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Jessica Wood

Acquisition & Growth Marketing Specialist

11/04/20 at 4:10PM UTC

Career

Interview Practice!?

Good morning! I have been unemployed for quite sometime so my self esteem and energy level are low. I apply to jobs, and I get the interviews, but during the interviews I drop the ball. I don't know why I can't be more confident, even though my professional experience is great. Can someone please give me tips or resources to help me with my interview skills? I have an interview next week!!

45 Comments

Heather hsw

11/04/20 at 5:40PM UTC

I mostly coach female entrepreneurs but could do a session with you for 1/2 my hourly rate.

1 Reply

Lynette Hall

188

Motivated, innovator, builds teams and systems.

11/05/20 at 2:16PM UTC

Ask a friend or relative (someone who will coach with kindness) to assist you with a "mock" interview. There are a ton of interview questions online so pick a set that best represents your field. Deep breath, calm heart, ready, set, GO!

Malissa

614

Controller in the Agricultural Industry.

11/04/20 at 5:49PM UTC

Write out examples/answers to the common questions. Google interview questions and practice the answers. Make it almost routine. Take a crib sheet into the next interview to glance at if you forget how you want to answer a question. Also take a breath before you answer any question. This will give you a second to focus.

Sarah

Director of Operations near Detroit

11/04/20 at 5:51PM UTC

I normally do between 5 and 15 interviews per week depending on the season. I'd be happy to share my "standard" interview with you and help you out...

1 Reply

Jessica Wood

Acquisition & Growth Marketing Specialist

11/04/20 at 7:30PM UTC

YES! That would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

1 Reply

Sarah

Director of Operations near Detroit

11/04/20 at 9:38PM UTC

Reach out when you can and we can set something up. I’d love to work on my interviewing skills too!

Anonymous

11/04/20 at 6:38PM UTC

The biggest tip I've gotten for interviewing is to use the STAR Method. Situation, Task, Action, Result. This makes it feel like storytelling when you do answer questions. Also Practice and Prepare. You might be feeling a lack in confidence because you don't feel prepared. Malissa's comment has excellent advice. I say go a step further and practice saying your answers outloud, something about that just hits different than writing them out or saying them in your head. I personally don't like practicing in front of people, so I practice in the shower, while getting dressed, driving etc. Pick out your outfit for the interview this weekend. If it's a zoom interview, make sure that it looks good on camera. Also, pick out where you want to have the interview, what you will sit on, what will be the background etc. Make sure that your software is updated. The more you can do to prepare in the days leading up to the interview, the more in control you will feel on the day of and consequently the more calm and relaxed and confident you will be. Also, treat the day as a special day. Have some sort of little reward for yourself. Whether it's Starbucks, a favorite meal, ice cream, a new purchase, whatever you do to make yourself feel special do it. This will also mentally help you think about the fun/nice things going on in the day and help you stay positive. Good luck next week! :)

Alexis Gladstone

594

Leadership, Sales and Change Expert

11/04/20 at 6:51PM UTC

All great suggestions. I would take Malissa's one step further. After you write out your answer, practice! Not to the extent that you sound rehearsed, but you want it to flow naturally. Good luck!

Ronnet Ray

Operational Excellence Extraordinaire

11/04/20 at 7:05PM UTC

I found this article from The Muse to be helpful. https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-realistic-ways-to-build-up-your-confidence-right-before-an-interview Also, my executive coach has me record, then watch myself plus practice in the mirror. It was strange at first but has helped in getting me energized and in the interview state of mind.

User edited comment on 11/04/20 at 7:22PM UTC

1 Reply

Jessica Wood

Acquisition & Growth Marketing Specialist

11/04/20 at 7:35PM UTC

I have never recorded myself answering interview questions. But since I have a whole week to prepare, I'm going to give that a try. And from watching the video, as painful as it will be, I'm sure I'll learn why I'm not getting that job. Great advice, thank you!

1 Reply

Cheryl Magen

130

"Believe in yourself first; success follows"

11/08/20 at 2:35AM UTC

As a Career Coach for the past 20+ years, I absolutely encourage my clients to practice in the mirror and tape themselves !! Be concise- Less is More! If the interviewer(s) want more, they will ask you to say more. Smile and be as passionate as you can. Happy to work with you!

Julia Mavrodin

11/04/20 at 7:22PM UTC

Super strong advice from everyone. One thing that I also do AFTER an interview is write down the questions I was asked and go through my answers to identify how I would answer them differently. Chances are you have a few areas of opportunity. The thing you want to communicate at all times is that you're a problem solver, so sticking to the STAR method is great advice. You can identify problems, solve problems and track results. Good luck!!!

Cara Houser

1.74k

Be Audacious - carahouser.com

11/04/20 at 8:24PM UTC

This article has some great info on interviewing -- https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/questions-job-interview

Vickie

11/04/20 at 8:41PM UTC

Interviews can be nerve-wracking and some people freeze up when they get nervous. As a hiring manager, my most common piece of advice to candidates is it prepare yourself and take your notes to the interview. Candidates often don't think they can or should use notes. I say "absolutely". I am of the mind that anyone who takes the time to really prepare for an interview and anticipate questions, wants the job.

Anonymous

11/04/20 at 9:15PM UTC

From my hiring manager experience. I really believe practicing in front of mirror or with friend/family/spouse can help. I agree with others take notes. Preparation is key, the more you prepare the more confident you will be. From your resume take abbreviated notes. Highlight your strengths and write examples of what you did in your previous experience that highlights your strengths. Write down potential interview questions with your answers. I can't stress enough providing real like examples is key. As a hiring manager I want to see how you identified an issue and how you solved it. Ask the recruiter what type of questions will be asked and how best to prepare. I like when candidates do research on who they are interviewing with, for example check out their profiles on LinkedIn. Last but not least learn about the company but also the functional area the role is aligned to (the recruiter can help you with that). Good luck and preparation is key.

JJLaRue

Marketing Professional | Content Creator

11/04/20 at 9:19PM UTC

Hi there, Congrats on your upcoming interview! My best advice is to role play an interview with someone you are comfortable with first. Have them come up with some questions you could be asked and practice answering with confidence. Focus on your accomplishments and experience and how you want to outline them. By the time you get to the official interview, you will most likely feel naturally more confident and comfortable. Take a deep breath before it all begins and let your personality shine through! Good luck!

Beverly Ruyle

11/04/20 at 9:36PM UTC

Look up Amy Cuddy Ted Talk on Fake it till you make it. Definitely helps with confidence.

Elizabeth Borelli, PCC

Certified career coach; branding, strategy focus

11/04/20 at 10:28PM UTC

The job search is a slog I know, but don't give up, you could be just around the corner from a great role. The key to showing up more confidently is to do the foundational work of self-acceptance. Kristin's Neff is a pioneer on this topic: https://self-compassion.org/videos/ Also wanted to share this How to Ace your Online Interview webinar I did for FGB in May: on https://tinyurl.com/y9fpqlam Best of luck!! Elizabeth

1 Reply

Jessica Wood

Acquisition & Growth Marketing Specialist

11/06/20 at 12:34AM UTC

Hi Elizabeth. I'm watching your video right now and I have already learned so much. At my last interview they asked my salary expectations, and I gave a number I thought was low and competitive. I should give the range from what I learned from researching the position. PLUS that makes me sound more prepared! Thank you!

1 Reply

Elizabeth Borelli, PCC

Certified career coach; branding, strategy focus

11/06/20 at 3:21AM UTC

Yes - never undersell yourself! The company will have no problem countering if they want to hire you. Plus they'll use your salary expectations to gauge your experience/qualifications. In every way, it pays to stay within range but on the high end. The key is to never go below your previous salary for a similar role. If you look up statistics, it's why women end up making less as they advance in their careers- men ask for more. It works!

Dr. Krisha Hawkins

11/04/20 at 11:55PM UTC

Hi Jessica, It appears that you have been offered some great resources as well those who have offered to help you (volunteered and paid). So, I won't try to add to it at this point. I just want to offer words of encouragement to you and tell you that you can do this! Good luck!

Farah Bajwa

215

Manager | Mentor | Consultant | Coach

11/05/20 at 1:38AM UTC

Consider reading a book called "What Color is Your Parachute?" Its an easy read that's filled with a lot of great ways to self-discovered and honing in on what you want. You need to be honest with yourself though.

2 Replies

Barb Hansen

3.32k

Ask me anything about Startups

11/06/20 at 2:27AM UTC

I will second this recommendation "What Color is Your Parachute" is a great book!

Sarah Bartley

106

Front-end Web Developer & Content Creator

11/06/20 at 6:44AM UTC

I also second this recommendation! I read this book and it transformed my entire life and the way I approach jobs.

Megan

HR Professional in DFW Metro

11/05/20 at 2:48AM UTC

I'll try to avoid being too repetitive, although I must say that I, too, have found practicing out loud is very helpful! A couple other thoughts that I don't think others stressed -- (1) when you're thinking about experiences you want to highlight using the STAR method, realize that you can often use one example in response to similar questions...so if there's an experience you really want to highlight, find different ways to position it in response to different questions; (2) you want to practice so you don't draw a blank or "word vomit" in the interview, but you also want to sound natural and avoid being over-rehearsed...so don't memorize your responses, and be prepared to answer follow up questions ("probing questions"); (3) be prepared to talk about what you learned from an experience and how you used that knowledge to improve yourself in the future - companies don't expect perfect but they do want continuous growth; (4) are you excited about the opportunity? then show that in your knowledge of the company, the questions you ask, your body language, your intonation, etc. -- employers want people who are passionate about what they do!

User edited comment on 11/05/20 at 2:48AM UTC

sashak

11/05/20 at 3:34AM UTC

Agree with so much that has been said here. I absolutely recommend recording yourself, it is startling sometimes what we sound like if you can actually hear it. Think about if you’re speaking too quickly, or using too many “ums”, and “like“ and things like that. Also highly agree with focusing on the results of why you are telling the story. What did you learn, how did you apply it, what was the result? I have so many interviews were people give me 5 to 10 minutes of the background of the project, and that’s not the point of the question. I don’t need to know why you inherited a mess, I want to know how you got out of it. So think about how are you tell your story, the outcomes, how you had and impact without a lot of unnecessary details. And good luck!

Fizza Suhail

Mental health counselor

11/05/20 at 6:14AM UTC

When I used to work as a college counselor, I shared the power pose with my students (stand like Superman - hands on your hips, legs strongly planted into the ground, piercing gaze and bonus: imagine your cape flying behind you). Just getting into that pose was so empowering for my students, I could see a shift in their persona and behavior soon after. They went on to use it for competitions, exams, college interviews and then later job interviews as well :) Give it a shot, because you, my friend, are already well prepared!

1 Reply

Jessica Wood

Acquisition & Growth Marketing Specialist

11/05/20 at 6:33PM UTC

Adding the flying cape is a great way to reinforce that power pose! I'm definitely doing that. Thank you!

Melanie

562

HR Leader giving my own two cents to help women.

11/05/20 at 8:33AM UTC

Jessica, I work in HR and glad to lean in and help with interviewing. Send me a message and glad to set up some time to work with you.

1 Reply

Jessica Wood

Acquisition & Growth Marketing Specialist

11/05/20 at 6:33PM UTC

Thank you!!

Tara Albert

Sr Finance Analyst open to work in Charlotte,NC

11/05/20 at 1:26PM UTC

I have the same struggle. What does work for me is hyping myself up about the company and role. And calling my best friend to talk through points.

Anonymous

11/05/20 at 2:50PM UTC

These are such great suggestions. Another thing to keep in mind - no one knows you better than you! You are the best expert on your background, experience, skills, and plans for where you want to see yourself grow.

Avery Lucas

Social and Digital Marketing at David Yurman

11/05/20 at 3:13PM UTC

A couple of ideas... - Practice answering questions to your computer video screen so you can see how the interviewer sees you. Notice if you get shaky or hesitant, and ways you can over come that. - Ask a friend to do a zoom interview with you so you can get used to it! - Look at Glassdoor to see if there are any standard interview questions that are asked - Ask the jobs where you did not pass the interview for any specific feedback! This is so important because it will help you in your future processes!

Michelle Hinsvark

11/05/20 at 4:18PM UTC

There is a ton of great support and suggestions here. I definitely echo the recommendations of prepping in advance with the typical interview questions and reviewing qualities you have and accomplishments that you've made to keep them top of mind. But also, right before your interview, watch something that makes you laugh (maybe a short 2min video clip), it will loosen you up and relax your mind a little bit.

1 Reply

Nicole

281

Podcaster. Speaker. Tech Leader.

11/05/20 at 11:07PM UTC

I like the pre-interview strategy!

Sarah Butterfield Clapp

11/05/20 at 9:26PM UTC

I like to go in with the mindset that I’m there to have a conversation about the job. I try to turn it into a more give and take and try to get the interview going more conversationally. You’re there to interview them as well so think about questions you can ask that will give comfort in why you’d want to go work for them. Also, a lot of places draw their questions from the job description and resume. Try to look at both from an interviewer perspective. They wouldn’t call you in if they didn’t feel you were qualified so try to draw confidence from that! I guess what I’m getting at is don’t take on all the stress of the interview on your own. It’s a two way street and you have some power too. If all else fails there are also some good videos on YouTube as well. Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do great.

Nicole

281

Podcaster. Speaker. Tech Leader.

11/05/20 at 11:06PM UTC

As an introvert, I had to develop my storytelling muscle. I've attended many elevator pitch workshops, but what I have found that works for me is understanding key elements of a pitch that I can leverage for introductions, interviews, networking and storytelling. I am giving a FREE webinar called "Beyond the Elevator Pitch: the Power of Storytelling" next week (and hopefully before your interview). You can register here: www.letsworkletswin.com/events I'll share how the strategy landed me a job on Wall Street, an expatriate assignment in Romania and an invite to the White House!

1 Reply

Jessica Wood

Acquisition & Growth Marketing Specialist

11/06/20 at 12:28AM UTC

Your webinar is the day before my interview, so this is perfect! Done and I'm registered!

Barb Hansen

3.32k

Ask me anything about Startups

11/06/20 at 2:37AM UTC

I hire marketing, acquisition & growth marketing staff. I'm willing to do a dry run interview and give you some pointers. Connect with me here on FGB and we can find some time to chat (if you want)

Sarah Bartley

106

Front-end Web Developer & Content Creator

11/06/20 at 7:01AM UTC

Interviews are a lot like any other skill. It takes lots of practice to get better at them. Here are some tips I've learned. 1. Pay attention in interviews what questions you will be asked. Write these questions down after your interview so you can prepare and practice for them in the future. You can also find questions for the industry you are interested in by googling your industry + interview questions. Then you can use common interview questions as a guide. I recommend searching Glassdoor since some users post questions they got in interviews for certain roles on there and that can also help you prepare. 2. Put together an elevator pitch and practice it in front of a mirror. Elevator pitches are what I use when I get asked "tell me about yourself" question in interviews. 3. Ask someone you trust and will give you honest feedback to ask you some common interview questions. I definitely agree with the other posts and try this on Zoom or any video chat software to get a sense of how the interview might feel. 4. Come with questions to ask and do your research prior to the interview. I like to look at a company's website and LinkedIn. Plus I check out the LinkedIn profiles of the people I am interviewing and social media profiles. Remember interviews aren't just the hiring manager asking you questions. This is your chance to learn more about the company and see if the company is a right fit for you too. Good luck with your interview!

Sarah Farnsworth

11/06/20 at 10:33AM UTC

All great advice offered above. Along with practicing do work on HOW you present yourself. Practicing with someone will help with that. Eye contact. Are you looking people calmly in the eye? Responding by looking at them directly? If it is a panel interview be sure you address each person directly with their answer. Where are your hands/arms? Are you fidgeting? Are you shifting around in your seat? Playing with your face, hair etc. I always wear a jacket and sit on it to keep it firmly in place and to keep my posture upright. I lean in a little by being sure I've sat down with my rear end in the back of the chair. After a question is asked, if you aren't exactly clear on what is being asked, repeat the question to be sure you understand it. Pause before answering to gather your thoughts. Finally, prepare two or three questions to ask your interviewer. It will show that you have looked at the company, the job and done some thinking on it. Good luck. Interviewing can be stressful. Be confident and enter into knowing you are the right candidate for them!!

Carolyn Uzelac

Marketing Strategist with a passion for brands

11/07/20 at 12:37AM UTC

I find the question 'what are your weaknesses' a difficult one, because no one wants to look like they have any! But we all do. Here's an article that might help prepare an answer for this. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/greatest-strengths-and-weaknesses I find it's good to rehearse the common questions, particular the intro or 'elevator pitch', in response to 'Tell me a bit about yourself / your career so far.' You need to have an answer which not only summarises how your experience fits this particular role, but reveals a bit about your personality that shows you'll be a good fit with the culture of the organisation. All the best!

Libby

11/07/20 at 2:08AM UTC

Interview yourself on Zoom. Record it, and watch the interview to see how you come across.

Susan Van Alstyne

Think Big!

11/09/20 at 5:56AM UTC

Good luck! Everyone has provided excellent advice. One thing to remember is that you are also interviewing the employer. Asking good questions is important to the interview process. There are some questions in the following article: https://www.businessinsider.com/smart-questions-to-ask-job-interview-2017-3#22-how-do-you-help-your-team-grow-professionally-22

Natasha Sinagoga

Advanced Advertising, Leadership & Deployment

11/16/20 at 12:22AM UTC

Practice, Practice, Practice. Write down the questions that stump you and ask a friendly to help you practice them. Also, try to meditate before your interview. Keep the faith - you got this!