Recently, I met with a young client who was preparing to leave college and begin job interviews. After our meeting, I wrote her a letter to reiterate the steps we agreed she should take to improve her presence and effectiveness.
When I looked over the document, I saw that, while she had her own unique strengths and areas to improve, the advice could apply to many people in similar situations. So, I offer a redacted version here.
Notes to a young client:
- Be excited, not nervous. It’s better to label physical sensations as positive. You’ll perform better. My sister often struggled with her weight. She had a framed picture of one sheep speaking to another, saying, “Ewe is not fat. Ewe is just fluffy.”
- Arrive prepared with questions to ask and rehearsed answers for the usual anticipated questions. As Henry Kissinger said at the start of a press conference, “Does anyone have any questions for my answers?”
- You need to develop your vocal presence. An authoritative and lively voice is a weapon of mass persuasion. Avoid mumbling, speaking too quickly, and leaving out consonants. A good voice and speech teacher will give you exercises and soon you’ll be all fixed up.
- Practice smiling. It’s better to be seen as warm and competent than cold and competent. However, moderation in all things. Get too warm and people doubt your competence.
- Focus your eyes when you speak to people, and only look away if you decide to look away. Sustained eye focus is assertive behavior. It says I know what I’m talking about, I expect you to listen to me, and I care about your response to what I say.
- Boost your signal-to-noise ratio. Align your physical movements with your intentions. Your face and body speak just as much, and maybe even more, than your words. Great speakers intend what they express, and express what they intend. The rest of us mere mortals intend but fail to express, and express what we don’t intend.
- Prepare for the whack job. Most job interviewers have at least one whacked-out question to see how you handle a drop shot, body shot, or curve ball. Take your time, look the guy in the eye, and say, “Interesting question. Let me think out loud with you.” Or, “What makes you ask that question?” or, “Aha! The proverbial trick question, eh?” If he/she has the right to challenge you, assume the right to be challenging back at ’em. That’s probably the reaction they’re looking for.
These were the seven issues that were relevant to my client, and I suspect a fair percentage of readers and their college-aged children will identify with them. Given the incredible competition for jobs and admissions to elite schools, success can come down to how you come across in the interview. Interview time is time to shine.