How to interview well -- 2

So you’ve managed to hypnotize yourself into a state of believing that you don’t need the job (or the fellowship or the Vice-presidency or whatever).  What’s next?

 

Before we cover the non-verbal side of things, we have to get the verbal side – the content – out of the way. 

 

How do you prepare what to say at a job interview?  The same way you’d prepare for a TV interview or a discussion with a world leader.  You’d do your homework, get to know your opposite party as well as possible, and then think about what are the half-dozen or so (no more) key points you want to make. 

 

Specifically, in the case of a job interview, think in terms of a narrative that includes both you and the organization.  What problems that the organization has can you help solve?  What skills that you have is the organization in need of?  How can your vision and dreams complement those of the organization? 

 

Oh, and by the way, make it compelling, world-changing, and fun to think about.  The goal is to imagine yourself already at work in that organization, making a difference, having a blast, and doing well.  What does that look like?  What are the crucial elements of success?  What are you doing that’s remarkable? 

 

The secret to a great discussion during a job interview is to know what you are going to say.  That helps in a couple of ways.  If you’re prepared, you’re more confident.  But you’re also able to pay more attention to how the other person in the discussion is faring. 

 

Just like public speaking gets better when you focus on the audience, not yourself, job interviews are more fun when you can focus on the interviewer, not yourself.