As companies are directing workers to return to the office, job seekers will now have to learn again what to do in an in-person interview. When most people were operating from home, remote workers needed to worry about the lighting, their background, network connection and whether the sound and visual quality were up to speed.
Now, many job applicants must once again be subjected to confronting the anxiety-inducing chore of commuting to an office and having a face-to-face conversation with a number of people at the company.
When you’re onsite, you don’t have the luxury of accessing a “cheat sheet” of notes on the computer to keep you on track. Also, you can’t surreptitiously rely on ChatGPT to answer tough questions.
A Reintroduction To Onsite Interviews
Going from a video interview in the comfort of your own home to schlepping into an office can be jarring and disorienting. As opposed to phone or audio-only interviews, you’ll be required to pay attention to your nonverbal communications. This entails being mindful of your facial expressions and looking engaged.
No more slouching on your couch or being on your messy bed for an interview. You’ll need to walk into the conference room, standing up straight, with your head held high, shoulders back and a confident swagger. Ensure that what you are wearing is appropriate for the job and company culture. Throughout the interview, maintain reasonable eye contact. If you linger too long, it may feel cringe for the interviewer.
You may have forgotten about the sweaty handshakes after working remotely for so long. This may sound silly or inconsequential, but practice a few hearty handshakes. You don’t want to offer a limp-wrist, soggy handshake. Nor do you want to be “that person” who squeezes and crushes the interviewer’s hand when giving a handshake.
In a Zoom call without the video component, it’s easy to get distracted without the interviewer noticing. When you are in the same room, it’s a different game. In addition to eye contact and managing your body language, practice active listening.
Nod your head to both demonstrate that you are paying attention and also agreeing and understanding what the hiring manager is saying. Sprinkle in using the name of the interviewer, as it gets the person’s attention.
You want to be mentally prepared for impromptu additional meetings. It’s probable, if the interview is going well, for the manager to say, “I’d like to introduce you to my boss.”
Whether interviewing in person or via video, the structure is relatively similar, with introductions, questions from the interviewer and an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions. Both types of interviews serve the same fundamental purpose—to evaluate candidates for a position.
Interview Logistics And Emotional Preparation
Don’t wait until the morning of the job interview to get your bearings. Map out your commute a few days before your onsite meeting. You may even want to do a test run to see how long it will take, so you don’t arrive late and frazzled for the interview. Punctuality is important and reflects on your professionalism. Arriving late can make a negative first impression.
Similarly, lay out the clothes that you want to wear the night before so you’re not rushed on the day of the interview.
Bring with you several copies of your résumé, a comb or hairbrush, mints, tissues, a bottle of water and a snack, as these interviews can sometimes be an all-day ordeal.
You will want to arrive early. This gives you the chance of scoping out the building, the people and getting a vibe check of the atmosphere. The goal is to loosen up. Strike up a conversation with the security guard that checks your I.D. when entering the building, and try to broach a quick conversation with people in the lobby and the receptionist. This will make you feel comfortable, like a baseball pitcher warming up before they take the mound.
The security guard or receptionist is often the first point of contact at the company, and how you interact with them can set the tone for your entire visit. Employers sometimes ask these folks for their impressions of candidates, since people are more likely to show them their true colors. Your interaction with them could be reported back to the interviewer, potentially influencing their decision.
By engaging with people at the company beforehand, you can gain valuable insight into the organization’s work environment and culture, which can help you during the interview.
Before the meeting commences, give yourself a pep talk. Try using some self-affirmations, mantras or anything that gets you in a good mood. Put on headphones and turn on the music you love to get the blood pumping and flowing, which will elevate your mood.
Being Prepared Decreases Stress And Bolsters Confidence
Heading into a job interview is an important and stressful event, especially if you are in between roles in a challenging job market. Even if you are the best at what you do, it is best to be prepared, instead of just “winging it.”
To succeed in the interview, you must conduct research on the company beforehand, as well as do your homework on the interviewers to gain a sense of where they previously worked, the college they attended and other data points that can help you with breaking the ice and initiate small talk.
Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. Read the job description again to re-familiarize yourself with the core requirements. Have a few questions handy so that when the interviewer asks you at the end of the conversation, “Do you have any questions for me,” you’ll be prepared. However, don’t dwell on it to the extent that you’re not paying attention to the hiring manager.
Have a well-rehearsed elevator pitch. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it’s a clear and concise 30-second to one-minute-long advertisement about yourself. Keep practicing the pitch until you are on autopilot.
Roleplay commonly asked questions. These include interview questions, such as, “Tell me about yourself. Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work for this company? Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work.” Practice answering them with a family member, friend or colleague, who can offer honest and constructive feedback on your responses.
Things To Be Mindful Of
In addition to mastering small talk, pay close attention to the message you’re signaling with your body language. For instance, don’t keep tapping your foot, twirling your hair or looking aimlessly around the room.
Mirror the interviewer. This means getting on the same wavelength as them. If the manager speaks slowly and more deliberately, don’t talk a mile a minute. Rather, modulate your voice to make the person feel more comfortable. Let your charming personality shine through. You need to cultivate a magnetic appeal.
Upon meeting the interviewer, you can say the following:
“Thank you for inviting me to the interview.” Offer a complement, such as, “I’ve always admired and respected your company, and I feel honored to be considered for this important role.” Then ask, “Why did you choose my résumé over all the others you’ve received?” The rationale behind the question is that it will force the interviewer to think about all the positives regarding your background, experience and good qualities that fit the role.
You want to make the interviewer like you. While people will tell you that possessing the right skills is the only thing that matters, managers want a person they feel comfortable with, find pleasant to deal with and have a positive, can-do attitude. Show that you’re interested. Let the hiring manager know that you want the job.
As the interview is winding down, give it one last pitch and state, “It was fantastic to get to know you. It was a pleasure learning about the opportunity and company.” Share something from the heart: “When I initially read the job description, the opportunity spoke to me. After all the great conversations, I’m even more convinced that I have all the right skills for the role and would love to come aboard.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to the next step” is a smart way to position yourself before the meeting ends. Then, offer, “Can you please share the next steps and who I’ll meet with for the following rounds?” The questions frame that you are motivated to get the role and subtly nudge the interviewer to start thinking about the next steps and moving forward.
Source: Forbes
