Everybody wants a better job. Not everyone knows how to go about getting that position. One of the biggest factors preventing many people from success is making very common, yet hurtful interviewing mistakes. These missteps act as barriers to obtaining great jobs, so they are worth assessing and avoiding.
Three interview mistakes you’re probably making:
1. Not using effective persuasion techniques.
One of the most common mistakes job candidates make is being too direct. Claiming that you are “industrious” and a “team player” does not prove anything to the interviewer. By using vividly descriptive examples of times where you proved to be industrious or a team player, the interviewer will draw these conclusions by him or herself.
These stories should be woven naturally into your interviewing answers. Have faith that when you insinuate that you possess a trait, but don’t flat out make the claim, you are much more likely to get your point across successfully. Essentially, make the interviewer think that the thought is theirs rather than being told to believe you are intelligent.
Always remember that subtle speech is the basis of the art of persuasion.
2. Not having concrete reasons why you want the job at this specific company.
If you do not have specific reasons, you cannot convince the interviewer that you are the right person for the job. When you come prepared with justifications, you will come off as a candidate who has goals. Additionally, you will seem like a person who pursues these goals.
You also appear as if you are being selective, yet rational in your job search. Many candidates interview everywhere and anywhere and it shows. Our recruitment team suggests you stand out by showing that you have a compelling, intelligent reason as to why this particular firm suits you.
Having concrete reasons as to why you want to work at a firm is an indirect, persuasive way to show you’ve done your research on the company. For instance the line, “From what I’ve seen, ______ organization has strong leadership, a visionary product and the necessity in the market for their offering,” implies that you did your back-end research on the firm and are interviewing for a reason.
3. Interviewing without factoring in the needs of the employer.
To secure the job you really want, it is essential that you know exactly what the interviewer is looking for in a potential job candidate. To do this, you will have to strongly familiarize yourself with the job description so that you can direct the conversation in a way that touches upon those specific requirements and needs.
When you care deeply about doing well, you will. Correcting these issues is not a problem; having a job you dislike is a problem. Be careful not to make the above interviewing mistakes and work your pre-interviewing strategy around these tips.
