Powerful Communication for Interviews

Mastering Interviews with Powerful Communication  

So, you’ve nailed the resume, polished your LinkedIn profile, and submitted your applications through your networks. Now comes the big moment—the interview. Cue the butterflies. Once you enter the interview room, you suddenly start stuttering, blanking out, and before you know it, it’s over; you’re left wishing for a reset. That’s how most people see the interview process, but the truth is much farther than that. The secret? Simple communication. Let’s break down what you can do to ace your interviews. 

The way you say things matter just as much as what you say. Sure, you could have the most in-depth explanation to the interviewer’s question, but if you sound unsure or robotic, you will come across as a red flag to interviewers.  

Switch up your tones from time to time, and pace your explanations. If you struggle with this part, look up videos of public speakers and take note of how they speak compared to you. 

Although making a strong first impression is important, remember that in an interview, you are selling yourself. Remain truthful to the words you say. It’s  no secret that people try to embellish themselves during interviews, but do not stray too far from the truth that you start coming across as someone disingenuous or inconsistent with the experiences you share. 

Sit up! Don’t slouch in an interview. It might be difficult but remain conscious of your body language – especially when you’re nervous. If you involuntarily make signs that you’re nervous (such as having a restless leg), even your words will start to suffer. Exude confidence, and you will receive confidence. 

Don’t forget to look your interviewer in the eye. Not too long that it becomes intense, but not too short that you look uninterested either. Aim for a natural gaze, something that tells who you’re speaking to that you’re in the moment. 

Don’t just talk – engage. Sure, listening and talking might be what’s expected in an interview, but you will be surprised how much active listening can impact you and your interviewer. They want to know – and feel – that you’re interested.  

When your interviewer brings up key points, such as what they’re looking for in a candidate, don’t hesitate to paraphrase. For example, “This sounds like a key aspect within the team. Here is how I could bring value…” Now they’ll know you’re hearing what they’re saying. Show them how you’ll fit in the bigger picture. 

Yes, there are questions that are just nerve-wracking. It’s tough to suddenly be asked “Tell me a time you failed” on the spot. As much as I’d like to tell you to just prepare, the truth is – there will always be questions we can’t expect. But you’ve got this. The key to answering questions like these is through composure and structure. 

Never forget to use the STAR approach – situation, task, action, result. This gives you an idea on your next responses while remaining clear and impactful. For example, “In my previous role, we faced a tight deadline (Situation). I was tasked with leading the project (Task), so I organized the team and set clear milestones (Action), and we delivered the project on time and exceeded expectations (Result).” It doesn’t have to be too long, but make sure you get your point and value well across.  

Finally, the interview might be over for them, but it isn’t for you – not until they give you a result. A strong follow-up shows that you’re professional, enthusiastic, and considerate. Send the interviewer a brief, personalized thank you email within 24 hours. Keep it positive, short, and genuine, and reference something discussed within the interview earlier. If you didn’t make an impact earlier, you did now. 

People think that interviews are only about questions and answers. It isn’t. It’s about making a connection, showing each other’s value, and showcasing your potential. By mastering the art of communication, you’ll not only impress your interviewer but also build rapport and leave a lasting, positive impression. Remember: confidence, clarity, and authenticity are your best tools in this endeavor. 

Thank you to Arys Sean Francisco 

The Recruitment Services Hub provides solutions such as Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Executive Search, and Placement Services. 

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