Interviewing is an Art

 Interviewing Is an Art

In a recent article on Fox Business titled, Common Interview Mistakes Students Make , the author sites several blunders that more than just college students engage in.  Here are a few—with a few of my own to boot:

Not Practicing the Right Interviewing Skills: this is a job interview, a potential place of employment for years to come, the applicant, if offered the job, will increase their livelihood substantially; doesn’t the aforementioned benefits warrant a bit of preparation?  Too often people sit for an interview without having first thoughtfully identified what qualifies them for the position, what sets them apart from most applicants, and what their actual work experience is.  If you can’t tell the employer right away about how you have demonstrated the skills and qualities they are seeking, you need to do some more soul searching.

In addition, for some it may have been since Reagan was in the White House that they interviewed.  A couple of favors will go a long way;  call a good friend, mentor, parent, etc; request a mock interview with an invitation to them to offer up brutally honest feedback; who can resist that?  Practice interviewing; answers will flow; you won’t sound rehearsed, and you will be ready for some of those questions like, “What are some your weaknesses?”

Not Researching the Company:  These people have reviewed your resume; if they are really interested in you, they have most likely researched social networking sites to learn more about you.  Nothing is more insulting to a potential employer than for the interviewee to show up and ask the question (imagine a really dopey voice right here), “So, uh, what kind of company is this exactly?  I saw the job announcement, but I was just really desperate for a job and thought I’d shoot over a resume.” 

RED FLAG!  If that doesn’t shut the interview down, then most likely the interview will go much shorter than it would have!  The interviewer just mentally erased half of his planned questions and decided to not waste his time.  Find out about the company, employees, persons who are doing the interviewing, the position, the needs of the company (How are you an asset to this company), what flavor of gum they chew (Did anyone else see Hoosiers?). 

Talking Too Much and Not Marking Every Word Count:  I once had an applicant tell me, three different times answering three different questions, that she had quit her jobs each time she and her various employers had disagreed.  She didn’t get the job.  Be honest but avoid digging a pit. Conversely, most of the questions should give the employer a contextual example of how you through your experience can answer that question.  

Remember that the applicant also has the right to interview a potential employer, but be wise in the questions asked; some things are better to bring up on a second interview or even when an offer is made.

Be Professional:  Remember that the job interview starts long before the applicant is called for an interview; picking up an application, speaking with human resources, especially talking with the secretary or other support staff present, all warrant courtesy, respect and professionalism; avoid profanity at all costs and by all means, avoid wearing the t-shirt that, let’s just say, has a bit too much information on it.  Lastly, check social networking sites; if a nun might find it offensive, reconsider the post.

Send a Hand Written Thank You:  Gratitude is a respected quality, and people love to feel appreciated.  Need I say more?

Happy Interviewing!