It’s completely normal to be nervous when you’re in an interview. But you must force yourself to be calm and remember that the members of the interviewing team will be forming a conclusion about you–both in terms of how you appear and what you say.
Body language, is therefore, very important. For instance, you wouldn’t want to cross your arms while answering a question, as this may be perceived as a hostile gesture. You would also not want to yawn (a sign of boredom) or fail to make eye contact (an indication of negativity.)
Speak slowly and clearly, avoiding ‘filler’ words such as ‘um/ah/oh/you know’ and so on. The basic rule: Think BEFORE you speak! When you are asked a question, it is perfectly permissible to take a few seconds to reflect on the appropriate answer. Just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind is invariably not productive.
On the other hand, answering with a paragraph when a sentence will do, is not a good idea. Say what you have to say without going into a lot of extraneous detail. As your interview progresses, try to judge the reaction your words seem to have. Is anyone shifting in their chairs or looking at the clock?? If so, its time to change your style before you blow the whole interview!
Make sure to address your comments to each member of the team individually, looking at the person as you do so. Be sure to come across as interested in what they are saying: nod your head and smile when you hear a statement with which you can identify.
Also: a little humor is good: a lot is usually a disaster! (After all, an interview IS serious business!) Adopt a tone of voice that is appropriately serious, but don’t come across as too intense. Remember too, that these people will be your co-workers and you want to cultivate a good rapport with them, so that they will walk out of the interview saying “I really LIKED that candidate and I think he’d be a great addition to our team.”
Project energy, strength, enthusiasm and personality. And be sure to speak loudly enough so that everyone can hear what you’re saying.
Before leaving that room, remember to shake hands with each and every individual on the team if feasible. (Don’t go leaping on tables or pushing chairs out of the way to do so, though.) And, before you leave, make sure that you’re clear on what the next step will be. i.e. will there be a 2nd or 3rd interview? Are there any more colleagues it would be important for you to meet?
Finally, be sure to ASK For the job by saying something like: “I’ve sure learned a lot today, and based on what I now understand, I’d be extremely interested in this position.’