We have either been in the same spot a few times, or this is your first interview prep. No matter how often you straighten your tie, prepare yourself with your best answers, and finest smiles, chronic nervousness is common.
But why do we get nervous before an interview?
Even after understanding all the questions, why do our tongues get tied, and we can be at a loss for words?
Or do we?
Is there a possibility of this ever happening, or are we overthinking it?
The biggest reason behind pre-interview anxiety can originate from the myths and mysteries of a job interview. So, that is precisely what we are going to do today. Debunk these myths and give you the reality of a job interview.
Plus, this blog post will also focus on giving you curated advice for interviews to ace any, and most importantly, how to get rid of the anxiety psychologically.
Interview #Myths (...and the Truth)
As you prepare for your interview, here is some good news.
You do not have to perfect.
Do not worry; no recruiter is looking for a robot. We must already combat enough AI to take our jobs!
Authenticity will always trump any robotic response.
So, let's give you a few more good news!
Myth #1 – You Should Have All the Answers
Undoubtedly one of the biggest myths of job interviews is having all the answers. There is a misconception that your incapability to answer a particular question directly indicates your incompetency.
Reality
That is simply not the case. In fact, sometimes interviewers ask you bizarre questions to test your practicality or even your creativity.
Basically, there might not be a correct answer! They are just trying to understand how imaginative you are.
However, you might not have an answer to the question, which is all right. It is even okay to politely decline to respond politely. This shows integrity, as you do not wish to waste their time or your own. Plus, it shows your acceptance of your shortcomings and enthusiasm for learning more.
Myth #2 – Interviewer Holds All the Power
Since you are the one wanting the job, it is common to misconstrue a power dynamic. Many get nervous because they believe the interviewer holds all the power.
You might also place the interviewer on a pedestal, thinking they might know a lot and are probably judging all the questions.
Reality
Interview prep is always a two-way street. While the recruiter judges your capabilities, you are also assessing whether the job is right for you.
Plus, their thought of hierarchy can make you more nervous.
If you have confidence in your capability and know you will be suitable for the job, then treat your recruiter as your equal. The conversation can go much smoother from that point on.
Additionally, you are also allowed to have unique interview questions to ask your employer. It is not a one-way communication.
Myth #3 – You Have to Wear a Suit
This is an age-old belief that what you wear will heavily influence your first impression on your interviewers.
However, the myth is about wearing a suit and always having a tie around your neck.
Reality
Not that it will hurt if you wear one, it is not a necessity. Dressing yourself up in formals and looking presentable doesn’t always end with a suit.
You can look presentable with a simple button-up & trousers.
For ease of understanding, we will pinpoint the ones who are not dressed up.
- Un-ironed cloths
- Denim
- Clothes that do not fit you
- Hats
- Ripped or distressed pants
- Pants with too many revealing pockets
- Revealing clothes
- Too many accessories
- A face full of bright makeup &
- Open-toed shoes (unless they are strappy heels but prefer closed-toed pumps) or sports shoes.
If you have a pressed shirt and trousers that fit with closed-toed shoes, you should be ready.
Myth #4 – Your Resume Is the Only Game Changer
You will find many prints and place their resume in a new folder for their interview prep. They might even present their resume to the interviewer before allowing themselves to sit (...and without even being asked).
Reality
They rang up for an interview upon perusing your resume. Therefore, they want to avoid sitting and reading through your resume.
So, presenting your resume before presenting yourself is not a game.
More than your academic or professional achievements, they are here to assess your personal skills. Believe it or not, other candidates might have the same resume.
This is not to demotivate your professional capabilities but to understand that it has already created the impression it could.
The rest now depends on how you present yourself. Plus, this is an opportunity for you to make yourself stand out.
Myth #5 – You Should Have a Firm Handshake
The things people overthink before an interview prep can charge anyone’s curiosity meter. One of them is having a firm handshake.
Many believe that a firm handshake can telepathically transfer one's strong will and professional excellence to one's interviewer.
Reality
Again, a good handshake is a sign of a confident personality. However, correlation is not causation.
That is, someone with a slightly weaker one isn't automatically wrong for the job. Shaking hands with the person who escorted you to your interview and your interviewers is a sign of respect.
Your interviewers will consider you as a polite being (...irrespective of the firmness of your hand). Plus, there are other factors to assess you, so rest assured they are not overthinking your handshake.
Also Read: Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer
Things To Remember While You Interview Prep – Advice for Interview
While preparing to be your best self in your interviewer’s eyes, do not forget this last-minute advice for an interview.
Check The Job Description: Before you sit before answering the questions, remember to go through the job descriptions a few times.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t answer one question, but you should know what job you are interviewed from. Plus, offering you a different job role other than the one in the description is also a major red flag you should look out for.
Research The Company: Do not give your interviewers the impression that this is just another interview. Show them that you want the job and start having personal communication about the company.
Knowing that you know about the company creates a steady impression.
Non-Verbal Communication: 70% of communication in your job interview is non-verbal. When you start your job interview prep, do so in front of a mirror.
Finding your best presentation posture, a pleasant smile, and firm eye contact. The entirety of you should be communicating with your recruiters. Especially if you are in a video interview, your non-verbal communication skills will be scrutinized more.
Keep In Mind the Timing: You should always be early enough for your interview. This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate’s conceptual skills. nature, heavily influencing your acceptance rate.
Make it a habit to be 10 minutes before the assigned time for your corporate interviews.
Interview Doesn’t End After You Leave: Always send a thank you mail expressing your gratitude.
You can also give a better reply to a question asked during the interview. This will show your enthusiasm towards the job, and the fact that you are carrying your research forward even after the interview.
Bizarre Interview Questions (...and Their Answers)
Interview prep is indeed a serious matter. However, sometimes, interviewees can even ask bizarre questions to cut the tension and add some witty humor.
The wittier your answers to these bizarre interview questions are your recruiters will be impressed.
Here are some of the common questions whose answers you should prepare.
1. “What’s The Color of Money?”
A company once asked their financial candidates this question. This can either be a trick question or a question to test someone’s creativity & knowledge.
While the obvious answer would be green, one candidate answered “it depends on the country. While US dollar is green, Japanese Yen could come in blue, green, and purple based on the currency amount.”
Can you guess who was hired?
Yes, the one with a worldly knowledge about currencies from all over the world. Now, that is someone with a keen interest in finance.
2. “If you were shipwrecked on an island with no food, water, or internet connection, what is that one thing you would like to have.”
Now, this is a question that has no right or wrong answer. The recruiter is just trying to assess your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
One candidate answered “a kindle” which seemed like a dreamy answer. While another candidate said “a boat” which was quite logical.
The candidate who got the job said a hammer & a knife. Truly, you will need two important tools to fashion any tool out of whatever’s left.
This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate's’ conceptual skills.
3. “If you could fly or be invisible, what superpower would you choose?”
This is another interview question that recruiters use to break the ice. Through this superpower question, they are just trying to determine whether you are a spotlight person, or someone more willing to work behind the scenes.
Oddly, many choose flying over being invincible. However, for candidates who choose invincibility, recruiters can get an idea about their introversion or extroversion nature.
Therefore, when preparing for an interview, remember to choose these items wisely.
The End of Every Interview Prep
No matter how your interview was, always end it with a good note. Remember to shake their hands and express your gratitude for their time.
Do not rush the recruiters for a reply. Try waiting for 48 hours, and then send them an email asking for the result.
Your interview prep doesn’t end after the interview. A follow-up can always be a game-changer!
Hopefully, this blog post was able to calm you down. If you have more words of wisdom for our audience, please add them in the comment section below.
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