Top 5 Mistakes Interviewees Make
Introduction
A great resume gets you the interview, but a great interview gets you the job. Therefore, you must NOT commit the top 5 mistakes interviewees make.
Put another way – the resume gets you to the door, but the interview gets you through it. Once you are at the interview, your resume is good enough and from that point onward, it basically doesn’t matter anymore – what matters is how you convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job.
The interview is your ONE chance to give the interviewer a good impression. You only have one shot at this – so make it count.
To help you in this crucial stage, I share the top 5 mistakes interviewees make from my experience as both an interviewee and interviewer. For each mistake, I’ll also tell you why it’s a mistake and what you can do about it.
Let’s get started.
Mistake 1 – Not analysing the JD
Too many candidates make this mistake of coming into the interview without actually doing any research whatsoever on the role – this mistake is fatal.
For a moment – imagine you are the interviewer. The candidate comes into the interview and you start asking questions about the subject matter related to the role. The candidate doesn’t know almost everything, even basic information that is readily available on Google, if only he / she did just a little bit of research. What will you think?
Yes, you’ll think the candidate is uninterested in the job and hence, is flippant about it. In that case, why should you bother?
What should you do instead: Analyse the JD in detail and get a feel of what the role is about. If anything is unfamiliar – Google it and read up more on it.
Mistake 2 – Not finding out about the interview format
Most people don’t bother to find out more about the interview structure and participants involved.
Maybe because they think this information isn’t quite useful. After all, who cares whether this interview is 30min or 1.5hr long? Or whether it’s a technical, exam-based interview vs a standard one? Or whether it’s a one-to-one or group interview?
Except that these things do matter and are often underrated.
This knowledge helps in two ways. First, you will know what to expect for the interview and so, you automatically gain more confidence. Second, it gives you valuable information to help you prepare in a more targeted manner for the interview. For example, if it’s a 30min written technical test, you would make sure to prepare thoroughly on the technical aspects of the role.
What should you do instead: Find out the exact interview structure and who you will be meeting. If unclear, ask HR.
Mistake 3 – Not being confident enough
Confidence is key.
Don’t take my word for it. According to a Harvard Business Review article, confidence gives others the impression that you’re more competent. Which hiring manager wouldn’t want a competent person to join their team?
Moreover, being more confident also helps maintain the “power balance”. That is, both interviewee and interviewer respects each other equally and the suitability assessment goes both ways.
Also, projecting confidence shows others that you believe in yourself and have something valuable to offer to the organisation and the role. If you cannot even convince yourself of your worth by interviewing with confidence, how can you possibly convince others?
What should you do instead: Exude confidence throughout the entire interview, especially so at the beginning. First impressions matter!
Mistake 4 – Not treating the interview as a conversation
Remember, an interview is a conversation, not an interrogation nor a Q&A session.
It’s a conversation where both parties to get to know each other a little better and see if the role and organisation is a good fit. Therefore, treat it like a more prepared and formal one as compared to casually chatting up your friend.
By reframing the interview as nothing but a conversation, you allow yourself to relax more, which in turn aids in confidence projection (see above point). More importantly, you explicitly give yourself permission to make the interview a two-way communication process. That is, it’s not just you being asked questions and assessed, you may do the same too.
What should you do instead: Treat the interview as a conversation; be yourself, talk naturally, and ask questions where needed. Remember, you are also assessing them!
Mistake 5 – Not asking about next steps
Too many people leave the interview without knowing what the next steps are – they just blindly wait.
This is a huge mistake on two counts. First, without an idea of what’s next and how long you should wait before expecting a response, you’ll likely feel an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. And most people hate uncertainty. Second, you don’t have information to plan around multiple interview and / or job offers.
At the end of the interview, interviewers typically ask you if you have any questions for them. Now, you should prepare for this segment of the interview as it’s a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the role and company from insider.
What should you do instead: Be sure to ask about the next steps i.e. how long before you can expect to hear from them.
Conclusion
The above top 5 mistakes interviewees make are by no means exhaustive. However, they do highlight some of the key areas that you as an interviewee should definitely focus on in the interview process.
What are some of the mistakes you have made or seen others make?
Share with me in the comments below!
Risk Manager by Profession, Mentor and Coach by Passion.
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