Speech Interview

Okay let's be honest here. Nobody likes to interview for anything. It makes you feel awkward. Why? Because it is awkward.

It's also the only way to get the job or the award you really want.

If you're doing this navitent (navigational steps), then you must be preparing for an interview.

How do you feel about having people ask you questions when you have something riding on the outcome?

If you're like most of us, then you probably said you were worried to some degree.

Now let's work on your confidence because it's confidence, not necessarily your answers, that's going to be your biggest asset.

Interviewers are looking for who you are. For an example of this jump up to the video icon and look at the interview scene from "The Pursuit of Happyness."

Tell us how the clip landed with you when you finish watching it.

Even though he was dressed all wrong, had paint in his hair and on his face and had just run there from jail, Mr. Gardner nailed the interview. Better yet, it's a true story.

Here's what we like about this interview:
1- He's honest
2- He's confident
3- He's approachable
4- He's humble

Do you share any of these traits? If so, which ones? If not, what traits best describe you. Write them in the space provided.

You probably are more honest, approachable and humble than you may realize.

You wrote a speech that reflects your passion, interests and goals. You're being interviewed about your own history. You already have the answers.

It doesn't get anymore honest, straightforward or relatable than that.

What part of your personal history are you most proud of?

Go to the documents icon above and download the sample interview.

Read through the questions.

Select "successful" when you've finished.

Before you start to practice the sample questions, let's work on your confidence level.

You can probably answer the questions without any problem, but without confidence, it isn't likely to go the way you hoped in the actual interview.

Start here. What inner qualities do you have that make you feel good about yourself? These qualities could strength, personality, empathy, courage, intelligence, resilience, integrity, loyalty, humor, and so on... You get the idea. Now run with it. List them below.

Confidence.

Confidence is an understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table just by being yourself.

Nothing fake. Nothing cocky. Nothing insecure.

Just you, your story and a deep appreciation of what you stand for.

So...you know what inner qualities make you feel good about yourself.

What else do you enjoy?

Describe a particular pastime where you feel confident just being yourself. Perhaps it's a sport, hobby, internship or job that you're especially good at.

Write about it in the space provided.

Now you can answer the sample questions. Before you do, find a mirror you can practice in front of. We know this may feel very awkward, but, trust us, it's importent to your success.

If you're doing this navitent where there's no mirror or privacy available, then ask a friend, mentor, teacher or trusted relative to give you feedback.

If you chose the mirror, then notice your expression and body language as you answer the questions.

Describe what you saw in the space provided.

If you asked a friend to watch as you spoke, then ask them what they noticed and write what they said in the space provided.

Nailing the interview is about knowing who you are, what you stand for and the confidence to discuss it with your head up and shoulders back because you're proud of that part of you.

Wear that attitude to the interview.

How much do you think you can do this on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being "no way" and 10 being "absolutely"?

This is the obvious one.

Of course you'll dress in what makes you feel your best.
Of course you'll smile, shake hands if possible and look people in the eye.
Of course you'll stand head up, shoulders back.

But will you remember to wear your best attributes and the confidence that your story is amazing because it's yours, and nothing else is going to beat that?

If you said yes, then you're ready to go.

If you're unsure, then reschedule this navitent by going to the "Scheduler" tab to the far left (5th icon down) and set the date or dates you'd like to redo the steps.

This is a process. Don't worry. You actually have this more than you may realize.

How are you feeling about it now on a scale of 1 (nope, nothing) to 10 (got this)?