Beyond basic interview rules (arriving on time, dressing neatly, researching the company), there are additional strategies that can increase your chances of success.
Stay Calm and Confident
Interviews are stressful, even for experienced candidates. Nervousness is natural, but it shouldn’t hinder your communication.
- Drink water. Swallowing helps calm the nervous system. If nervous during the interview, take a sip or simply swallow.
- Press your feet to the floor. This stabilizes you and prevents anxiety from taking over.
- Use a personal “charm.” Bring a small item that reminds you of past achievements to boost confidence.
Be Clear About Your Goals
Most interviews start with “Tell us about yourself.” Prepare a structured self-presentation that highlights your skills relevant to the job.
- Show alignment with company values. If applying to a pet product company, mentioning your love for animals helps.
- Highlight relevant experience. Back up your skills with real examples. If leadership is required, share a case where you managed a team.
- Explain why you want this job. Strong answers include: “I believe in the company’s mission” or “I want to improve processes together.”
Recruiters dislike answers like “the office is close to my home” or “the salary is high,” as they indicate a lack of real motivation.
Communication Matters More Than Words
Psychologists say first impressions depend more on how you speak than what you say.
- Speak clearly and confidently. Avoid speaking too fast or too slow. Practice before the interview.
- Smile naturally. A genuine smile helps create a positive connection.
- Control facial expressions and gestures. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to refine body language.
Handling Tricky Questions
Interviews often include difficult questions to test your personality and problem-solving skills.
- Acknowledge weaknesses wisely. Instead of saying “I have none,” mention a minor flaw and how you overcome it.
- Demonstrate crisis management. If asked about past mistakes, share how you fixed them and what you learned.
- Know your market value. Research salary expectations and suggest a reasonable range based on your experience.
Different Interview Formats
Be prepared for various types of interviews beyond the standard Q&A.
- Situational interviews. Employers may ask how you’d handle a difficult client. Prepare by studying common industry challenges.
- Stress interviews. Some recruiters use pressure tactics (interruptions, odd questions) to test resilience. Stay calm and redirect the conversation professionally.
- Biographical interviews. Some employers ask about childhood and personal experiences to gauge personality fit. Tailor responses to show relevant skills.
Final Tip: Interviews are about preparation and practice. Even rejection is a learning experience. Analyze your performance, refine your approach, and keep going. Confidence and experience will lead to success!
Written by: Irina Mamaeva (Psychologist, Journalist)
