Ace the Interview!
In these hard times, no job is completely stable. Employees must be ready to act and react quickly. For the past 85 years, Toastmasters International has prepared members to communicate effectively through practice and study, in an environment that is comfortable as well as educational. In Toastmasters, you will learn skills to help you in your next interview as well as in your daily life.
Here’s a common scenario these days: You’re 45 years old and haven’t had a job interview for more than a decade. Your company has just terminated half of its staff and you are worried that your job is no longer secure. You may have to start interviewing for a position with a new company.
Reality has hit, and you are forced to find a new career. After your first interview, you realize that your skills are rusty. Answering questions, you were nervous, tongue-tied and not as confident as you thought you might be. Toastmasters can help!
After attending your first Toastmasters meeting, you’ll find that Toastmasters can do more than help you with that job interview. With continued attendance, you’ll have more confidence and better communication and leadership skills for the rest of your life.
A few key things to remember before your next interview:
- Think about the questions you might be asked and consider possible answers in advance. At a Toastmasters meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your fear of failing the interview and also practice your responses with other members.
- Try to relax. Remember that you were called for the interview because you look good on paper. Now your job is to sell yourself in person. Even the best speakers get nervous. But it is how you deal with your nervous energy that is important. Begin by taking a deep breath. Smile. And filter that energy into positive, calm responses.
- Make and keep eye contact with the person interviewing you. Eye contact shows great confidence as well as control.
- Think positive! This company needs you and its management team is interested in you. They are on your side.
You’ll have the opportunity to practice these skills and more when you become a member of the Toastmasters family. Not only will you have the confidence to walk into an interview, but you will also gain leadership and communication skills to improve your daily life. Many Toastmasters who are interviewed by prospective employers are complimented on their interviewing skills. Take the leap, join or at least visit a Toastmasters club today. It will change your life! Find a club at www.toastmasters.org/find
And best of luck in your interview!