Communication is a broad topic that many people have a small understanding of. There is no place for it that is more important than in a relationship, with the Law, and during an interview. These are situations where people are, or the other party is, very much interested in paying attention and delving into the meaning of every single one of your words.
Communication – getting jobs and
passing secrets. Good for everything!For your next interview, keep these four communication tips in mind and you will make sure that you prove you are an acceptable and good candidate for this position. Ready? Let’s jump on in.
1. Opinions Are Not Relevant Here
I understand you may think the oil and gas industry is a bunch of scams run by president so and so and funded by a super genius man or woman. Whatever! None of that matters here. Whatever you have come across in your free time, or whatever you have heard on the street, or any other type of things that involves your opinion and isn’t based on fact doesn’t need be discussed here at all. You should completely strike them from any conversation or any questions and be done with it.
Now if this means you have to go through a list of things that maybe you are too familiar with and don’t seem like things you should say, then do that! Make that list ahead of time and then make sure you don’t say anything on that list.
Now, this might mean you have to go to forums that are associated with the company – especially LinkedIn or something like that – and say, “Hey, what are the controversial topics that have been put to bed and that have no meaning or relevance in your business?” Don’t bring those things up in an interview. Keep that out of there. Keep your opinions out. Just the facts, ma’am. And just the facts, sir. That’s the point.
2. No Controversial Headings
This is not an editorial. This is not your “want-to-be” viral video on YouTube. This is an interview. This is serious business. No controversy: no politics; no religion; no sexual orientation; no party you went to; no “did you see that tweet from so and so?” None of that matters for this conversation. You may feel very strongly about them. I do about very many topics. However, there is a time and a place.
Much like you wouldn’t go tell someone your social security number if they just came up to you off the street – it’s just not relevant and you prefer not to give it out – well, treat that the same way here in this interview. None of those things are relevant and they will definitely not help your position in an interview.
If any inkling of those topics come up – any of the controversial topics – then politely change the subject and move back to what value can be added to the company and how you would be a good fit. It may require some tact, but say something along the lines you don’t feel it is professionally relevant to the interview and you would like to carry on. There is no need to go any further.
3. Formality and Professionalism — Always
“Sir,” “Ma’am,” “That’s correct,” “Affirmative,” “Acknowledged” – these are words that are appropriate for an interview. “Wazzup,” “Cool,” “I dig,” “Whatever” – any of these new terms — heck, any terms within the past four decades – that work fine at home or out gallivanting around do not work in an interview.
Speak like you were speaking to your principle in high school. That’s just how serious it is. You are interested, not cocky, and are trying to prove your worth. Sure, you can be confident and know that you can do anything that they want you to do. But, don’t blow it by using silly words that have no place in any formal setting.
4. Ask Interested Questions
You may see “What questions should I ask?” or “What questions do you want to know about?” type lists on the internet. Some of those are probably really useful and I do recommend going to search for a few of them. But basically, what it boils down to is that the number one thing you want to do is this: listen actively to what they are saying. And if they give any hint on a problem or a pain-point that the company is dealing with, try to ask a question that is relevant to that. Show that you are listening, that you’re interested in solving business-related problems, and that you can do it.
Now, you should not ask anything about anything pay, rewards, or compensation for you. This conversation is not the time to talk about what you are going to get paid, how much vacation you are going to have, what kind of health insurance coverage you’ll get, or any of that stuff. That comes later.
This is probably not going to be the last interview in the phase. Usually a Human Resources (HR) interview or a phone call comes after this. That is when the negotiation comes. Once you’ve got the offer, you can start talking about money, total compensation, and all that. Make the real decision there. The first couple of interviews or a phone interviews is usually with the hiring manager or the HR specialist. Those “money” kind of things are just not relevant at this point. Keep it business related and how you can add value to the company.
Interviewing Communication Skills are Key
If you really want to communicate your way to a new job, keep the four tips just mentioned in mind. You will really have no problem showing that you are a legitimately interested and capable candidate. If you make sure you: keep your opinions out of the conversation; keep all controversial topics out of the conversation; use formality and professionalism; and make sure you ask relevant and interested questions, this will be a piece of cake. Or at least, better than it would have been before. Try these things, and good luck there.
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