How to Conduct Yourself in an Interview

What really sets apart those who succeed in interviews from those who don't? It's not just about skills or experience but the way you handle yourself, the atmosphere you create, and how you make the interviewer feel. An interview, after all, is a conversation between two people, and it's your chance to show your human side while making sure you're the perfect fit for the job. Imagine this: you've prepared thoroughly, you've dressed for the part, and you've even rehearsed answers to possible questions. But what happens when the interviewer throws a curveball? How do you react under pressure?

Here's what you must understand about interviews: they aren't just about giving the right answers. They're about managing the moment. How you respond to unexpected questions, handle pauses, and even manage the small talk before or after the formal discussion tells your future employer a lot about you.

The golden rule? It's all about presence and adaptability.

1. Be Present: The Power of Engagement

One common mistake people make during interviews is not staying engaged throughout. Interviewers notice when your energy wanes, or if you’re distracted or too nervous to be in the moment. From the moment you step into the room—or turn on the camera for a virtual interview—you need to be engaged. This doesn't mean being hyper or overly talkative, but rather showing that you're attentive, focused, and genuinely interested in the conversation.

• Make Eye Contact: In in-person interviews, maintaining eye contact shows confidence. Online, look at the camera rather than the screen—it mimics real-life eye contact.
• Active Listening: Nod occasionally, smile, or use subtle verbal affirmations like "I see" or "That’s a good point". This shows you're absorbing the information and not just waiting for your turn to speak.

2. Adaptability: Mastering the Unexpected

No interview ever goes 100% according to plan. You'll get thrown off by unexpected questions, a strange environment, or even technical difficulties in virtual settings. This is your moment to shine.

• Handling Unexpected Questions: When asked a question you haven’t prepared for, it’s okay to pause and think. In fact, taking a moment shows that you’re considering your response carefully, rather than blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.

  Example:

  Interviewer: "Tell me about a time you failed."

  Instead of panicking, pause and say, "That's a great question. Let me think of a specific example." Then dive into a story that highlights not just the failure but what you learned from it.

• Dealing with Technical Glitches in Virtual Interviews: If your video freezes or audio cuts out, stay calm. Apologize briefly and move on. Your ability to handle minor setbacks gracefully will impress your interviewer.

3. Storytelling: Weave a Narrative

The best interviews are built on stories. Instead of rattling off facts about your experience, craft your answers into engaging narratives that highlight your skills, personality, and problem-solving abilities.

• Use the STAR Method: When answering behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you solved a problem"), structure your response as a story using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

  Example:

  Situation: "In my previous job, we faced a major challenge with meeting tight deadlines on client projects." Task: "I was tasked with restructuring our workflow." Action: "I introduced a new project management tool and streamlined communication between departments." Result: "As a result, we reduced project delays by 30%."

This approach doesn’t just give the interviewer information; it paints a picture of how you work.

4. Confidence, Not Arrogance

Confidence is crucial in interviews, but there’s a fine line between being confident and coming off as arrogant. The key difference lies in how you talk about your achievements.

• Own Your Successes: Speak proudly about your accomplishments, but always frame them in a way that shows you worked collaboratively or learned something from the experience. Avoid taking sole credit unless it's truly warranted.

  Example:

  "I led a project that increased sales by 20%, but it was really a team effort. My role was to coordinate the different teams, and everyone played a crucial part."

• Stay Humble: Even if you're asked directly about your strengths, acknowledge that you're always learning. This shows that you’re self-aware and open to growth.

5. Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Asking good questions shows that you're thinking critically about the role and the company. Avoid asking questions about salary or benefits in the first interview unless prompted. Instead, focus on the company culture, challenges the company is facing, or the expectations for the role.

• Examples of Insightful Questions:
  • "What are the biggest challenges the company is currently facing?"
  • "How do you see this role evolving in the next few years?"
  • "What does success look like in this position?"

These questions not only provide you with valuable information, but they also show that you're serious about the job.

6. Mind Your Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes, often more than your words. Non-verbal cues can make or break an interview, so be mindful of how you're sitting, gesturing, and positioning yourself throughout the conversation.

• Sit Up Straight: Good posture signals that you're alert and engaged.
• Avoid Fidgeting: Playing with a pen or tapping your foot can be distracting. If you’re nervous, try grounding yourself by placing both feet on the floor and taking a deep breath.
• Use Hand Gestures Sparingly: Natural hand movements can emphasize points, but overusing them can be distracting. Keep it natural and balanced.

7. Follow Up with a Personal Touch

After the interview, don't underestimate the power of a follow-up email. Sending a thank-you note not only shows good manners but also gives you a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind the interviewer of your strengths.

• Keep it short and personal:

  "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic], and I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company]. I look forward to hearing from you."

This small gesture can leave a lasting positive impression and set you apart from other candidates.

In Conclusion

Interviews can be intimidating, but by focusing on presence, adaptability, storytelling, confidence, and body language, you can turn a nerve-wracking experience into an opportunity to showcase your best self. Remember, an interview is as much about your interpersonal skills as it is about your qualifications. With the right preparation and mindset, you can walk into any interview room feeling confident, ready to engage, and poised for success.