Tips on how to succeed in a job interview
Focus Your Answers
When you do speak up (высказываетесь), keep your answers short. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the average attention span (время концентрации внимания) of human beings is eight seconds—and falling. So be mindful to focus.
If the interviewer’s attention starts falling off after eight seconds, you’ll want to cut to the chase (перейти к главному) and make your point within that short time frame. For example, say your interviewer asks, “Why should we hire you?” Within the first eight seconds of your reply you’ll want to say something like, “I believe my deep experience in this industry qualifies me for this position.”
Once you’ve stated your message, give a few clear supporting points. In this case you’d give two to four proof points to show how you’re qualified. To keep your listener focused, call out each point with a number. “First . . . Second . . . Third . . .” or “To begin with . . . Next . . . Finally.” This way the interviewer will stay alert (будет наготове) to what you’re saying.
