IDEA 3

It's probably best not to try the technique of mirroring for the first time in an interview. First of all, observe people doing it naturally at social gatherings. That gives you visual evidence that people do it, even in groups. Now try it in conversation with someone you know well, and then try it in a business context. Just a few practices should make you proficient enough to do it at an interview.
Try another idea...
The importance of eye contact is discussed, May I pass you over now to my colleague?
ANCHORING
You're never at your most confident when you're about to try to be tested, professionally and personally. Anchoring can be very helpful in removing the signs of nervousness and helping to give you the confidence to give of your best. Anchor yourself to a memory of a time in your life when you felt really confident. Before the interview, perhaps outside the door, pause and bring that experience of total confidence into your mind. Hold it there, remember how you felt and what you saw and said. This reminds your brain of how to feel and look confident. At timesof pressure in the interview, recall the situation again and you'll adjust your behaviour back to expressing confidence.
Defining idea...
"She is the mirror of alle courteisye." GEOFFREY CHAUCER
How did it go?
Q I was mirroring an HR person in an interview. After ten minutes he made three quite quick changes in the position of his arms and legs. I followed as slowly as I could. He then flung his arms back, stuck his legs right out until he was almost lying on the chair. I couldn't mirror this even if I'd wanted to, because I was wearing a skirt. What was going on?
A We think he sussed you. Your movements were not subtle enough, or he was expert in NLP and saw what you were doing. He was also probably teasing you; I suppose everyone has to have their bit of fun and lots of HR folk don't get out that much. You did right to abandon your deliberate attempt to mirror his body language.
Q I get terribly stressed out about interviews and never do myself justice. I tried anchoring and it worked quite well to begin with. Halfway through the interview, someone else joined us and I started to feel really nervous. I didn't have time to think about the anchor again and the rest of the interview suffered as a result. Is it really possible to bring a happy time back into your mind in such circumstances?
A Yes. Most interviewers will understand if you want to pause for breath. Generally, we're all too quick to reply to questions in this environment anyway. Practise taking pauses when you're in conversation. Pauses make you look thoughtful and pay an interviewer the compliment that their question was good enough to cause you to think.


Interview Tips


So, why do you want this job?
Turn a question like this into a selling opportunity by using a double answer ñ balance what you'll get out of the job with what they'll get out of hiring you.

It should be reasonably easy to answer this one as long as you're going for the right job. If it's very difficult, then ask yourself if this is the right employer for you before you go in.

An employer wants people to join them with enthusiasm for the challenges they're about to face. Similarly you want to get into an environment where your working life gives you joy rather than grief. Research and good self-insight will give you the right answer to achieve both aims.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
It's probably best to start the dual answer with the straightforward answer to the question. It's another question that depends on your research.
You've got to be able to reply in terms of the company's attributes as you find them. It doesn't really matter what the situation is; you can still paint it as ideal for you. 'Most people want to work for the market leader; I could use your name with pride' could equally be, ëI like the way you've made such progress in your industry over the last few years. A growing company like yours suits my energetic way of working. I really enjoy success.'

Now try to get in something about their reputation. ëI understand that you can offer me a stable, challenging and inspiring work environment ñ you certainly have that reputation. I think it's the sort of environment that brings out the best in me.'

Now compliment the company on what it actually does. 'Many people regard your products and services as the best around. It's a pride thing again; I like to work for someone who is passionate about service and quality. I think we share those values and that I would enjoy fitting into your team.'