Career Management Center

The Job Search

Successful Interview Behaviors

Half of the battle, or perhaps even all of it, is feeling good about yourself as you approach the job interview. You can talk yourself into a good experience, especially if you have done some preparation, or you can be a walking example of Murphy's Law. Much of the interview conversation takes place inside you before the interview actually occurs. Make this form of self-hypnosis work for you, not against you, by following these hints:

1. How to psyche up (a mild form of self-hypnosis)

"I feel good" - I am physically alert, emotionally ready, and supercharged inside by the anticipation of meeting these people.

"I am raring to go" - I am here early because I have been looking forward to this, wanting to be here because it's the right place for me.

"I look good" - I checked myself in the mirror a few times. I like what I am wearing. I will make a good impression. My clothes and general appearance convey a visual image that I like.

"I am prepared" - I have rehearsed with others (many times) and in my head what I expect will happen during the interview. I am ready for anything, have anticipated my problem areas, and know how I will deal with uncomfortable questions.

"I am a good applicant" - I am a solid applicant for this job, because I know what they want and can talk about why my background is suitable for their needs.

Perhaps the other half of a successful job interview is knowing how and when to "take control." Within the interviewer's agenda, you must always expect to accomplish several objectives during the job interview:

2. Taking control

• Establish what the interviewer wants done in the job interview. Get him/her to state expectations.
• Tell why you chose to interview with that particular organization and what makes you especially interested in them.
• Tell what kinds of experiences - paid and unpaid - you've had which are relevant to the job. Show skills you have and how they can be applied to this job. Tell not only what you have done, but the results you have achieved.
• Ask good questions which tie your job or career goals to the employer's needs.

3. Examples of taking control in interviews

• How much responsibility will I have for __________?
• I want you to know that I am applying here because of your organization's strong interest in __________.
• I want to tell you about my experience as __________.
• My experience as a writer for the Hullabaloo taught me to interview people easily, so I could do your market research interview quite easily.
• To what extent can I use my writing experience in your organization's development of promotion literature?