Do you ever feel anxious before an interview or think you could have done better post-interview?
A common statement I hear from Crew is, “I think I rambled too much!”
I personally suffered from performance anxiety when it came to interviews. It was until I changed my mindset that the pressure to perform was alleviated.
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but they also present opportunities to showcase your skills, qualifications, and personality to potential employers. One of the key ingredients for interview success is confidence. Confident candidates leave a lasting impression and are more likely to make a positive impact on interviewers. In this blog, we’ll explore strategies and techniques to help you boost your confidence and excel in job interviews.
Here are some strategic tips on what you can do to build your confidence in interviews.
Prepare and Practice: Before the interview, prepare answers to common questions. Write down key points you want to cover and practice delivering your responses succinctly. This will help you stay on track and avoid going off on tangents. If you are unsure of what the common questions may be, reach out to Heads of Departments or if
you are a Captain, contact other Captains who have been interviewed by Owners or their Reps.
Focus on the Question: Listen carefully to the question being asked. Make sure you understand it before you start answering. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Addressing the specific question will prevent you from going off-topic. It also demonstrates to your interviewer that you are unafraid to ask for help. This is a key factor in reducing accidents from occurring on board.
Use the STAR Method: For behavioural questions about specific situations, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response; this is an effective way to stay on topic and not ramble. This framework encourages you to provide a concise overview of the situation, the task, your actions, and the results you achieved.
Practice Active Listening: Pay attention to the interviewer’s body language and cues. If you notice them starting to lose interest or if they’re trying to move on, wrap up your response. Active listening will help you gauge their level of engagement.
Breathe and Pause: When you feel yourself starting to ramble, take a deep breath and pause. This brief pause will allow you to collect your thoughts and re-focus your response.
Stay Concise: Aim to answer each question within 1-2 minutes. This timeframe is generally sufficient to provide relevant information without straying off-topic.
Avoid Over-Sharing: While it’s good to provide context, avoid sharing excessive personal details or anecdotes that don’t directly relate to the question. Stick to the relevant points.
Practice with Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with a friend, family member, or career advisor. This will allow you to practice your responses and receive feedback on your delivery.
Be Mindful of Nervousness: Nervousness can sometimes lead to rambling. Practice relaxation techniques before the interview, such as deep breathing or visualization, to help manage your nerves.
Think Before You Speak: Before you start answering a question, take a moment to gather your thoughts. This will help you deliver a more organized and concise response.
Focus on What You Can Control: It’s natural to feel nervous, but focusing on factors you can control—like your preparation, demeanour, and responses—can redirect your energy away from anxiety and toward confidence.
Embrace Imperfection: This technique is what helped me! Remember that no one is perfect, and interviewers understand that. It’s okay if you stumble over a word or need a moment to collect your thoughts. Don’t let small errors undermine your confidence.
And lastly, Learn from Rejections: Not every interview will result in an offer. Instead of dwelling on rejection, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every interview experience can contribute to building your confidence for future opportunities
Confidence is a skill that can be developed and honed over time. You can boost your confidence and shine during job interviews by preparing thoroughly, practising, and adopting a positive mindset. Remember, your unique experiences and skills make you a valuable candidate.
Embrace your strengths, stay composed, and let your confidence guide you toward interview success.
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