3 Suggestion to a Successful Interview
What’s worse than dreaming you’re naked at a job interview? For some, it might be dreaming that you’re exposed in front of not just one interviewer, but a whole panel of them.
Group interviews continue to rise in popularity because they’re more effective and cost efficient for certain jobs, even though they give applicants the jitters.
“Even the best candidates occasionally get so nervous in an interview that they lose all perspective. That’s when the balance of power shifts and the interview tanks,” says Roy Cohen, a New York City executive and career coach.
Group interviews come into two forms. The first involves a group of candidates who are vying for similar jobs, often high-volume, customer-centric positions. The second, and the more common, place a single job candidate in front of as many as 10 interviewers at once.
In either scenario, applicants must put on a performance to stand apart and to show their confidence, Cohen says.
Robert Half Senior District President Brett Good says that group interviews allow companies to observe the interpersonal skills of multiple candidates at once. Sometimes, in demanding jobs, the hiring managers will give an in-depth description of the job responsibilities and performance metrics, and then ask candidates who don’t see themselves in that role to leave.
If you are interested in the position, express it. But don’t try to compete with the others. Your interpersonal skills are on the spotlight. Show respect for other candidates and treat them in a diplomatic manner.
Cohen – also author of “The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide: Success Secrets of a Career Coach” (FT Press, 2010) – likens a group interview to competitive running.
“If you look over your shoulder to see what others are doing, then you can break your stride and lose the race. So in a job interview, just focus on you and not what others are saying and doing,” he adds.
For panel interviews that involve one candidate and multiple interviewers, embracing the perseverance of a mentally tough runner also helps. You might encounter, for instance, a good cop/bad cop technique. Interviewers take opposing approaches to a topic, leaving you confused or unsure of their intent.
Stay focused, Cohen suggests, much like that resilient runner who visualizes his goals and does not let anything keep him or her from reaching it.
Good adds that it’s also helpful to know as much about the interview process and the interviewers before the big day. Research each person’s background and make eye contact with each one when you meet. Ask them for business cards so you can send each interviewer a customized thank you note.
Cohen notes that interview success is about executing your plan based on sound preparation. When the interviewer connects with you and understands your answers, takes your lead and offers encouraging body language, you’ll know that you’ve done well.
Cohen offers more tips: