Interview Preparation: Thinking Faster and Talking Smarter to Sharpen Communication for Success During Interviews
Magdaline Njoroge
Virtual Assistant | Data Management Expert with 50,000+ Entries Processed | AI Trainer & Data Annotator | Proven Writing & Research Skills | BSc in Applied Mathematics | Lifelong learner
No one fully prepared me for success in interviews. As a freelancer, your network and reputation often do the heavy lifting, with little need for formal interviews beyond bidding for projects. However, as I transition to roles requiring formal interviews, i am presented with unique challenges.
For the years I have worked as a freelancer, I never had to interview. The last time I did an in-person interview was this year on May, where I interviewed as a data collector. I found myself trembling, my nerves manifesting in my voice. Despite being a low-stakes interview, I mixed up my graduation year and the timeline of some moves. Fortunately, the interviewers either didn’t notice or chose to overlook it, and I secured the contract for 21 days.
Now, I find myself facing a high-stakes interview. I know I can perform, but articulating that during an interview is where my anxiety takes over. Last week, I practiced a mock interview, thanks to #ALX for organizing that, and the feedback was blunt: my communication needs improvement. Out of curiosity, I asked “If you were the hiring manager, would you hire me?” the response was that I stood no chance, especially if was competing with well articulated competitors. ?
I was not surprised by this feedback. I’ve often struggled with thinking on my feet, especially in high-pressure situations. Situational questions often trip me up. Yesterday, for example, I encountered a question in practice, and instead of answering, I hesitated, thinking, I’ve never been in this situation. If I answer, am I lying?.
?I understand. I am work in progress. These are challenges I am working to alleviate, challenges we ought to alleviate. In preparation, I came across a helpful video titled “Think Faster, Talk Smarter” by Matt Abrahams on YouTube, which provides practical strategies for thinking on your feet and speaking effectively in the moment. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/x6TsR3y5Qfg?si=XpiX_c4wHoZp2mcq
Key Insights from “Think Faster, Talk Smarter”
?The speaker emphasizes that communication boils down to two essential elements: Mindset and Messaging.
Mindset
When anxiety kicks in, our bodies respond naturally. For me, this includes sweating, feeling feverish, stammering, and ultimately freezing up. These are instinctive reactions to perceived danger.
Causes of Anxiety in Interviews:
?Strategies to Overcome Anxiety:
?? - Listen to music.
?? - Engage in light conversation.
?? - Try a tongue twister to focus on the present moment.
?? - Count backwards, making it more challenging by subtracting in sequences of 2, 3, or4
3. Maximize Mediocrity: Turn down your inner critic.
4. Mind Your Mindset: Reframe the event as an opportunity to learn or connect rather than focusing on perfection.
5. Pay Attention: Listen deeply to understand what is being asked.
6. Pace and Reflect: Pause, rephrase the question for clarity, and then respond. The author outlines the importance of giving yourself pace, space, and grace:
- Pace: Slow things down.
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- Space: Create mental space to listen actively.
- Grace: Trust your intuition.
?Messaging
Delivering a message clearly and concisely is often more challenging than coming up with the right answer. During an interview, fragmented responses can confuse the interviewer, making it difficult for them to piece together your answer.
How to Deliver Your Message Effectively:
Avoid filler words like “uh” and “so.” Instead, use a clear structure to organize your thoughts. Suggested frameworks include:
Example: A client struggled with managing their growing list of tasks, leading to missed deadlines. I introduced task management software that organized and prioritized their tasks automatically, resulting in improved productivity and reduced stress. ~ChatGPT
Example: Our software helps prioritize tasks, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment. By adopting this tool, you’ll improve time management, reduce stress, and focus on higher-value activities. ~ChatGPT
Example: A client was unhappy with delays in task completion. I acknowledged their concerns, offered a clear plan to improve response times, and we successfully developed a more efficient process. ~ChatGPT
2. Focus on the Goal:
Avoid rambling. Stay concise and relevant by focusing on what the interviewer wants to know. Use the Information – Emotion – Action structure:
?? - Information: What does the interviewer need to know?
?? - Emotion: How do you want them to feel after listening to you?
?? - Action: What do you want them to do next?
?Final Thoughts
?Interviews can feel like an overwhelming mountain to climb, and it’s easy to believe that you’re not equipped for the journey. However, many of us possess the skills we need; we just lack the audacity to present ourselves confidently. As I prepare for tomorrow’s interview, I’m learning that success comes from combining preparation with courage.
?Good luck to anyone else preparing for their own climb. We are more qualified than we think - let’s go out there and show it.
#InterviewPreparation #ALX #VirtualAssistants #Interview #Anxiety