I was talking to some people today about finding work, when the subject of interview cockiness came up. Funnily enough, I just had a similar conversation with a fellow member of the WNBA.
When my job search first started, I was pretty shy. I dreaded those phone calls to publishing houses when following up on a resume. But as these things go, I eventually got better. Just comparing my first interview to the last one (where I actually got hired), I realize how much changed in the three months it took to land a gig.
One question I constantly struggled with was: when does confident become cocky? I knew I was qualified, and honestly didn’t get too beat up when I was turned down. Because so often it’s not personal – someone with amazing qualifications came in, the boss’s kid needed a job, you just didn’t click with the interviewer (and yes, maybe that is personal, but do you really want to work for someone you don’t click with?).
But knowing you’re qualified can turn into arrogance. And it wasn’t until I found that balance that I finally nailed that interview.
My advice:
- Firm handshake – don’t knock it!
- Eye contact (duh)
- Impress with your qualifications, but don’t hesitate to say you’re excited about learning more about the industry! We’re not expected to know everything.That doesn’t mean come unprepared.
- Ask questions! Good ones! It shows you respect your interviewers opinion/what they have to say… Ask about the future of the industry (publishing is at a crossroads people, a serious topic for debate! Ask where Publisher X is going with the new technology/digital revolution), how the interviewer got their job, what they’re looking for in an employee, etc etc.
So know your strengths and play them up. But also be enthusiastic about learning more. Your future boss knows more than you (usually) so don’t act like you’re doing them a favor. And finally, be creative! Do interesting, out-of-the-box things, without acting like a complete idiot in the process.
How exactly do you accomplish that? Well, you’re asking the wrong person.
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