Introduction

Interviews will vary depending on the situation. In general terms, the advice is to focus on communication and finding out more about the people/organisation involved. In this episode, I will provide some general topics for consideration.

The fact that you are selected for an interview means that the epic personal statement, or cover letter, or CV warrants further attention, which is a good start. Two or more people will spend their time finding out more about you. One should enter the interview room with some confidence (not overconfident).

3 Arguments to choose from.

The three arguments are Logos, Pathos, or Ethos, which appeal to reason, emotion, or one’s character respectively. Which one will work? The answer is a combination of each one. The order of appeals will make a difference. Classical rhetoric suggests the order of Ethos, Logos, Pathos. Step one use your reputation to engage the interviewer, i.e. I studied the topic for years. The interviewer may think you have clearly wasted your years. So you add Logos, logical reasoning into your argument to convince them that those years were not wasted. The interviewer may think you are just a boring textbook. Then you verbally slapped them with Pathos, an emotional conclusion to show the fire in your belly and your passion in the topic. Clearly, keeping calm will also be the key here, I think interviewers would prefer dedicated instead of crazy. I would love your comments. It will take practise and perhaps failures to perfect your arguments, but ultimately, you want to present the best version of yourself to the interviewer and for them to make the decision.

Listen and watch what they say.

Your understanding of the requirements are limited to the information on the advertisement and the research you have done on the organisation. Listening to their questions carefully, take some time to think (or at least pretend to process for a few seconds) and listen to their response to your answers because these are clues to improving your future interviews.

Body language will give clues. I think positive body language such as leaning forward and eye contact are generally good. You are in control in your own body language.

Ask questions to show interests

The interview is also a rare opportunity to ask questions about the organisation or role that you desire. So I would recommend researching and preparing some questions to ask. (ensure the answers were not covered in the interview earlier).

Other topics

There are so many other points to account for.

• Initial impression – Dress smart will be better than not dressed (smart).
• Focus on the best version of yourself – Let your portfolio, CV, personal statement speak for yourself, then the interview may become more of a verification process. (you are validated already)
• Enjoyment – The interview should be enjoyable for both yourself and the interviewers as both of you would have gained new information. That should be positive.
• Reaction to rejection – Not the nice part of the process, but the old one door shut, more doors are open etc.
• Luck – There are other factors that are out of anyone’s control. We can only maximise our sphere of influence. For example, there is just another candidate who is more suitable.

In conclusion, there are no magic bullets in interviews. I hope an understanding of certain fundamentals may help to present the best case for the role.

Best of luck in your future interviews.