Summary:
A concise guide on how you can best prepare yourself and conduct a job interview. The article is written with a tongue-in-cheek approach and offers the reader the Do’s and Don’ts for successful job interviewing.
Business, Career, Job Interviews, Interviewing, Job Search, Job Offers, Career Development
Taking up a job in business, career, job interviews, interviewing, job search, job offers, career development means involving yourself in an important process that determines your professional success. However, many people fail to properly prepare for their interviews. A lot of time, energy, and money are spent preparing a resume, but little to no preparation is done for the actual interview.
Many professionals invest in resume services to increase their chances of securing an interview. Ironically, these same professionals spend minimal time fine-tuning their interview skills.
If you don’t want the job, then don’t prepare for the interview. It’s as simple as that.
Having an employer invite you for an interview is not the ultimate goal; it’s the second-to-last step in the overall job search process. The interview is just one phase, but excelling in it will often lead to landing that dream job. Yet, many professionals make the same mistakes repeatedly.
If you’re tired of getting rejected, then this article is for you. However, if you don’t want the job, just keep making the critical errors outlined below.
Avoid These Mistakes If You Want to Succeed
1. Don’t Conduct Any “Pre-Flight” Planning
This is the single biggest mistake you can make. There is a direct correlation between preparation and performance. Many professionals walk into their interviews unprepared and expect to make a good impression. This leads to repeated failures until the lesson is learned.
Good preparation means:
- Conducting thorough research on the company and hiring authority
- Understanding your strengths and how they align with the position
- Practicing answers to common interview questions
2. Don’t Be Dynamic – Be Passive Instead
While you don’t need to control the interview, this is your time to shine. The interviewer is not responsible for pulling information from you. It’s your job to highlight why you’re the best candidate.
Make sure you:
- Clearly communicate your skills and experience
- Articulate how you will contribute to the company
- Take responsibility for ensuring the interviewer understands your value
Many candidates “wing it” during interviews, leaving their career trajectory to chance. Don’t do that. Take control, think ahead, and be strategic.
First Impressions Matter – Don’t Blow It!
3. Why Make a Good First Impression? I Can Always Make a Second One, Right?
Wrong! You only get a single shot at a first view or impression. If you make a strong impression, the interviewer will look for more reasons to justify their positive perception of you. If you make a bad impression, they’ll look for negatives to confirm their doubts.
To ensure a great first impression:
- Greet the interviewer with confidence
- Be personable but professional
- Nail the first couple of questions with well-thought-out responses
A common first question is: “Tell me about yourself.” Nail this, and you set the tone for the rest of the interview.
4. Know Your Value – Or At Least Pretend To
Your ability to articulate your value is critical. Many candidates fail because they can’t communicate their worth effectively.
Improve your communication skills by:
- Clearly defining your value in relation to the company’s needs
- Practicing your responses with a mentor or recruiter
- Using confident body language and a relaxed demeanor
By doing this, you will stand out from other candidates who fumble through the interview process.
5. Fake It Until You Make It?
There will be times when you lack a specific qualification—maybe industry experience, a degree, or a certification. If this happens, be prepared to address it with confidence.
Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, emphasize:
- Your ability to learn quickly
- Other skills that compensate for the missing requirement
- A willingness to obtain the necessary certification or training
Don’t let a missing qualification derail your chances. Be poised and proactive in addressing any concerns.
FAQs
Q: How can I make my interview answers more compelling?
A: Use real-life examples, be concise, and highlight results you’ve achieved in previous roles.
Q: What should I do if I get nervous especially during interviews?
A: Practice beforehand, take deep breaths, and focus on having a conversation rather than performing.
Q: How do I follow up after an interview?
A: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and summarizing key points discussed.
Final Thoughts
A superior resume gets you the interview. But superior interview skills get you the job.
If you want to succeed, take the time to improve your interviewing skills, learn best practices, and refine your strategy.
Wishing you success in your business, career, job interviews, interviewing, job search, job offers, career development journey!
