Big Job Interview: Communicate with Power and Authority
Recently a family member had a big job interview. They called me to ask for counsel on how to nail the conversation since I have been on both sides of the table many times as both the interviewer and the interviewee. When it comes to competing for a big job, the price of entry is a solid resume, and often, the differentiator is the leaders’ ability to communicate with power and authority.
How do you know if you are communicating with power and authority? Here are three simple questions to help you self-assess:
How Do I Feel?
Are you confident in your competence? When you look in the mirror, is the reflection you see back that of a lion or a cat? How you feel about your own abilities translates into how others view your competency and, often, confidence trumps competency. When interviewing, rehearse to be comfortable with your achievements and have specific instances that show these competencies. Most of all come across with confidence and conviction. The key is to make sure you feel confident — and display it.
How Do I Look?
Are you dressed for success? Is your body language open and large versus closed and small? Dressing for the job you want instead of the job you have enables others to visualize you in that promotable role. When you look good, you feel good, which translates into confidence. Evaluating how you enter a room, where you sit and how you stand all contribute to your executive presence and that “wow” factor that organizations want to see their top leaders demonstrate. A big tip is to do some “power poses” (e.g., a large open stance with hands on hips) right before the interview to help calm you down and make you feel “large” and ready.
How Do I Sound?
Are you coming across in a way that truly allows you to be heard? Eliminating undermining language and phrases (e.g., just, actually, kind of, almost, sorry, a little bit) help leaders to communicate more clearly and deliberately. Taking credit for your achievements without it sounding like boasting, as well as speaking in the right tone and pitch (not too soft or high pitched), can aid towards displaying authority. Listening intently and then asking great questions allows you to learn more about the prospective company while at the same time showing interest, intelligence, and confidence.
We all know that how we communicate can be just as important or more important than what we communicate. The next time you are interviewing for the big job, remember to ask yourself, “How do I feel? How do I look? And how do I sound?” Then go deliver and nail that interview.
