8 Tips To Use At An Oral Interview
Most people usually get nervous during an oral interview and often prefer written interviews but sadly there is no way to dodge an oral interview. All you have to do is just to believe in yourself and you will nail the interview.
Below are 5 tips that you can use to help you pass that interview;
1.Listen
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity.Β Good communication skillsΒ include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.
2. Don’t talk too much
Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may rambleΒ when answeringΒ interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job.Β Prepare for the interviewΒ by reading through theΒ job posting, matching your skills with the position’s requirements and relating only that information.
3. Don’t be too familiar
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer’s demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.
4. Practice good nonverbal communication
It’s about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting withΒ a firm handshake. That firstΒ nonverbalΒ impression can be a great beginning, or quick ending to your interview.
5. Use appropriate language
It’s a given that you should useΒ professional languageΒ during the interview. Be aware of anyΒ inappropriate slang wordsΒ or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientationβthese topics could send you out the door very quickly.
6. Take care to answer the questions
When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did something, they are askingΒ behavioral interview questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don’t answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.
7. Ask questions
When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, “No.” Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready toΒ ask questionsΒ that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you’re asked during the interview and asking for additional information.
8. Don’t appear desperate
When you interview with the “please, please hire me” approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Reflect the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confidence. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.
