Last week we talked about how you prepare and arm yourself with answers that will put you ahead of everyone else. In today’s article we will learn helpful tips that will help us answer interview questions with confidence and enthusiasm.
Making a good impression

The impression you create about yourself in an interview or any other general encounter counts a lot and determines how you are perceived. You can create an impression by how you dress, how you talk, your body language etc

Today’s blog however, is all about how you create a good impression by the way you answer interview questions regarding:

• Ø Your qualifications
• Ø Your experience and background
• Ø Your abilities and skills
• Ø Your enthusiasm
• Ø Your personality

Since the interviewer has an idea about your qualifications, skills and experience (from your CV/ application letter), the major questions that they want answered are those concerning your personality and your enthusiasm for the job. It is up to you then to present yourself in a manner that will leave a positive lasting impression on the interviewer.
However, do not pretend to be someone you are not. You know yourself the most. Therefore, choose to portray your authentic self, but be your best self! Purpose to present the following 4 qualities that interviewers look out for:
4 important qualities you need to present at a job interview

1. Enthusiasm
2. Confidence
3. Openness
4. Energy
5. Enthusiasm for the job

Interviewers prefer people who they feel will give their all to those who may be better qualified with the right papers, but appear less enthusiastic about the job. Showing enthusiasm for the work you do and the job you are applying for will add you more points in the eye of the interviewer.
You can show enthusiasm by listening, nodding, smiling and generally showing genuine interest in what the interviewer is saying.

2. 
   
   
   Confidence

Confidence is a key trait that interviewers will be looking out for. Employers need you to project confidence in yourself and your abilities as they are going to trust you to do the job at hand.  Remember to always answer questions positively and do not put yourself down.

For example,

The interviewer says ‘This job requires a thorough understanding of Quickbooks. Would you say you have that?’

You could put yourself down by saying,’ I am afraid I have only used them for a short period during my internship at XY Company Ltd’

Or you could give a positive impression by saying, ‘Yes, I have used Quickbooks before to monitor petty cash during my 5 months internship at XY Company Ltd. So i am quite familiar with it.’

Tips to make your voice sound confident

Regardless of how nervous you are, make sure your voice sounds confident by:

• Taking a full breadth before speaking to steady and relax your vocal cords
• Speaking a little slower than you normally do. This makes you speak more clearly
• Speaking with a lower tone as this stops you from sounding shrill
• Smiling a little bit when the occasion calls for it as this helps you relax

3. Openness

Most interviewers want someone who is accessible, open and easy to communicate with. They want someone who volunteers information. They do not want a rigid person whom they have to dig out information from.
They will be looking for a candidate who will be able to get along with colleagues. Be able to give positive information about your abilities and present yourself well. Avoid one word answers and always give a full answer illustrating your major points.
However, to avoid sounding like you are bragging, substitute phrases like ‘I am…’ or ‘I can..’ with phrases like ‘ My workmates would say…’ or My supervisor would say…’ or ‘People tell me that…’

4. Energy
   
   

Show energy by speaking clearly, be alert, make eye contact and smile where the occasion calls for a smile. Showing energy enables the interviewer to see you as an optimistic and positive thinking person. It also shows that you are a pleasant person to work with.
3 bonus points on how to answer interview questions

When answering questions, always remember to;
Stick to the point- Keep your answers relevant to the question asked. If you have not heard the question clearly, you can always ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase
Illustrate your answers with real life anecdotes– Support your answers with appropriate illustrations as we had learnt in the previous blog.
Avoid talking too much- when you have given your answer, stop talking. Talking too much leads you to saying irrelevant points.
Next week, look out for important tips on how to answer tricky questions that interviewers like to ask such as ‘What is your greatest weakness?’, ‘What do you think you will find most difficult about this job?’ etc.

We wish you a blessed week ahead!