This week we bring you a really interesting concept when it comes to interviews – your voice! Believe it or not, how you sound can make a difference. If interviewers can’t hear you, or if you don’t sound confident, you may not get very far. By the same token if you are way over the top on a first meeting you might have taken it too far. So, who better to explain how to use your voice than someone who works in the industry?

Sarah Stockton is an Outreach Coordinator for Voices.com, a site connects businesses with professional voice talents. She enjoys helping potential voice talent find their start in the voice industry.

The Right Voice For The Job

You’ve heard all the job interview advice. Wear a power suit in blue or gray. Tone down the makeup. Be well groomed. Don’t wear crazy nail polish. A good portion of success in a job interview does depend on how you look. But it can also depend on how you sound.

Your voice is your voice, and there’s nothing you can do about that. But there are ways to change the way you’re perceived by the way you speak. Using the right voice in a job interview can mean the difference between getting the job and, well, not. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you sound as good as you look.

Lower Your Voice

When hiring managers interview you, they’re not just assessing your skills and experience. They’re also trying to determine whether you’ll be a good fit for the office. Every office has its own dynamic, created mostly by the company’s culture, and to a lesser degree, by the personalities of the people who work in it. If you’ve done your homework before the interview, you should already have a good idea of what they’re looking for, and you can adjust your presentation accordingly. But if you’re unsure, the last thing you want to do is go in there and come off loud and boisterous. Use your indoor voice, and you’ll convey authority and maturity.

Watch Your Inflection

A quick way to undermine your own authority and instill doubt in your interviewer is to use improper inflection. For example, if your voice goes up at the end of every sentence, as though you were asking a question, you may give the impression that you’re unsure of what you’re saying. This can be especially damaging when you’re discussing your prior experience, your skills, or your ideas for the position you’re applying for. No one wants to hire someone who is indecisive or who suffers from self-doubt. Be sure to answer all questions, and make all statements with a proper voice, one that doesn’t rise at the end of every sentence, unless you are actually asking a question.

Listen

Okay, this one doesn’t really have to do with your voice, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself in an interview. Don’t get too caught up in talking about yourself. Yes, you’re trying to demonstrate why you think you’re a fit for the job, but that doesn’t mean going off on a self-centered soliloquy. Listen to the questions you’re being asked. Pause and think before you answer. Most importantly, listen to what you’re not being asked. Interviewers can get nervous, too. Maybe the interviewer neglects to ask you a key question. You need to be ready to bring up the topic yourself. Only by listening can you speak well and fully about your experience.

It may help to practice with someone before you actually go to a job interview. Try to anticipate the questions you’ll be asked so you’re better prepared with the answers. You can even record yourself to see how you sound, and make adjustments as necessary. But don’t forget to wear that power suit, just in case.

Image via theparadigmshifter