The Language of Successful Interviewing
If you're like most of us, you had to endure the foreign language requirement in school. We studied, we memorized, we passed the test. But, fast forward to today. Can you order food in a Mexican restaurant without breaking a sweat? Can you confidently order a pain au chocolat in Paris without batting an eye?
Memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules doesn't mean you have a grasp of the language. You have to practice speaking out loud because real-life communication is spontaneous. It's a real-time exchange between the listener and the speaker, and that takes a lot of brain power.
The same principle applies to preparing for job interviews. The most common way to lose a job opportunity is through lack of communication skills. It doesn't matter how qualified you are for the role. If you talk too much, too little, or with the wrong tone, the interviewer may cross you off the list as "not a culture fit".
Practicing interviews out loud improves important communication skills such as response time and the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively. With practice comes confidence, and you'll need confidence during the actual interview. Make sure to practice both common interview questions and industry-specific questions.
Here are some tips that are worth the effort:
Research the company: Before the interview, research the company and its culture. This will help you tailor your responses to the company's values and goals.
Record yourself: Use your smartphone or computer to record yourself answering common interview questions. Listen to your responses and take note of areas where you can improve.
Use a mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror can help you improve your body language, eye contact, and facial expressions.
Practice with a partner: Find someone (a coach perhaps 🤔) to practice with who will share feedback on your responses.
In addition to improving your interview skills, practicing interviewing out loud can also help reduce anxiety and stress before an actual interview. By practicing in a safe and supportive environment, you can build your confidence and feel more prepared for the real thing.
Practicing interviewing out loud is just as important as when we learn a new language. It takes time and effort, but the results are worth it. By practicing with a partner, recording yourself, using a mirror, researching the company, and practicing regularly, you can improve your interview skills and feel more confident during the actual interview. Good luck!
👉What we’re reading and listening to:
The Room Where It Happens is a Podcast by Greg Isenberg & Sahil Bloom that lets listeners into insider perspectives to give you a competitive advantage. Aka sound bites that can help you make small talk with people you want to impress.
7 Things No One Told Me About Job Hunting in 2023 is a great piece in Medium with advice on how to succeed in today’s crowded job market.
Some companies are asking workers to reapply for their roles, asking them to prove their worth and value to the company; a practice that is obviously morale crushing.
