What Are The 5 C’s Of Interviewing?

Interview session between a man and a woman

If you have been on the job hunt trail for a long time,  you should be familiar with the 5 C’s of Interviewing. However, If you are not aware, this article provides everything you need to know about it. 

Interviews have a way of revealing our strengths and weaknesses to interviewers. As someone seeking a job, you should know that interviews cannot be avoided. However, you can ace tough interviews with a little help and some extra effort.

If you are not familiar with the 5 C’s elements, you are in luck. In this article, we will provide you with the Five Cs of interviewing and what each Cs stands for.

What Are The 5 C’s Of Interviewing?

Without further ado, below are the 5 C’s of interviewing:

#1. Composure

One of the five C’s of interviewing is composure. Interviews can be mind-wrenching You can relate to the experience of getting nervous before and during the interview session. This can affect your chances of getting employed.

Therefore, for a successful interview session, it is essential you remain calm. Being composed, whether for a virtual interview, phone interview, or physical interview, will help you understand the interview questions and also help you know the best and right answers for each question.

More so, If you you always get nervous before attending an interview, you can try mid-exercises (such as long-walking, running, or yoga), or meditation. This will help you control your mind and shut out any negative thinking that might affect your answers.

Consequently, when your mind is calm and at the right composure, you will hardly get intimidated by the interviewer and the questions that are being asked. Composure will help you become confident, and communication will also be easy. 

Most interviewers can read the room and can tell when the interviewee is not composed enough. This is why you must prepare ahead of your interviews. Be composed but not rigid.

#2. The 5 C’s Of InterviewingCredibility

While it is vital to project yourself as the best candidate for the job, it is also crucial that the answers you provide do not lack credibility. It is not new most interviewee sometimes overlook their credentials, skills, and abilities and provide false details. However, to impress your boss during the interview session, ensure you provide information that is credible with evidence.

Credibility is crucial regardless of the situation. You have to provide clarity with each answer you give. In most scenarios, interviewees get nervous and lose their composure when asked a question and then end up rambling answers. 

However, to stay focused on telling the truth, consider practicing the  STAR method of responding to tough interview questions. The STAR method will help you prepare and provide credible answers. Additionally, credibility simply means being believable and accountable for each answer provided. 

The importance of Credibility in the interview process can not be over-emphasized. However, short-term interview sessions may not give you much room and time to prove yourself as a credible individual. But with the allotted time for the interview, ensure that you provide answers that can be backed up by others (ex-manager, supervisors, colleagues).

#3. Connection

Connection is, without a doubt, one of the top five C’s. Connection works in various aspects of the interview session. Starting from the moment you decide to attend the interview to the moment to the end of the interview session.

As an interviewee looking forward to acing the interview session, it is crucial that you establish the right connection with the interviewer. You can achieve this by being calm and projecting yourself as someone who does not lack credibility. More so, your manners, etiquette, and the way you walk and carry yourself will most likely help you establish the right connection.

Establishing a favorable connection also helps you during and after the interview session. Because it creates an awareness of your potential regardless of how little or high it may be. 

Furthermore, connecting or bonding with the interviewer and the interviewing environment gives you the confidence to answer even the trickiest questions without rumbling. And, when the interview session is over, you will have the conviction of getting the offer. More so, even the interviewer leaves with a positive impression about you.

#4. Communication

Effective communication is key to acing an interview. While there is no perfect person for a role, you can be one through your communication skills. Because Interviews are not simply a question and answer session. It goes beyond giving blank question that does not have a soul in it.

Sometimes, at the end of an interview, you go home wondering why you were not selected for the role. Although you may not get feedback from the interviewer to know why, sometimes, it could be your poor communication skills.

Therefore, it is important that you make the right act of communicating your ideas without appearing confused and disorganized. Sometimes, you may end up giving blank answers like “yes’ or “No” to an open-ended question.

Instead, be bold. When responding to interview questions, tell your story through each answer. Ensure you give concise answers even though you are responding to an open-ended question. When you are connected better, you can set the right mood by swinging in your communication skills. 

Furthermore, during the last phase of an interview session, the interviewers may ask if you have a question for them. This is another chance to ask relevant questions about the company and the role, as well as to know what the role entails. 

consequently, when responding to the last question “Do you have any questions for me” The worst thing to do is say you have no questions. Even though your question is not regarding the company, ensure you ask other questions that will be helpful to you when you get the offer.

#5. The 5 C’s Of InterviewingConfidence

The last C element is confidence. It is one of the top five C’s that will help you scale your interview session. Having confidence in yourself depicts that you know your worth and what you can do.

However, most interviewees always get the wrong idea about being confident. Confidence does not imply being rude, boastful, or arrogant to the interviewer. This will cost you your chances.

Instead, being confident in your interview means responding with boldness and the assertion that you know what you are saying. This boldness comes as a result of your prior research of the company and the role you are applying for.

Also, ensure you maintain eye contact with the interviewer when responding to interview questions. This serves as an indicator that you are competent and fit for the role. So, always maintain a smart look, sit erect, and speak with boldness.

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Conclusion on the 5 C’s Of Interviewing

One way to protect your Composure, Credibility, Connection, Communication, and Confidence during interview sessions is by preparing and doing research about the position and the company, this will most likely help you secure the position. 

Also, you must be mentally and emotionally prepared for any scenario, as this will help you boost your morale during an interview session. This article has provided a review of the 5 C’s of Interviewing, and we hope they serve as a guide for you.

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