By Lorenzo Mills
Over the past few weeks I have had the chance to experience some of the most intense interviews for some of the most prestigious job positions that I have ever held or came across in my life. I must say that I think of these potential employers and their businesses as opportunities of a lifetime.
So how do you feel when you go in for a job interview? What’s the first thing that you want to say? How do you want them to perceive you as a potential employee? The inevitable fact of matter is that you cannot find out enough about a person within that thirty minute interview window. Let’s say for instance that you have a job interview tomorrow. What do you do when you arrive? How do you prep yourself beforehand?
The first thing that you want to do is tell yourself “don’t panic”! This is not a “do or die” moment.
If you got one interview, with the same amount of effort you can get another one. As the potential employer approaches you, look them square in the eyes and give them a smile along with a firm handshake. This shows them that you’re an approachable person, you’re easy to talk to, and that you’re serious about the position.
Remember, this is not your friend from down the hall or around the block. Therefore, it’s imperative that you speak proper English. Have a glass of water before you walk in and prepare to do plenty of talking. You want the employer to know as much about you as possible so don’t be scared to speak up when given the opportunity. If you do choose to have a glass of water, ask for a coaster. It is always good to show a potential employer that you have manners. Small things like that count. Believe it or not, it sticks out in a person’s mind when trying to decide who they should choose for the position. What if the interviewer asks you a question and you have no idea what to say?
It’s always good to revert back to real life experiences when you don’t know exactly what to say or how to put it. If you happen to get an interviewer that is properly trained, they’ll be able to tell when you’re not being truthful with them by the inconsistencies in your story so being honest is always a plus. Awkward silence is not. What if the interviewer asks you a question and you know exactly what to say? This is your window of opportunity to impress them. This moment usually starts out with them saying, “So tell me a little bit about yourself and who you are?” Make this moment last as long as you can. Nobody else knows you better than you. Try to sound confident but not cocky. Let them know as much as you can about who you are as a person, what you plan to do for the company and where you see yourself in the future. Make sure you cover all of these topics in a positive lite. Making an interviewer smile and giggle is also a plus. It lets them know that you are a real person and that you actually have a personality. Overall your personality is what their interested in the most.
If an employer schedules you in for an interview, it’s not to see whether or not you’re qualified for the position. They determine that by reviewing your application before they even decide to pick up the phone and call you, or send you the e-mail saying that they want to interview you. The interview is a small test of your personality. The interviewer just wants to see if you’re a good fit for the job. Say for instance that after the interviewing process has ended you receive a phone call or an e-mail from a potential employer saying that they found a more “qualified applicant” so they decided not to pick you for the position. Wake up because they’re lying to you! The fact of the matter is that your personality was not a good fit, or it could be that you didn’t show them enough during your interview. Of course they aren’t going to tell you that directly. They’re good people and they don’t want to hurt your feelings. It’s the ugly truth, and it has happened to me dozens of times.
A business would rather have a potential employee that has a good personality because these types of employees are teachable. It’s considered to be far more advantageous than having an obnoxious person that thinks they know it all. I encourage everyone to let their personality shine bright when interviewing for any job. If you do this and you still get denied a position, don’t let that discourage you. Keep trying! Don’t quit! Even when you find a decent job, keep applying for better jobs to push yourself to the next level. There are opportunities out there people but they are not going to show up at your doorstep. You have to get out there and look. Trust me, if you can get one job interview, you can get another. Like anything in life it takes time, dedication, and practice.
Lorenzo R. Mills Jr. is a Dietics at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. He is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. He can be reached at louivemills@gmail.com.
This was printed in the August 28, 2011 – September 10, 2011 Edition
