How to Turn an Average Interview Into a Great One: A Step-by-Step Guide

Interviews are often the most crucial part of the job search process. While you may not always feel like you’ve nailed every aspect of your interview, turning an average performance into a great one is entirely possible. With the right strategies, you can improve your chances of making a positive impression, showcasing your qualifications, and ultimately landing the job.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn an average interview into a great one:

1. Stay Calm and Regain Your Composure

It’s natural to feel nervous during an interview, especially if you think it hasn’t gone perfectly. The first step in transforming an average interview is to regain your calm and composure. Take a deep breath and remember that interviews are a two-way conversation. If you stumble or miss an answer, don’t panic. Stay positive and focused.

Quick Tip:

If you’ve said something you wish you hadn’t, a simple “Let me clarify” can give you the opportunity to rephrase or explain.

2. Clarify or Rephrase Answers

If you feel that your answer wasn’t as strong or clear as it could have been, take a moment to clarify or rephrase. You can do this by saying something like:

“Upon reflecting on that, I’d like to add that...”

This shows the interviewer that you’re thoughtful and committed to providing the best answer possible. It also gives you a chance to reinforce key points that may have been overlooked.

3. Ask Thoughtful Questions

If the interview has been going well but you haven’t had the opportunity to ask many questions, take the opportunity at the end of the interview to ask thoughtful and relevant questions. Asking questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the company. It also helps to make the conversation more engaging and balanced.

Good Questions to Ask:

• "What does success look like for someone in this role after 6 months?"
• "Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?"
• "What are some challenges the company is currently facing that this role could help solve?"

4. Show Enthusiasm for the Role

If you haven’t shown enough enthusiasm during the interview, now’s the time to express your excitement. Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company. Enthusiasm can be a game-changer when you’re trying to turn an average interview into a great one.

How to Show Enthusiasm:

• Emphasize how your skills align with the company’s goals and values.
• Share specific examples of why you are excited about this opportunity.

5. Highlight Transferable Skills

If the conversation didn’t allow you to showcase all your relevant skills, now is the time to highlight transferable skills. Whether you’ve gained experience through other roles, volunteer work, or personal projects, these can be valuable assets in your current job application. Use this opportunity to tie your past experiences to the responsibilities of the role you’re applying for.

6. Express Interest in the Company’s Culture

Incorporating cultural fit into your answers is crucial. If you feel that you didn’t emphasize your fit with the company culture earlier in the interview, you can bring it up toward the end.

For example, you might say:

"I’ve researched your company and I really admire your focus on innovation and teamwork. I feel my background in collaborative environments and problem-solving aligns well with your values."

7. Provide Additional Examples or Stories

If you feel that the interview was missing compelling examples of your accomplishments, don’t hesitate to provide them. Be ready with a few key stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, or times you’ve excelled under pressure.

Craft Your Story with the STAR Method:

• Situation: Describe the context.
• Task: Explain your responsibilities.
• Action: What did you do to solve the problem?
• Result: What was the outcome?

8. Use Body Language to Reinforce Confidence

Non-verbal communication plays a huge role in how you are perceived during an interview. If you’ve noticed that your body language hasn’t been as confident or engaging as you’d like, make an effort to improve it.

Tips for Positive Body Language:

• Maintain eye contact to convey confidence.
• Sit up straight and avoid slouching.
• Smile and nod to show you are actively engaged.
• Use hand gestures to emphasize your points.

9. Reiterate Your Interest in the Role

Before the interview ends, ensure that you reiterate your interest in the position. Employers appreciate candidates who are enthusiastic about the opportunity and eager to contribute. A simple statement like this can leave a lasting positive impression:

"I’m really excited about this role and the potential to contribute to your team. I feel my experience and skills would allow me to make a meaningful impact."

10. Follow Up with a Thank-You Email

Even if the interview wasn’t perfect, a thank-you email can go a long way in turning an average experience into a great one. This is your chance to express gratitude for the opportunity, reinforce your qualifications, and add anything you may have missed in the interview. A thoughtful, well-written follow-up message can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the employer.

Thank-You Email Tips:

• Be polite and professional.
• Mention specific aspects of the interview you enjoyed or found insightful.
• Reiterate your excitement for the position and why you’re a great fit.

Conclusion: Turning the Average Into the Exceptional

Job interviews can sometimes feel like a make-or-break moment, but they don’t always go perfectly. However, by staying calm, rephrasing your answers, showing enthusiasm, and following up thoughtfully, you can turn an average interview into a great one.

At Ascent Global Partners, we understand that interviews can be stressful, and we’re here to help. Whether you need assistance with interview preparation, practicing your responses, or learning how to showcase your strengths, our expert team can guide you through the process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you succeed in your next interview.

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