How to Communicate for the Job Interview

You have received a letter or phone call informing you that you have a scheduled "interview" with ABC Company at a certain time on a particular day.

You should be happy (and you are sort of) but you begin to worry and sweat immediately. This is a very common response to the interview appointment. 

Perhaps you have a lot riding on the outcome of the interview; perhaps you have had many past interviews and have never been called back; perhaps you are naturally nervous or shy about such occasions; whatever the case may be, the interview is a great opportunity and something that you can directly and positively control.

Our natural thoughts are that the interviewer is our adversary and he or she is only going through the motions to select an employee; their mind is already made up. 

But this is far from the truth. Interviewers actually want you to succeed, not fail. 

They want to meet a prospective employee that makes it easy for them to make a quick decision when they are confident that you are the person for the job. 

Interviewing is a chore for them. This is your opportunity to make their life easier.

You can control this process through communication awareness and a few simply learned communication techniques.

If you have been chosen to be interviewed, 50% of the work has been done. The interviewer already likes something about you. 

Your resume has convinced him or her that you are a suitable candidate. The resume's appearance, almost as much as the content itself, is crucial to your success. 

Just as your own personal appearance tells the interviewer something about you, your resume format tells a story too.

The day arrives.

Choose your wardrobe carefully. You want to convey confidence, cleanliness, and good taste. 

You don't want to be remembered by your clothes; you want them to complement what you say and the way you act during the interview. 

The clothes you wear will speak out about who you are. Wear neat conservation, dark colored suits or slacks and jacket, for both men and women.

Next, be prepared. You should have learned a lot about the company which is interviewing you and you should have a couple of questions yourself about the company: its direction; its plans for the future; and growth expectations.

Your first appearance is the most crucial moment of the interview. 

Just as he or she formed an opinion of what kind of person you may be after having seen your resume, he or she will make a decision on your character during those few seconds, the interviewer will have formed an opinion of you which, if negative, will be very difficult to change.

Approach the interviewer with an open body, leaning slightly forward to show confidence and shake hands using a firm steady grasp. 

Smile when you are doing this, look directly into their eyes and introduce yourself by saying something like, "Hello, I'm very pleased to meet you. 

My name is Sally Johnston." Wait to be asked to be seated. If you sit across from the interviewer keep your body open by not putting your arms folded in front.

You will normally speak most of the time during the interview but when the interviewer speaks, make sure you listen. 

Being a good listener is a big part of controlling communication. And if you do not understands any question, then ask to have the interviewer make it clear otherwise you won't be able to answer the question to their satisfaction.

But knowing how to communicate is your greatest ally. Communication is more than language and words. 

Watch your language and don't use tired colloquialisms and common casual expressions. The interviewer is not your friend (yet) and should be addressed in a formal manner. 

Try not to use specific or technical language unless the questions call for such vocabulary. Speak formally, using familiar words and standard grammar.

Use eye contact discreetly and effectively. Keep eye contact with the interviewer as much as possible without giving the impression that you are staring. 

This will convey confidence and openness. Don't become distracted by anything else in the room and don't look away when you are answering a question. 

Watch the fidgeting: unconscious playing with your keys, twirling your hair or wringing your hands does not convey confidence.

Don't use gestures when speaking with the interviewer such as slapping your leg or pointing your finger. 

These types of gestures are contradictory to the image you are trying to portray. If a woman, you may hold your hands on your lap and raise one hand or the other from time to time to emphasize your point, but never more than a few inches above your lap. 

If a man, you may place one hand on a leg and hold the other comfortably across your chest. Avoid using such gestures as pyramiding your fingertips. 

Though many articles on the subject of job interviews will suggest that this gesture is a sign of confidence (which it can be) it is also a gesture of power, and you don't want to convey that you are arrogant or have power over the interviewer. 

Sit straight up in your chair with your back supported but lean slightly forward to indicate interest and eagerness. 

Don't change positions too frequently; it is a sign of unease and discomfort. You want to convey that you "fit in".

Finally, you want to convey that you are very interested in the job and confident that you can contribute to the company. 

It is best to suggest this attitude not by mere words alone but by attitude. Behave as if you are one of the employees already. 

Behave in a way that suggests that you think along the same lines as the interviewer; that you are friendly and cooperative.

At the end of the interview (or when asked) you should be prepared to ask questions (intelligent questions) yourself which can indicate to the interviewer that you are serious about the interview and want to understand the company better. 

Don't ask what the salary is; how many weeks vacation you may have; when may you expect raises. These questions can be answered after the job offer, during negotiations.

And though we have said that first impressions are important; last impressions can be just as important. When leaving, thank the interviewer for his or her time. 

Tell them that you enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with them. 

Don't ask when you will hear back form them, but as soon as possible after leaving, write a ‘thank you' note and suggest that you are available for further meetings at their convenience.

The job interview can be stressful even for trained professionals. But try to think of it as a great opportunity to market yourself. 

If you are an accomplished communicator, even if you are not exactly qualified for the job, company interviewers, if they like you, will be prepared to train you to make up the difference. 

The main point is to be liked: people like to work with people who are similar to them and other employees. 

Interviewers want to be convinced not only that you can contribute your knowledge and expertise to the company's bottom line, but that you complement the employees and management already in place.

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