The value of recording yourself before the interview

If you’re like other people who are serious about improving your interview skills, then you’ve probably practiced answering the questions a potential employer might ask you. My question to you though, did you record yourself in a mock interview?

Without a doubt, the VCR is one of the best pieces of equipment you have to hone your skills. The ability to see and hear yourself in action is a wonderful learning tool, especially if you can get someone to help you by asking you the questions. There’s no question that it’s easier to talk to a living person than just a camcorder lens.

Dressing for success, having a confident handshake, and being prepared for the questions you’ll be asked is one thing. Seeing yourself in action can be daunting and uncomfortable, but it’s the knowledge you need to better prepare for your appearance and interaction with others.

I recently had a young man in my voice and presentation skills workshop who continually moved his mouth, almost in a yawning position, before answering a question. When he spoke, his facial expressions said anything but confident. This young man came to me because he is looking for a job, as he recently graduated from college.

Once aware of his strange facial movements, he began working to stop them and appear more relaxed when questioned. Yes, he will be (or should be) nervous about his interview. However, the employer should not see or hear you. Your goal is to look confident and sound confident, too.

There is no doubt that confidence is something that all employers look for in the candidates they interview. Fortunately, you can be nervous and confident at the same time. One actually has nothing to do with the other. When Milwaukee played Pittsburgh in the last Super Bowl, don’t you think the players were nervous? Of course they were. It was the Super Bowl for screaming out loud! However, they did not allow their nervousness to affect their confidence. Both teams were determined to win. Neither of them went out on the field negatively affected by their nervousness.

For professional athletes, musicians, artists, actors, public speakers, broadcasters, and politicians, nervousness is part of the game. Expected; and, for most, it is used wisely and positively.

If you have an upcoming interview, get out your camcorder, ask a friend to ask you questions, then study the playback. Work on what needs improvement. If your speaking voice is having trouble, consider voice training. Correcting your weaknesses before your interview is one step closer to a job.