Top Interview Tips: Common Questions, Nonverbal Communication & More | Indeed

Indeed

3 Jan 202004:58

Summary

TLDRThis video dissects and analyzes the entire interview process, offering tips on body language, etiquette, and answering common questions. It follows Anya, a recent business grad, as she interviews for a project management position. Key advice includes maintaining confident posture, staying calm, and treating everyone respectfully. The video emphasizes being authentic, honest, and prepared with thoughtful questions for the employer. Finally, it highlights the importance of following up with a thank-you email to leave a lasting impression.

Takeaways

📍 The interview process begins as soon as you enter the building, emphasizing the importance of first impressions.
👁️ Maintaining eye contact and treating everyone with respect is crucial, as anyone can provide feedback on you.
💨 Dealing with nerves is normal; deep breathing exercises can help you stay calm before the interview starts.
👋 Greeting people authentically and using their names can help create a positive connection.
🗣️ Being prepared for small talk and having current events or topics in mind shows you are engaged and informed.
🤔 Practicing answers to common interview questions can help you respond confidently and thoughtfully.
🌟 Honesty in your responses allows you to stand out and align your past experiences with your future goals.
🙅‍♀️ Avoid speaking negatively about previous workplaces; focus on the lessons learned instead.
🤝 Showcasing your personality and interpersonal skills can make a positive impact during the interview.
🕴️ Being aware of your body language and mimicking the interviewer's posture subtly can create a sense of connection.
🚫 Avoid unnecessary movements like finger tapping or leg bouncing to stay present and focused during the interview.
❓ Having a list of questions for the employer shows your interest and preparation for the role.
💌 Following up with a thank-you email within 24 hours leaves a lasting impression and shows appreciation.

Q & A

What is the significance of the interview in the job search process?
-The interview is arguably the most crucial part of the job search process, as it can make or break an opportunity.
What is the purpose of 'Job Science' mentioned in the script?
-Job Science is a concept that applies the use of science and data analysis to improve job seekers' performance in interviews, similar to how athletes use these methods to enhance their performance.
How should Anya, the recent grad, carry herself during the interview process?
-Anya should maintain good posture with her head up and shoulders pulled back, avoiding slouching or laid-backness, and treat everyone in the office with respect while keeping eye contact.
When does the interview actually start according to the script?
-The interview begins the minute the candidate walks into the building, emphasizing the importance of first impressions and interactions with everyone in the office.
How can a candidate manage their nerves during an interview?
-A candidate can manage nerves by taking a deep breath before entering, holding it, counting to three, and then slowly exhaling to stay calm.
What is the importance of greeting people authentically during an interview?
-Authentic greetings help create a positive first impression and are more likely to help the candidate remember the person's name, which is beneficial for building rapport.
Why is it important to be prepared for small talk before the interview questions begin?
-Small talk can set the tone for the interview and having a few current events or topics in mind can help a candidate engage naturally and confidently with the interviewer.
What does the interviewer look for when asking about a candidate's experience and what they would bring to the role?
-The interviewer is looking to learn what makes the candidate stand out, their honesty, and how their past experiences align with their future goals in the role.
How should a candidate respond when asked about their previous work experiences in an interview?
-A candidate should avoid speaking negatively about previous workplaces and instead focus on the lessons learned and how those experiences have prepared them for the new role.
What is the significance of having questions prepared for the interviewer?
-Having prepared questions shows that the candidate has done their homework, is genuinely interested in the role, and is thinking proactively about what they would need to know if they were to be hired.
Why is it important to follow up with a thank you email after the interview?
-A follow-up thank you email within 24 hours is crucial for leaving a lasting impression, showing appreciation for the interviewer's time, and reinforcing key points discussed during the interview.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Interview Preparation and Etiquette

This paragraph introduces the importance of the interview in the job search process and the concept of 'Job Science'. It emphasizes the need for preparation, including body language, etiquette, and common question responses. The script follows Anya, a recent business administration graduate, as she prepares for an interview for an entry-level project management position. It highlights the significance of first impressions, from posture to respectful interactions with everyone in the office, and the importance of managing nerves through deep breathing techniques.

👋 Mastering Introductions and Small Talk

This section focuses on the initial stages of an interview, including greeting people authentically and remembering their names by saying them out loud. It suggests having current events or topics ready for small talk and emphasizes the unpredictability of interview questions. The paragraph advises practicing common questions such as reasons for wanting to work at the company and what makes the candidate unique, with a brief example of how Anya might answer a question about her experience and fit for the role.

💡 Showcasing Personality and Honesty in Responses

The paragraph discusses the importance of being honest and genuine in responses during an interview. It provides an example of how Anya might talk about her organizational skills and people-oriented nature, linking her past experiences to her future goals in project management. The script cautions against speaking negatively about previous employers and suggests focusing on lessons learned instead. It also encourages candidates to let their personality shine through in their answers.

🤔 Navigating Interview Questions and Body Language

This part of the script provides guidance on answering interview questions, such as discussing past experiences and how they align with the job role. It stresses the value of honesty and the acceptability of taking a moment to think before responding. The paragraph also touches on the importance of body language, suggesting that mimicking the interviewer's posture can create a connection and advises against unnecessary movements that could be distracting.

🙋‍♂️ Asking Insightful Questions to the Interviewer

The script moves on to the candidate's opportunity to ask questions to the interviewer. It advises having a prepared list of questions that reflect the candidate's interest in the role and the company. The paragraph suggests asking about the interviewer's experience, common mistakes in the position, company goals, and performance evaluation methods. An example is given where Anya inquires about the company's expansion plans for the software team.

💌 The Importance of Post-Interview Follow-Up

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of following up after the interview within 24 hours with a thank you email to the hiring manager. It suggests that the email can be brief or more detailed, depending on the conversation's depth, and should serve to reinforce the candidate's interest and leave a lasting impression. The script concludes with a summary of the interview breakdown and a sign-off for the video.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Interview

An interview is a formal meeting in which a candidate is assessed for a job or position. In the video's context, it is the central event that determines the success of a job search. The script discusses various aspects of the interview process, including body language, etiquette, and common questions, to help candidates prepare and make a positive impression.

💡Body Language

Body language refers to the non-verbal cues and gestures that people use to communicate. In the video, it is highlighted as an important aspect of an interview, with suggestions to maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use confident movements to convey professionalism and confidence.

💡Etiquette

Etiquette encompasses the socially acceptable behaviors and manners in social situations. The script emphasizes the importance of treating everyone in the office with respect, as anyone could potentially provide feedback on the candidate, illustrating the concept of workplace etiquette.

💡Nerves

Nerves refer to feelings of anxiety or unease, often experienced before or during high-pressure situations like interviews. The video provides tips on managing nerves, such as taking deep breaths, to help candidates stay calm and composed during the interview.

💡Introductions

Introductions are the initial greetings and statements made when meeting someone for the first time. The script advises on the importance of authentic and personalized greetings, using the person's name, to create a positive first impression in an interview setting.

💡Small Talk

Small talk is casual conversation about non-controversial topics, often used to establish rapport. The video mentions having a few current events or topics in mind for small talk before the interview begins, which can help break the ice and make a candidate more approachable.

💡Common Questions

Common questions are those frequently asked in interviews to assess a candidate's fit for a position. The script provides examples of such questions, like 'Why do you want to work here?' and 'What makes you unique?', and advises on how to practice answering them effectively.

💡Experience

Experience refers to the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through involvement in activities or tasks. In the context of the video, the candidate is encouraged to discuss their past experiences and how they align with the role they are applying for, to demonstrate their suitability for the position.

💡Personality

Personality is the set of characteristics that form an individual's distinctive character. The video script advises candidates to let their personality shine during the interview, suggesting that being genuine and authentic can help them connect with the interviewer and stand out.

💡Follow Up

A follow-up is a subsequent action or communication after an initial event. The video emphasizes the importance of sending a thank-you email within 24 hours after the interview, as a way to express gratitude and reinforce the candidate's interest in the position.

💡Job Science

Job Science is a term used in the video to describe the application of scientific methods and data analysis to the job search process, aiming to improve the effectiveness of job seekers. It is a unique concept introduced in the script to highlight a systematic approach to interviews and job applications.

Highlights

The interview is crucial for job seekers as it can make or break an opportunity.

The process includes dissecting and analyzing an entire interview with tips on body language, etiquette, and answering common questions.

Anya, a recent business administration graduate, is interviewing for an entry-level project management position.

Posture is important; maintain an upright stance with no slouching.

The interview begins as soon as you enter the building, and everyone you meet could give feedback.

Dealing with nerves involves taking deep breaths and staying calm.

Authentic greetings and using people's names help in making a good first impression.

Small talk may occur, so having current events or topics in mind is beneficial.

Common interview questions include why you want to work there and what makes you unique.

Honesty in answering questions about your experience and future goals is encouraged.

Avoid speaking negatively about previous workplaces and focus on what you've learned.

Personality and confidence should shine through in responses and body language.

Miming the interviewer's posture can create a sense of connection.

Unnecessary movements, like tapping fingers or bouncing legs, should be avoided.

Having a list of questions for the employer shows preparedness and interest.

Asking questions about the company's goals and performance evaluation criteria is insightful.

The interview is not over until a follow-up thank you email is sent within 24 hours.

A thank you email can be brief or elaborate, emphasizing key points discussed.