Range Speak within a range that is comfortable for you. Don't try to talk in a low voice just because you’ve heard that doing so conveys authority. That would create strain, making you sound even less authoritative. Volume Speak loudly enough to be heard clearly, but support your voice with air from your diaphragm.
Pace Your rate of speech should match the interviewer's as closely as possible for better rapport, but don't speak either too rapidly or too slowly. Speak at a moderate rate of about 125 to 150 words per minute. Vary your rate from time to time so your speech doesn't become monotonous.
Diction Good diction also is important. Try to pronounce all the parts of each word you use, especially words ending in "ing." You'll leave a better impression with your interviewer.
Static Avoid sounds, words, and phrases that interfere with communication; these include "it's like," "you know," and "okay" as well as filler sounds such as "uh," "and," or "and, uh." They occur most frequently when people are tired, ill-prepared, or under stress of some other kind. If you catch yourself using them, relax and focus your mind straight ahead to your next thought. Avoid filling gaps with any of these words or sounds by saying nothing until you are ready to use the next "real" word. Your interviewer will never notice the pause.
How to Get the Right Kind of Rest
Get a good night's sleep before your interview. If you aren't feeling well, even a brief rest an hour before you head to the interview can do wonders. It will give you a chance to relax and clear your mind of any excessive stress. That should help you concentrate better during your meeting.
If you have difficulty falling asleep the night before an interview, drink a glass of warm milk. Warming the milk releases chemicals that can help the brain relax. You can also do light stretching exercises and take a hot shower just before going to bed.
Make sure your self-talk is positive. Don't tell yourself, "I can't sleep." Instead, say, "I have done my best. I have prepared myself for the interview. Now I'm feeling very relaxed; my eyes are growing heavy. I can feel my head, my arms, my legs, and all of my body slowly easing, relaxing deeper and deeper into the bed as I let go and enjoy a comfortable, restful sleep." As you say this, match your words to your breathing rate, slowing down more and more with each affirmation.
Progressive Relaxation
You can also relax each part of your body progressively. Start with your toes. Tense them and then allow them to relax as you tell yourself that your toes are now relaxed. Do this with all the muscles in your legs. Next, focus on the tips of your fingers and work your way back until you reach your chest. Now shift your focus to the muscles in your buttocks, then to the small of your back, and gradually work up your spine. When you reach your shoulders, switch to the top of your head and work your way down through all your facial muscles (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and jaw). Move to your neck and shoulders and follow the same procedure.
If you are still awake, your last step is to tense every single muscle in your body all at once and then let go slowly. As you release, make a mental picture of anything you find tranquil and peaceful. Hold that image and tell yourself that you are sinking warmly, deeply, and pleasantly into total relaxation.
Who Might Interview You
You are likely to meet with people from three different departments during your interviews.
Head of Human Resources This person may interview you more for input about your attitudes and aptitudes than to learn about your skills. He, let's say it is, may not make the decision to hire, but he may have almost any degree of influence depending upon the organization. His department will also be responsible for briefing you on such things as benefits and organizational policies and procedures.
Your Supervisor is the person to whom you would report.
Needless to say, he or she will be making the final decision to hire. Both of you should get to know each other well during the interview.
Other Interviewers - Some organizations may arrange to have you meet with others with whom you would be working. Some of these contacts may be arranged to give you a better feel for the work environment; others may be selected for the boss's perception of their acuity in sizing up people. About the only cue you can rely on to determine which is which is to notice whether the contact tells you about things (to give you a better sense of the environment) or asks you about things (to size you up).
As long as you are given the opportunity to meet these people one-on-one, you will need no special preparation. However, if you are scheduled to meet several people in one interview, you will need to refer to the techniques for group interviews.
What Interviewers Seek
What will the interviewer look for in you? It bears repeating: First impressions are lasting ones and your persona will be established by the appearance you present. That includes your attire, your grooming, your demeanor, your voice tones, and your body language. You, of course, should be using the same criteria to evaluate your interviewer.
