Mila Weeteling
April 16, 2024
Will you soon be in the spotlight as an interviewee? That can be quite exciting. Prepare for a relaxed and confident interview by using these 7 tips.
Will you soon be in the spotlight as an interviewee? That can be quite exciting. Prepare for a relaxed and confident interview by using these 7 tips.
To ensure that you go into the interview prepared as an interviewee, you can keep in mind the points below:
- What is the subject of the interview? You can always request to see the questions in advance.
- What is the reason you or your organization is asked to be an interviewee?
- Where and when will the interview be held? Should the interview be conducted by phone, find a quiet place.
- What medium is the interview for? For example, is it for a blog, or is it a radio or television interview?
- Plan sufficient time for the interview.
- What kind of interview is it? Are you the only person being interviewed on this topic? If more people are being interviewed, is it done separately or simultaneously?
- Immerse yourself in the conversation topic and think of what you would like to say in advance for yourself so you don't forget.
- Make clear arrangements in advance about reading the final interview or listening/watching the recordings. After all, you can still check the text for inaccuracies.
Immersing yourself in the interview and the topic will make you more confident during the interview. Try not to think of all your answers in advance, as this will take the spontaneity out of the interview.
Feel free to take your time to understand the interviewer's questions. It is not a bad thing to allow a moment of silence to think about your answer. If you find the question unclear, ask what is meant.
Also listen carefully to the conclusions the interviewer makes during the interview. This way you can check whether the interviewer has understood your story. If anything is missing, the interviewee can tell you immediately.
If you can't answer a question, explain why.
The interviewer listens to your answers and writes along. As an interviewee, you may find yourself consciously thinking about what you are saying, but try to let go of this. By simply telling your story, the interview will be more spontaneous and the end result will also be better. Make sure you don't just blurt out anything, because your statements may be copied word for word.
There may be silences during the interview. This may be done intentionally by the interviewer. There is no need to fill the silences if there is nothing you want to say.
Also pay attention to what you say before and after the interview. In fact, these conversations can also be used.
As an interviewee, try to be considerate of the audience, and avoid technical jargon unless you are sure the interviewer and the audience understand you. If necessary, explain difficult words.
During the interview, it is also important for you, the interviewee, to pay attention to your posture. Your body language reveals a lot, so make sure you don't have any nervous traits. Sit confidently and make eye contact with the interviewer. This way you show that you are confident in yourself and your answers.
As an interviewee, be sincere during the interview. By remaining yourself, you will come across as more credible. In addition, you will feel more comfortable during the interview.
In tip 1, you already read about preparing for the points you would like to have said. Think about what is the message you want to convey in the interview. When you answer, start with the core message. This comes across stronger because you present the most important information right away.
Are you going to talk about what the company does during the interview? Then make sure you have figures and/or examples with you. This way you will support your story.
As an interviewee, always be professional and respectful. Even if you disagree with something or are under pressure, being respectful can leave a positive impression on the interviewer.
Prepare yourself with the tips above, and then you will soon be able to handle any interview. Would you rather receive the tips in real life anyway? Then follow our media training!
