The phrase “only connect” is a key when interviewing. Employers hire people who are relatable. Rapport, trust, and connection trump credibility.
Employers hire people who are genuine and believable. Yes, nervousness is not a fatal flaw in an interview! Better to communicate sincerity than to be polished to the point of seeming fake and staged.
Here are guidelines to help you relate and show you are truly a good fit:
- Connection. Starts with you connecting to what you are saying and continues with you relating to others as you are speaking. If you care, we will care too.
- Authenticity.Try to anchor every story in something that truly matters to you, or that truly excites you. Try to choose one thing that speaks from your values or principles.
- Energy. Pay attention to what brings you alive. Let us feel it.
- Personality. What traits do you want people to notice about you? How can you help guide someone to “feel” you? Make sure you communicate softness and openness in addition to being task and result-oriented.
- Believability. It’s okay to be nervous and even to let it show.
- Relevance. Your interview stories need to be pertinent and applicable to the job, the industry, the culture and/or the external environment.
- A clear message.it’s okay to repeat it! Bring it home!
- A point of view. When telling a story, it’s okay to say explicitly what you think is important, your goals, your intention, your vision, or purpose.
- Emphasis. When looking at your story in written form, what words or phrases or points would you “bold”? Try out saying those words with emphasis, perhaps pausing after you say them.
- Vocal variety. Some of us get monotone when nervous. Try to speak with inflection, varying loud and soft tones. But, try not to uptick at the end of sentences.