Interviews are a form of public speaking, and strategically adding in a touch of humor to your next job interview can help you stand out and make a great first impression in front of your audience. Here’s how to do it without going overboard:
1. Know the Company Vibe. Do some research on the organization to see if humor fits with their culture. For example, a funny comment might go over well at a creative company, but it might not be a good idea in a more traditional type of business.
2. Limit Self-Deprecation. It’s okay to laugh at yourself a little but don’t make fun of yourself over and over again during the interview. A bit of humor about needing your morning coffee can make you seem down-to-earth, but don’t make this comment come across as a flaw.
3. Make Your Humor Relevant. Tie your funny story to something in the interview. One example is to share a story about how you used humor to overcome a work challenge. This demonstrates how you can stay positive when you have to put your problem-solving skills to work, and using humor will make the story more relaxed.
Use humor wisely, and impress your future boss. And best of luck with your next interview!
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