We’ve all heard about the impact of pandemic-related remote learning and limited in-person interaction on Generation Z – particularly those in high school and college. Simultaneously, many of us, including young people, spent more time on social media and less time engaging directly with people. Many did not thrive in those conditions. This was particularly challenging for Generation Z because the relative isolation of the pandemic was implemented just as many of them were at the stage where they needed to develop the critical social skills – soft skills – that they will need for success in higher-level education, the job, and life in general.
As an interview coach focused on helping our young clients gain important skills, we can see that many of the competencies we focus on with them are really “life skills” that have implications beyond what happens during a 60-minute meeting with a hiring manager.
Let’s see how a couple of these apply outside of the interview room.
Communicating Confidence
In addition to listening to what a candidate says, interviewers use physical cues to assess whether a candidate is a good fit. The candidate’s demeanor is a huge component of this. All of the basics – looking the interviewer directly in the eye, a firm handshake, a smile – contribute to this perception of confidence. While these are the “basics,” the fact is for many who have spent so much time behind screens (often with the camera turned off), the way they may come across in person, or express themselves physically, may not reflect how they really feel. They may unintentionally appear disengaged or seem to lack confidence. At the same time, candidates need to observe non-verbal cues to “read the room” and assess the interviewer’s reactions to what they are saying. In our practice interviews, we provide feedback on candidates’ demeanor and coach them on how to project confidence. We also discuss different kinds of body language and what body language may communicate. Beyond the interview room, projecting confidence and picking up on non-verbal cues is invaluable in virtually all settings, whether just meeting a new person, interacting with a customer service manager about a defective purchase, or buying a new car.
Clear Expression
Being able to communicate clearly and succinctly about their background and experience benefits interview candidates. This is something that requires preparation and practice. Preparation involves learning about the company and the position, identifying how your skills, interests, and experiences relate to the role, and anticipating job-specific questions that might be asked. This enables an interview candidate to craft an effective message that makes sense to them and that they are comfortable delivering. Our coaching offers an approach to preparing for the interview, understanding as much as possible about the company and the role, and determining the alignment between the candidate’s skills and the job description. We also identify possible interview questions and discuss how the candidate can respond to them. Beyond the interview room, any important interaction can benefit from a clearly thought-out approach. A tough discussion with a roommate or a manager can be made easier by taking the approach of reviewing the situation, thinking about what should be communicated, and anticipating responses.
At Command the Interview, when we coach on interviewing skills we understand that we are imparting knowledge that a young Generation Z job candidate should be able to draw on in all parts of their lives, not just for an interview. If you know of someone who needs stronger interview skills, contact us at Kerrie@CommandtheInterview.com.