No matter how hard we study up, researching the company, preparing to answer interview questions and sell ourselves as the best candidate for the job, nerves can easily settle in and get the best of us. These nerves can easily take an interview from great to ghastly! We don’t want your interview to go to the wayside because of one question. Here’s a few quick and easy tips to help you ace your interview and show your future employer what you’re really made of…confidence and skill!
Stumped?
Listen carefully and ask the interviewer to repeat the question. If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to rephrase or give an example. Don’t be afraid to ask for a moment to gather your thoughts. If you feel it’s best to come back to the question later then ask for that permission. Maintain your composure and let your confidence shine!
Think Out Loud
Thinking out loud is a great way to gather and organize your thoughts. Doing this will give the interviewer a good idea of how you solve problems. As you think aloud, you’ll have a chance to guide yourself and the interviewer through a process and provide them with great details that you may not have been able to express in any other way.
Keep Your Cool
Remain calm. Take a few small breaths to collect your thoughts, and continue. Breathing will calm you as you prepare to answer the questions. We’ve emphasized this multiple times and we can’t stress it enough. Keeping your “cool” allows you to think clearly and won’t give away any indicators that you’re stumped. Let your confidence guide you!
Off the Wall Questions
Just when you thought your interview was going perfectly, you’re asked, “What person, in all of history would you most want to trade places with for a day?” Or, “What 3 things would you bring with you to a deserted island?” Sometimes candidates are thrown the oddest of balls during an interview. Start by taking a breath, again. Politely answer the question as best as you can. Your interviewer may be testing you! Your ability to answer the question may be their way of finding out how you handle stress, being put on the spot or your creativity. Relax and be yourself! Have fun with it. After all, they might hire you!
Do you have more questions about the interview process? Ask us, we are happy to assist you! Call us at 712-224-4208 or send us a message. Whether you’re actively looking for a job or just openly available to the next best opportunity, you may be a great fit for Elite’s growing group of candidates.