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You can prepare and practise typical interview techniques, check out a prospective new employer on the web, polish your shoes, iron your clothes and shake hands properly, but what else can you do to ensure you carry a positive impression through to the close of your interview? Practising the following techniques will sharpen your interview skills and ensure the best possible outcome.
Visualisation
Just before an Olympic bobsleigh team thunders down the icy track at 100mph, each member of the team will sway from side to side, in what can only be described as perfect harmony. Similarly, before he takes a swing, Tiger Woods stands behind his golf ball, looking into the distance. These athletes are focused on seeing their success before it happens.
How many times have you sat on a chair prior to an interview and imagined yourself being asked questions and responding to them, considered the behaviours you are exhibiting, the way in which the interviewer responds to you and how pleased you would feel with the successful outcome?
All this takes is a quiet room and the guts to give it a go. Remember 'what the mind can perceive the body can achieve'. You will be amazed at what you can influence.
Breathing
You cannot be anxious and relaxed at the same time. So, to stay relaxed, listen to your breathing. If it is fast, slow it down. Concentrate on changing its pace to a calm flow, in through your nostrils and out through your mouth. In no time at all your mind will be calm, your pulse slower and you will feel relaxed – the perfect way to enter an interview.
Anchoring
Anchoring is reminiscent of Pavlov's experiments with dogs. To install your anchor, recall memories of when you have experienced the required state. Once you have the memories, press and hold a knuckle. Release the anchor when the experience begins to fade. Then open your eyes, count down from 10 to break the state and distract yourself.
Repeat these steps several times, each time making the memory more vivid. Soon you will be able to press the knuckle alone and the state you anchored will be instantly accessible.
Pick the right language
Listen to the way the interviewer speaks. Is it auditory, kinaesthetic or visual? If auditory, he or she will tend to look from side to side if you ask a question and will be more inclined to use words such as "heard" or "tell". If kinaesthetic, you might be asked to give "a feel of what you've been up to over the past year", and if visual, you will hear "I can see what you're saying" or "I think I get the picture". If you listen for the clues as you would in any sales call you can begin the all-essential technique of matching and mirroring language.
The Author:
Mark Jones, Iceberg Vision
