By MARGARET K. GILLIAM, Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) It’s not a good idea to rush to an interview.
The key to a successful interview is a solid understanding of what you’re going to get out of it, says Dan Savage.
Savage, author of “The Savage Nation” and host of “Savage Lovecast,” talks about how to interview the right person, and the power of social media.
This interview has been condensed and edited.
Listen to the podcast: (http://bit.ly/2aEtqVf )Related stories on AOL.com:AP:What to know about the Affordable Care ActAP:The worst jobs in AmericaAP:Savage’s top tips for getting the most out of an interviewAP: The ‘Savage Nation’ reunion, a must-see showAP:Dan Savage: The greatest podcast in history”The best way is to listen to a lot of great interviews and read a lot,” Savage says.
“Don’t rush.
Just listen to the interview.
You might be surprised with how well you understand what you have to say.
When I first started doing it, I’d read interviews about 10 to 20 times a week.
I’ve only read three interviews that I remember now.
I had a good time doing it.”
You should listen to interviews before you go in for the interview, he says.
He does not recommend that you interview a stranger.
You should also be ready to answer questions that the interviewer has already asked.
If you have an interview with a potential employer, Savage suggests you find a way to introduce yourself in the interview and tell them your strengths.
Then, if they have an opening, take it.
If you’re not sure, ask questions.
“If they’re asking you questions, you need to have a strong answer.
You don’t want to say, ‘No, I don’t know that this is a good fit for me,'” Savage says, explaining the value of having a positive answer.
You should also take some time to be yourself.
“You’re a human being,” Savage adds.
“Your answers need to be authentic and not a sales pitch.
You can’t say things like, ‘You’re an attractive woman who wants to do the best job I can do.’
That’s not going to help you.
Instead, try to show your personality.
You have to have that authentic voice in the room.”
When you feel like you don “need” to go to the interviewer’s office, Savage says that’s fine.
“But you need your interview to be like a warm-up.
It’s like a meeting, and you need a moment to make sure everything is working.
That’s how you feel the most about the interview.”
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