conversation.
5. Ask questions
It is also important to show interest. At the end of an interview, it is very common that you will be given time to clear up any doubts, so be sure to ask questions about the vacancy you are applying for, about the company, about when you can expect for an answer. This way, you will be showing your interest in the vacancy and that could be a good tiebreaker when deciding who gets the job.
6. Turn off your phone
It sounds simple, doesn’t it? No one would remember to leave the phone with the sound on, or not to put it in flight mode during an interview. However, sometimes it happens. Preferably, before entering the company, turn off your mobile phone or put it in flight mode and in silence, in order to prevent an embarrassing situation during the interview. Believe me: there are not enough warnings…
These are just a few tips to be successful in your interviews, whether in person or online.
Specifically for online interviews, it is important to consider the following:
- Choose the most appropriate place for the interview;
- Look directly at the camera so that the interviewer realizes that you are looking directly at him;
- Take notes to answer as assertively as possible;
- Wait for the question to finish before answering;
- Test, test, test – it never hurts to mention. Test the equipment, the sound, the video, the internet connection, in order to ensure that you have all the technical conditions for the interview.
Ready to be successful in your interviews? Don’t forget: a clear communication is always the key to a successful interview! If you still think you need help, we provide training to help you communicate better. Be sure to contact us and see you soon!
Rita Justo, press officer and content curator for Media em Movimento