Having fun at your interview

Going to a job interview can be an incredibly stressful ordeal. For most of us, “job interview” ranks right up there with dental work and filing one’s tax returns.

But being cool and confident can really save the day and make a difference in your interview, so I’m going to make a crazy suggestion: Try to have fun at your job interview!

How? Well, here are some ideas.

Think of it as a first date.

Okay, that might make you nervous, too. But it’s very similar in a lot of ways. It’s just as important on an interview as it is on a date to make a pleasant first impression – without being overbearing, or memorable in a bad way.

So being well-groomed and wearing great-looking, comfortable attire (and a smile) is a must.

Talking the talk

Obviously, you’ll be asked specific questions during your interview. But the person interviewing you will be observing how you interact with them and with others.

Making small talk is great. And although most people are afraid to ask questions, it’s good to ask thoughtful questions, because it shows your analytical skills and awareness.

What you don’t want to do is be too comfortable. If you were on a first date and cracked an inappropriate joke, or started oversharing and telling your life story, they’d probably run the other way. Same with an interviewer.

Keep it interesting but mysterious – let them ask the questions and fill in the blanks on their own.

If you really feel like you’ve missed an important point after an interview, work a mention of that topic into your follow-up thank you note or letter.

Q and A

Most of us get nervous about our interrogations – I mean, interviews – because we see it as a test. We’ve had it drilled into our heads that tests are all about getting the right answers.

Interviews can often be less about getting the perfect “right” answer than avoiding the obvious wrong ones. Companies want to make sure they’re hiring focused, motivated workers who are positive and who work well with others. Most of their questions will address this in some way.

Telling your interviewer that you hate your job, your boss or your co-workers (even if it’s true) is never a good idea. Your job, boss or your co-worker MIGHT be the problem, but you’ve just put a question mark in their heads because they’re wondering if YOU are the issue.

As for strange and unusual questions:  You might get a question in your interview like “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?” After wondering for a moment if Barbara Walters is interviewing you, think about the question and answer it in a creative, interesting way. Again, it’s not all about the “right” answer here. They want to see how your mind works – if you can analyze a problem and address it on the spot.