Too many job seekers set themselves up for failure before the interview ever takes place. They fail to target their audience, demonstrate relevant skills and experience, or present themselves in a way that grabs the attention of potential employers. Plan for success and avoid these ten deadly interview mistakes.
1. Interviewing before you have a handle on your emotions. Get a handle on your emotions before you interview. Find a way to get past negative emotions –fear, worry, anger, and embarrassment—because they erode self-confidence. And an employer can spot them a mile away!
2. Failing to research the company before the interview. Do your research and find out everything you can about the company and the interviewer before the interview. You can be sure your competition will!
3. Not knowing what you have to offer or how to offer it. Determine what you have to offer and how best to present it to potential employers. Don’t leave it to them to guess what you can do – they might guess wrong!
4. Worrying about your agenda instead of the employer’s needs. Focus on the employer’s needs and demonstrate how you can solve his or her problem.
5. Failing to take the initiative in selling your service. Use every opportunity to let potential employers know what you have to offer. Don’t wait for them to ask.
6. Not relating skills and experience to the employer’s needs. Relate your skills and experience to the employer’s needs. Make it absolutely clear how your skills match their requirements. Speak their language.
7. Making negative comments about past employers or co-workers. Find ways to compliment past employers and co-workers. They must have done something well, after all they hired you, didn’t they?
8. Offering hypothetical suggestions rather than real world solutions. Prepare at least five real world examples of how you solved a problem in a previous job. Don’t be shy about relating these solutions to the potential employer when asked about skills, abilities, job responsibilities, or accomplishments.
9. Discussing salary before you understand the job requirements. Postpone salary discussions until you fully understand the job responsibilities and the interviewer has offered you the position.
10. Asking “What’s In It For Me” Questions about salary and benefits. Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the position--questions that probe for information about how you can help them.
Hi I'm Mary Jeanne Vincent, Career Expert and Strategist. I have a private career coaching. I help people just like you reframe their background, rediscover their expertise and reclaim their career to make smart and rewarding career choices.
If you found this article valuable, imagine how much I can personally help you with your job search, career transition, or career success strategy by offering ideas, coaching, and advice for your unique situation. Contact me at 831.657.9151 or mjv@careercoachmjv.com today to find out how I can personally help you succeed during this time of uncertainty. Get the guidance, support, and tools you need to successfully jump back into the job market.
- Get clear about your areas of expertise
- Gain clarity about your on-the-job contributions
- Confidently present your value to potential employers
- Develop an accomplishment-based résumé that effectively sells YOU!
- Demonstrate your value an Expert rather than simply a job seeker
Copyright Mary Jeanne Vincent. All rights reserved.
