It breaks my heart when really capable people just cannot seem to get over the interview “hurdle”.
When I have my initial chat with clients enquiring about interview coaching I often hear phrases like:
“well, I’m not a good talker”
“I’m not good at thinking on the spot”
“I just freeze and feel like a rabbit caught in the headlights”
The good news is that all these things can be overcome. You just need to know how to overcome these hurdles and how interview coaching can help.
I have been involved with the interview process throughout my career, specifically competency-based interviews. From my experience, these are the 3 most common reasons why people don’t perform and most importantly how they can be overcome.
1. Lack of preparation
Believe it or not, you are given “clues” about what they are looking for. These clues are in the job and personal specification. If it is a competency-based interview, the competency framework is a rich resource.
People often ask “what will the interview questions be” – the answer lies in these documents. This is what they are interested in so this is what they will ask about.
Your job is to identify examples from your own experience that are relevant to the role to “prove” you are a “safe pair of hands” and able to do the job. They want reassurance they are making the right decision.
2. Underselling yourself
You are in the spot light and expected to sell yourself. It doesn’t feel natural to “boast” but the interviewers want you to tell them how good you are. If you don’t tell them they won’t know and most importantly they won’t be able to record it.
As an interviewer it is an horrendous experience when you have a strong candidate but they don’t sell themselves and you cannot select them for the role that they are more than capable for. If you struggle with this ask for help from friends, colleagues or an interview coach who can “tease it out”!
3. Handling Nerves
Managing the adrenaline flow can be a challenge. There are 3 things that can help;
- Mindset – Go in with confidence. Have the faith, belief and trust in yourself that you can do this job.
- Breathing – Yes, it is obvious but you need to breathe properly. Get oxygen into your system to dilute the adrenaline. Your brain needs oxygenated blood to think clearly.
- Body language – Use your posture to convey confidence. Your hands to anchor you. Smile to relax you.
If you take the time to prepare, identify what they are looking for, identify the skills, knowledge, and experience you will bring to the role it means you won’t be thinking “on the spot”.
If you practice your answers you will get comfortable talking about yourself.
If you prepare and practice and work on a positive mindset you will be better able to manage those nerves.
If you feel you need help and support with these hurdles contact me to see how I can help.
NB: The trend even before CV-19 was virtual interviews. https://hbr.org/2020/06/how-to-nail-a-job-interview-remotely?referral=03758&cm_vc=rr_item_page.top_right
Are you ready for this? I can help. Please get in touch.
