The Essentials of an Interview: The Twelve Commandments for Success
Interviews serve as the gatekeeper to professional opportunities, and excelling in them can often be the determining factor between landing a dream job or facing another rejection. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, mastering the art of the interview is essential. Understanding the basic principles and the psychological aspects of this interaction can empower candidates to put their best foot forward. To ensure success, there are twelve commandments—or essential guidelines—each candidate should follow when preparing for an interview. These commandments blend preparation, strategy, and attitude into a comprehensive approach that maximizes your chances for success.
1. Thou Shalt Be Prepared
Preparation is the bedrock of any successful interview. Before you even step into the room, ensure you know everything about the company, its values, and the specifics of the position you’re applying for. Research the company’s mission, products, and services. Familiarize yourself with industry trends and challenges. This information will not only help you answer questions more intelligently but also allow you to ask insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the company.
Additionally, review the job description thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience directly align with the position, and prepare concrete examples of how you’ve handled similar tasks or challenges in the past. Preparing for potential behavioral questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a proven strategy for structuring your responses.
2. Thou Shalt Dress for Success
The first impression you make in an interview is crucial, and your attire plays a major role in that. Ensure that your clothing is appropriate for the company culture, but always err on the side of being slightly more formal. A neat, polished appearance signals professionalism, confidence, and respect for the opportunity. Be mindful of grooming and personal hygiene as well, as they contribute significantly to the overall impression you give.
3. Thou Shalt Arrive Early
Punctuality is a sign of respect for the interviewer’s time and shows that you are organized and reliable. Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time. Arriving late can create a negative first impression, and arriving too early can make the interviewer feel rushed. Plan your route in advance, accounting for traffic or other potential delays. If the interview is virtual, ensure your technology is working, and be ready to join the meeting a few minutes early.
4. Thou Shalt Be Confident, Not Arrogant
Confidence is an attractive quality in an interviewee, but it’s important to strike a balance. While it’s essential to demonstrate self-assurance in your abilities, be careful not to come across as arrogant or overly self-assured. Employers are looking for candidates who can communicate their qualifications without belittling others or inflating their own importance. A humble and self-aware attitude is far more endearing and demonstrates emotional intelligence.
5. Thou Shalt Listen Carefully
An interview is not just an opportunity for you to talk; it’s also a time for you to listen and understand the needs of the employer. Listening carefully to the questions asked—and to the tone and context in which they are asked—will help you tailor your responses more effectively. When answering, avoid interrupting and allow the interviewer to finish their question before you speak.
Listening is also key when you’re given a chance to ask questions at the end of the interview. Asking well-thought-out questions shows your genuine interest in the company and the role. It can also give you valuable insight into the company’s culture, challenges, and expectations.
6. Thou Shalt Showcase Your Skills and Experience with Evidence
While many candidates can discuss their qualifications, the best candidates provide specific, concrete examples of how they’ve applied their skills and knowledge in past situations. Instead of simply saying, “I’m a good team player,” share an example of a project where you worked collaboratively with others and the positive outcomes of that collaboration.
Employers want to hear about your achievements, so quantify them when possible. Instead of saying, “I increased sales,” say, “I increased sales by 25% in six months through targeted marketing campaigns.” Specific, measurable results make your claims more credible and memorable.
7. Thou Shalt Remain Positive
Even if you are asked about challenging situations, such as why you left your previous job, it is critical to remain positive in your responses. Focus on the lessons you learned and the skills you gained rather than complaining about past employers or colleagues. Negative talk can give the impression that you are bitter or difficult to work with. Employers prefer candidates who can maintain a constructive attitude, even in the face of challenges.
8. Thou Shalt Be Authentic
Authenticity is crucial to building a rapport with the interviewer. While it’s important to present yourself in the best possible light, it’s equally important to be genuine. Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to fit what you think the employer wants. Authenticity fosters trust and helps create a connection with the interviewer, which can set you apart from other candidates. If you’re passionate about the role or the company, don’t hesitate to express that enthusiasm sincerely.
9. Thou Shalt Exhibit Professional Body Language
Your body language speaks volumes about your confidence, attentiveness, and overall demeanor. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, sit up straight, and avoid slouching. Offer a firm handshake when greeting and parting, as it conveys confidence and professionalism. Be aware of your facial expressions and gestures—avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, or looking disinterested. A relaxed yet attentive posture helps build trust and indicates that you are engaged in the conversation.
10. Thou Shalt Show Appreciation
After the interview, always send a thank-you note or email to express gratitude for the opportunity. This simple gesture demonstrates your professionalism and appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. It’s also an opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly highlight your strengths, reinforcing why you’re a good fit for the position.
11. Thou Shalt Know Your Worth
Understanding your own value in the job market is critical, especially when it comes to salary negotiations. Know the average salary for your role and industry, and be prepared to discuss compensation if the topic arises. Confidence in your worth can empower you to negotiate effectively, ensuring that you are compensated fairly for your skills and experience.
If salary expectations are discussed early in the process, be clear about your range and justify it with your qualifications, skills, and experience. However, it’s essential to remain flexible and open to discussion, as compensation can sometimes include non-salary benefits such as bonuses, stock options, or health insurance.
12. Thou Shalt Follow Up
If you haven’t heard back from the company within the timeline they provided, it’s acceptable to send a follow-up email. However, it’s essential to maintain professionalism and not appear desperate. A polite email thanking them for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position can keep you on the interviewer’s radar and demonstrate your continued interest. Be patient, but don’t hesitate to check in if you haven’t heard back after a week or two.
Conclusion
Mastering the essentials of an interview can significantly improve your chances of success in the highly competitive job market. By following these twelve commandments—preparing thoroughly, dressing appropriately, being confident without arrogance, listening actively, showcasing your skills with evidence, maintaining a positive attitude, being authentic, using professional body language, showing appreciation, knowing your worth, and following up—you can set yourself apart from the competition and make a lasting, positive impression. Remember that interviews are not just about answering questions; they are about creating a connection, demonstrating your value, and aligning your goals with the company’s needs.