Interviewing is a lot like speed dating. Getting asked for a second date comes down to chemistry, luck, and timing (after all someone cute and smart could have showed up before you) … as well as positive energy, confidence and short, smart, relevant answers.
You can’t do much about timing and chemistry. Except keep on top of job opportunities, network a lot, look your best and take a shower.
You can work on your energy, confidence and your ability to deliver a strong message clearly and succinctly. You got to know your message(s).
Here’s the speedy guide to successful interviewing.
Body language. In just seven seconds you’ve made a first impression. Aim to be relaxed, present and enthusiastic. The best preparation is to connect to your body and your breath and to make eye contact at eye level. When you look up or down your energy shifts away from yourself and you also disconnect from the interviewer.
Your work fitting-in message: Write down the top three words that describe what it’s like to work with you – the qualities that you bring to the work world that make you an effective co-worker. Make sure to convey those qualities during the interview.
Your work-doing skills message: Write down the key three job-doing skills that show you can do the most important job tasks. Be prepared to show how/where you’ve used those skills and the impact your efforts have made.
Your “so what difference have a I made” message: Know the difference you’ve made in the work world. Be able to articulate how companies/organizations have accrued real benefits thanks to your contributions and efforts. That means: profits raised, programs implemented, problems resolved, people retained. Think results!
Your “I’m a fit” message. From skills and experience to organizational culture and mission, know what makes the job and the organization a good fit for you. Be able to state the reason simply and enthusiastically. If you can’t do that, you’re not really a match. Feel the fit and convey your enthusiasm.
Your “what distinguishes me” message. You are unique. You’ve got a mix of experience and interests and skills of your very own. Get clear about one thing that you do, that you care about or that you’ve accomplished that makes you stand-out. It could be how hard working you are, it could be your longtime interest in the field, and it could be your ability to make connections that last. Think about one thing that you think makes you stand out. Note: this is the type of question that many of us find challenging, so it helps to brainstorm with someone else or journal so you can surface things about yourself that stand out.
And just like speed dating, be ready to deliver your messages out loud and in person again and again looking at each prospect or interviewer as if he or she were a prince/princess worthy of your attention. And then decide if you s/he’s worthy of a second date, further courtship or … a kiss.