How to Conduct Yourself During a Job Interview
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The job interview is the most important part of the job search. Military personnel have a few extra interview techniques to consider because their experience in the military prepares them for a different sort of employer-employee interaction than most job recruiters are accustomed to. This depends in part on the type of job, as some job interviewers will be very familiar with military-style discipline, but on the whole you should enter into a job interview with the idea that your interviewer is not familiar with military habits and lingo.
Saying “Yes sir” and “Yes ma’am” can be a tough habit break. Again, some interviewers, such as those for jobs in the law enforcement industry, will respect this type of regimentation. Other interviews, though, may find this kind of strict attitude too abrupt and inflexible. While employers do respect trustworthiness and responsibility, flexibility is also a necessary trait, so you must not appear too regimented in your demeanor.
Job Interview BasicsAside from these issues directly affecting military personnel, here are a few do’s and don’ts for conducting yourself in an interview.
- Adapt. This goes back to the flexibility issue. Every interviewer is not going to pose the same types of questions or respond to your answers equally. Some may be more open to humor, some will be the exact opposite. You must read your interviewer’s personality type and react accordingly.
- Dress appropriately. This could also be listed under the heading of “adapt.” Formal business attire is not necessary for every job interview, no matter how professional you might look. In this day and age, a suit is not always required and wearing a suit to a less-formal situation can be inappropriate.
- Don’t interrupt your interviewer. You’re going to be nervous, which can lead to being overly talkative. Take a breath and give measured answers, replying directly to what the question asked. In your answers be positive without being overly boastful – interviewers can see through this. Never be negative about former employers or fellow employees.
- Make good eye contact. “Good” eye contact means friendly, without being intimidating. Also don't slouch or fidget excessively.
- Be enthusiastic about the job. Don't show disinterest in the job tasks or show interest only in the pay rate/location.
- Ask questions. This is a big one that is often overlooked. Have questions prepared. It shows your interest in the job and overall knowledge of the industry.
Follow those basic rules and you’ll have a better interview experience. Sometimes the chemistry is not there with a particular interviewer, but overall these interview tricks will help the interview go smoothly. As a member of the military, you’ve obviously been trained for everything, so these simple steps should not be a problem. Just be aware that you need to adapt to a civilian mindset, just as you need to translate your military experience in civilian terms.
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