If you're looking for a job right now it's no secret that you may be competing with lots of others for the same opening. Employment markets typically fluctuate with the business cycle. Sometimes it's a buyers' market with employers having lots of people to choose from and sometimes it's a sellers' market with few candidates looking for the jobs available.
No matter what the size of the market, employers always want to choose the person who will be the best overall fit for the position and company and that's where personality issues and emotional intelligence come into play.
As a former recruiter who's interviewed well over 10,000 applicants at all organizational levels and as a career consultant and interview coach, I can tell you I've see people at every level blow an interview or job offer because they've allowed their pride to get in the way.
This isn't always as obvious as the person who speaks with an arrogant or condescending tone of voice. Sometimes it's the person who talks too much or just uses the word "I" too much.
Here are some tips on balancing that fine line between confidence in your gifts and being prideful.
1. Practice with someone you trust. Visualizing the interview and thinking through what you'll say is one great way to prepare, but it's only half the job. If you've ever tried to show someone how to do something you know well and found yourself tongue-tied in the process then you know that just because you have knowledge in your head doesn't mean you can commute that information well. You've got to think about the questions you're likely to be asked, practice your responses, and get feedback on how you come across.
2. Balance "I" and "we." I've had applicants (and clients) who were naturally team players who don't normally toot their own horns very loudly who always use the word "we" when giving an answer to a question. While being humble is certainly a fine quality, there comes a time when you must honestly and confidently communicate what YOU did on your last job. Afterall, the company isn't hiring everyone you worked with...they're hiring YOU. Keep in mind that Jesus said that no one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket or hides it under a bed but puts it on a lampstand for all to see. Well, God gave you the gifts and talents you have so you shouldn't be embarassed or shy about discussing what you've done. You know that you did it all through the Lord.
3. Get to the point. Applicants can allow their nerves to cause them to ramble. Most people are uncomfortable with silence so they'll just talk to fill in any gaps. It's why interviewers take a little bit of time to ask you the next question...they want to see if you'll start talking again. Practice your responses so they take no more than 3 minutes to give. If the interviewer wants more information they'll ask a followup question. Answer the question you were asked and then stop talking.
4. Always be on your guard. The best interviewers will create an atmosphere where applicants feel completely relaxed and open. It's when we're most relaxed that we're also most likely to make a mistake and not communicate at our best. This can range from letting a negative comment slip about your former employer to not speaking very clearly or not choosing your words carefully. A job interview is more than just the time you're in the office with the person interviewing you. You're being judged from the time you walk onto the property to the time you leave (and even after since you need to send a thank you!). Don't allow yourself to become so relaxed that you're not taking a moment to reflect on what you're going to say or do next.
5. Be Christ-like. As people of faith, we're charged with being beacons of Christ's love at all times. Think of how Jesus responded when he was being tested and challenged. He was patient; He was gracious. I don't recommend you speak in parables though : - )
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