A Better Interview

Before you go for an interview, you must know that there are certain things about you that the interviewers are going to want to find out. They might ask you direct questions, or twist the question around till you don’t identify its intended purpose. When the latter happens, it becomes difficult to come up with a satisfactory or impressive response on spot. Interviews become difficult because the interviewees often feel lost, and while it is natural to feel a little terrified of intimidating questions, it is really easy to deal with once you have the basics figured out.

But what really makes an interview stand out? On one hand, you will be judged on the basis of your actual authority over the subjects you are being interviewed on. But it might seem surprising that your raw knowledge is perhaps going to be the last thing that will be tested when you are being tested. Most of it boils down to your body language and the confidence you exude. Now, confidence is a really tricky thing. Too much of it and you may be set aside as someone who thinks too highly of themselves. On the other hand, under confidence is generally considered rather unappealing in scenarios like interviews.

This is where the four A’s come in. Attitude, Awareness, Action, and Authority together make your presence at the interview impactful. The way you present yourself to an observer is going to be the gauge of your attitude. If you walk into the interview room with a winner’s mentality, your interviewers will immediately know that you are here to leave a mark! And yes, body language IS palpable. It is something that actually communicates your attitude to your interviewers. It also plays the most vital role in making the first impression.

Awareness refers not just to your knowledge of the theoretical subjects that concern the interview. It is also a way to take stock of one’s surroundings. It communicates your situational awareness to your interviewers, and essentially sends the message that you are constantly in the know of what you should know. And if not, you are at least constantly striving to remain alert and aware to be of any kind of service effectively.

Action, of course, encompasses everything— right from the way you gesticulate or move your hands, to the way you speak or even look at your interviewers. Remember, the whole point of the interview is to observe you, to figure out whether you are fit for a certain role or not. Naturally, a good interview is one where the interviewee is conscious of their actions without appearing stressed in order to create any certain image. Act naturally, but remember to mind the way you present yourself at the same time.

Finally, your authority is essentially a byproduct of your knowledge about the theory you are being tested on, as well as your command over interpersonal interactions. Exuding authority does not mean arrogance, it just means that you know what you need to. You know that you are perfect for the role and that you can prove it!