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The key to a good job interview? Easy, be yourself By
Scott Garrard
Some refer to it as one of the most nervous experiences of their lives. Others enjoy the pressure and the drama. Either way, a job interview is one of the most important moments an individual will ever experience in his or her life. Sure, that may be a little dramatic, but when one considers that a successful job interview can pave the way for a promising career, it is not difficult to see the value of preparation for this critical interview. Lynn Simmons, a program director at the Cache Valley Radio Group, has conducted, in his words, "countless" interviews over nearly 10 years. He has interviewed seasoned veterans looking for a job change as well as young college graduates looking for their initial experience. According to Simmons, the keys to a successful interview are fairly basic. "I pretty much look for things your high school guidance counselor beat into your head all those years ago. I just want to see who you are. The more real you are, the better off you are going to be," Simmons said. Simmons added that many candidates seem to go a bit too far in their presentations. "A lot of times people will come in and try to dazzle me with big words and fancy resumes, which are fine if that is who you are, but all I am looking for is the person that I am going to see every day at the office. If you make yourself out to be someone you are not, I can usually see right through that." With all this emphasis on "being yourself," where does a candidate draw the line between wanting to be professional, and going overboard in his or her interview? "You always want to look and act professional," Simmons answered. "Come to the interview dressed sharp, be courteous, and always be attentive. You can do all those things and still be yourself. Just relax, show your sense of humor, and above all, be honest." Simmons also mentioned that employers are willing to look past issues such as lack of experience if the interviewee is open and upfront during the interview. "A lot of times I don't hire the person who has the most experience or the best grades. If someone comes in with a great personality and demonstrates a strong work ethic, they move right up the board with those who may seem to be more qualified." While Simmons did stress the importance of being relaxed during the interview, he also added that the first three minutes of the interview are the most critical. "I can usually tell within three minutes whether or not I have found the right person or not. Usually the person I am interviewing is the most nervous when he or she comes into my office. That is when I can catch a good glimpse of how that person responds under pressure. If they are calm and relaxed, the better their chances." Performing well in a job interview can help launch a long and successful career. With that in mind, the pressure can be enormous. Yet Simmons final key to a winning interview is rather simple. "Just like the commercial, don't ever let them see you sweat. Don't get desperate. Remember, the company that is interviewing you needs an employee just as much as you need an employer. With that in mind you can turn the tables. Think to yourself that you are interviewing a prospective employer."
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