You’ve conquered the initial phases of the job search, and you have been contacted for an interview! You already know how important it is to present your skills and abilities in ways that directly connect to the position at hand. But, you also know an interview is more than a question-answer session about your specific experiences. This meeting, or series of meetings, is much more comprehensive than a Q & A, so let’s take a look at important areas of focus identified by Nicole Fallon Taylor in her article, “5 Interview Skills That Will Get You Hired,” to help best prepare you for what’s to come:

Ask If You Don’t Understand. There is bound to be a time during the interview when you aren’t quite certain what is being asked. If that’s the case, clarify! This will not make you look less intelligent. If anything, it should make you look thoughtful. Take just a few seconds to think, then restate to the interviewer your understanding of the question. Your interview time is valuable, so use it wisely. Answering a question without clarifying hoping your response is relevant is to play Roulette with your time and candidacy.

Share Your Thoughts. There are times during an interview where you will want an opportunity to get your thoughts together. However, creating silence can be misinterpreted by the interviewer. Instead of thinking through your response in your head, share the thoughts you are mulling over. Sharing how you think through a question or situation demonstrates how you solve problems and what considerations you factor into your decisions. This also creates opportunity for conversation about the question or situation.

Practice Self-Awareness. This is an important factor for your candidacy both in terms of verbal and nonverbal communication. Remember those guidelines you were given in school to prepare for a speech? They all apply here. First, be aware of your vocal delivery. Control your volume. You do not want to shout at your interviewers nor do you want them craning their necks trying to hear you. Also, tune in to your tone. Do you come across with confidence? Or, does your tone unintentionally send a vibe of arrogance? If you can’t honestly assess these areas yourself, ask a friend for input during a practice interview.

As important as verbal communication is the nonverbal variety. Nonverbal cues are powerful and must be given attention so you are in control of what they “say” about you. Present a confident but comfortable stance and seated presence. If you tend to tap your foot, swing your leg or incessantly fidget with any small object from pen to button on your jacket, temper these behaviors. They can communicate nervousness, and, at the very least, are distracting to the interviewer. Also, be aware of your facial expressions and what they communicate to those who don’t know you. Keep the focus on the very best presentation of yourself.

Know the History You Wrote. Repeatedly, you are advised to tailor your resume to individual jobs. That means you also have to know exactly which resume your interviewer references. Make sure you have a system to keep track of which resume is at what organization, then review it before your interview to make sure you are solid about your own history. It may seem odd that you could respond in a way that makes you sound confused when asked about your own experiences, but it is highly possible when multiple versions of your resume exist in your weary, job-seeking brain. You’re only human, and this process is taxing. Do yourself a favor, and review the document that matches the interview.

Use the Research. Once you have a strong idea of the company’s mission, projects and successes, think through how to use that information in your interview. Connect what you have to offer the position to how it will support and develop different aspects of and relationships connected to the job. If there is a strong connection between the organization and the community in which it exists, think about how to deliver the message that you not only understand that connection but also how you see your employment as part of keeping that relationship strong.

Other research you have completed is likely about those with whom you will interview. With what you learned from their biographies on the organization website as well as other social media outlets, use that information as opportunities arise to make a more personal connection or create interesting talking points.

The idea of an interview is so simple, yet a multitude of layers comprise it! Of course, much attention needs to be given to the fundamental pieces of the job opening itself and how your experiences and abilities match it. From there, though, look at the bigger picture! Spend time organizing your points and fine-tuning your presentation. Leave your interviewers confident in the whole of your candidacy!

Fallon Taylor, Nicole. “5 Interview Skills That Will Get You Hired.” Business News Daily. Purch. 2016. Web. (23 July 2016)

Nancy Stoker is a Senior Client Services Representative and Research Associate with ExecSearches.com. ExecSearches provides various recruitment and executive search services for nonprofits including its nonprofit job board.