The Importance of Being Able To Adapt In Job Interviews
You have got the email or phone call to say you have been invited to attend the first round of job interviews.
Knowing that you want to do your very best you put time, energy and effort into your preparation.
You’ve taken on all advice about showing how excited you are about the job and why you are really interested in the role.
You’re ready for whatever questions get thrown at you.
It sounds like you are all set to do a great interview.
But when you turn up for interview you get thrown off track.
The person who the recruiter described you were meeting appears to be very different to the person in front of you.
The line of question is what you might call a little obscure.
We have all had that type of your interview at some point or other.
The good news is that there is a way through this type of situation.
The key is to be able to adapt.
So how might you do this?
Pay attention to the body language
Throughout the interview the interviewer is giving you clues.
I remember one interview I had many years ago when the interviewer’s eyes started to wander when they had heard enough in response to a question.
So I started to look for the clue that it was time to complete my answer to the question.
Pay attention to the way they speak
If someone is quite quietly spoken, measured and paced in their communication try to be as close to that as possible.
You may be a bundle of energy and enthusiastic but that might well put off some interviewers because they think you will struggle to work with you.
Look for other clues
Ever noticed how some people have a tendency to unconsciously nod in agreement when you are saying the right things?
If you notice that happening keep the focus of your answer on the same track.
Take your time before you respond
Sometimes all you need is a short pause to get clear on what is really being asked so that you can respond appropriately.
And if you are really stuck, just check with the interviewer what you think they are asking (of course you can only do that once or twice).
The bottom line: You can be really well prepared but sometimes it’s the ability to adapt your style that can make the difference between getting a job offer and getting rejected.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.