Mastering the Art of the Interview: Practical Strategies for Every Stage

In the quest to land your dream job, acing interviews in their various forms: phone, video, and in-person is crucial. But before diving into some interesting strategies that can set you apart from the competition, ensuring you shine at every stage of the interview process, I can’t emphasize enough how much important it is to remain yourself.

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In every interview, while strategy and preparation are paramount, the heart of your success lies in staying true to yourself. Authenticity resonates more deeply than any rehearsed answer ever could. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to secure a job, but to find a role and an organization where you can truly thrive.

By being genuine, you allow the interviewers to see not just the qualifications you bring, but also the vibrant and colourful personality and unique perspective that makes you not only the right fit, but a so special human being.

Embrace your individuality, it is your greatest asset and the very thing that will make you memorable in a sea of candidates.

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A)- The Phone Interview: Setting the Tone

1. Vocal Energy and Smile: On a phone call, your voice carries your enthusiasm. A simple trick is to stand during the interview, as this naturally boosts your energy level. Smiling as you speak can also make your tone friendlier and more confident, which the interviewer can surprisingly pick up on.

2. Create a Cheat Sheet: Without the visual cues of face-to-face interaction, it’s essential to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. Prepare a cheat sheet with your key achievements, questions for the interviewer, and bullet points on how you can add value to the company.

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B)- The Video Interview: Engaging Through the Screen

1. The Eye Contact Illusion: Maintaining eye contact on video calls doesn’t mean looking at the interviewer's eyes but rather at the camera. This creates the illusion of direct engagement, fostering a stronger connection.

2. The Background Story: Use your background setting as a subtle tool to convey professionalism or personality. A neatly organized bookshelf or a piece of art that reflects your interests can be a conversation starter and show a bit of your personality.

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C)- The On-Site Interview: The Full Picture

1. The First Five Seconds: Your first impression isn’t made when you start talking; it’s made the moment you appear. Practice your walk, your posture, and your handshaking technique. Enter the room with a presence that says, "I am confident and ready."

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2. Strategic Seating: If possible, choose a seat facing away from distractions (like a window or a busy hallway) to keep both you and your interviewer focused on the conversation.

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Universal Interview Techniques

1. Behavioral Mastery Through Storytelling: Prepare for behavioral questions by developing a robust portfolio of stories that illustrate your skills and accomplishments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) but add a unique twist: conclude with a reflection on what you learned or how it propelled your growth.

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2. The Forward-Look: In both technical and behavioral interviews, project your thinking forward. Discuss not only how you fit into the company now but how you envision growing with it. This shows foresight and ambition.

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3. The Curious Closer: At the end of every interview, reverse the roles for a moment and interview the interviewer. Ask insightful questions that demonstrate your deep interest in the role and the company’s future, such as, "What challenges do you foresee in this role in the upcoming year?"

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Preparation: The Key to Confidence

1. The Mock Interview Marathon: Instead of the usual mock interview, organize a marathon day where you undergo several back-to-back interviews with different friends or family members acting as interviewers. This stamina-building exercise helps you handle fatigue and maintain your performance under pressure.

2. Know Your Interviewers: Research your interviewers as much as the company. Understanding their background and interests can help you tailor your responses and engage more meaningfully during the conversation.

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Bringing It All Together

Each stage of the interview process tests different skills, but the overarching goal remains the same: to present yourself as the ideal candidate. By employing these innovative strategies, you're not just answering questions; you're engaging in a dynamic conversation about your future role. Stay motivated, remain positive, and let your unique personality shine through. This approach will not only help you stand out but also transform an often stressful experience into an exciting opportunity to showcase your potential.

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And final words…

Let your authenticity be the guiding principle that not only leads you through the entire interview process but also propels you towards a fulfilling career!

Salah Hazourli