There is a right way to do it, and a wrong way to do it.
Moving from one interview to the next without a positive response can be frustrating, but the problem, no matter how much it may suck, might be with you. Becoming frustrated can leave us feeling overwhelmed, and we may find ourselves making simple mistakes that can result in larger consequences.
Below are six faux pas that you may be making in your interviews that you might not be aware of. You should make more of an effort to be aware of the mistakes that you may be making during your interviews. How many of your mistakes could be considered by your potential new boss cringe worthy?
Dishonesty
I recently helped a friend write a resume, and I was shocked to realize that he was adding a position to his resume that he never had. When I asked him why he would do that, he simply stated that they never really check those things out anyway.
Well, I certainly cannot speak for others, but I do take the time to check the references and previous employers of applicants. And not just for my clients, but for myself as well. The moment I realize that an applicant has been dishonest, I simply move on. What's the point of trusting a dishonest person, anyway?
So, if you have something in your resume that can be disproved, then that may be one of the reasons as to why you didn't get the job of your dreams. And yet, you would be surprised how many people do just that!
Not Following Directions
Sometimes our inability to follow simple directions can be a hindrance for us, and can keep us from getting a position that we may be otherwise qualified for. Most recruiters clearly state what they need in their job posting, whether they ask for a resume via email, or even a cover letter, or they may ask for specific information to be a part of your application. Simply choosing not to follow those simple directions can cost you a great opportunity.
Or maybe you simply do not take the time to read the directions...I know that you are eager to get the job, but rushing will not get you the job any faster. In fact, it just might cost you the job.
Applying For Positions That You Do Not Qualify For
When I joined forces with Remix Design as an executive assistant to the amazing Leisl Schrader, I enjoyed the hiring process that I led, but I learned that many things can be truly irritating for the HR team in charge of new hires. Teri Gavukic said it better in 8 Way Job Candidates Drive Me Crazy; "Don't assume that if you are a barista at the local coffee shop, I will hire you for a law office manager role."
I have received a lot of resumes that did not qualify for the position. I mean, having at least some previous experience in the position makes sense, right? But applying for a Sales and Accounts Manager position, with a background in childcare is a bit over ambitious and slightly annoying.
Lacking Enthusiasm
Nerves can be paralyzing for some, but showing little to no enthusiasm during an interview is a great way to lose your job opportunity.
Being enthusiastic allows the interviewer to understand the passion that you have for the job, and it is hard to gauge your excitement when you remain aloof.
The Inability to Communicate Your Worth
Every hiring manager wants to understand your worth, whether through paper (resume) or in person (interview). You have to be able to communicate the value that you will bring to the organization.
The last thing that matters to the organization is what you will get from the experience. Even though every great organization understands the value in rewarding exceptional employees, their focus is on how you will help them get that much closer to their mission/vision. Taking the time to understand what that is or how your skills can help them get that much closer to their goal is important. But communicating that you are important to the mission/vision is essential.
Dressing Inappropriately
A job interview is not the time to experiment with the new fashion fad. The way you choose to dress for an interview is a reflection of the value that you will bring to the position, and a reflection of how you value yourself. Your outfit should be clean, neat, and focused.
You should not be a distraction to others, so don't wear outlandish clothes. Remember that the way you present yourself can disqualify you the moment you walk through the doors.
These 6 tips are simply a blueprint. You know what your best assets are. Use your previous mistakes to take a leap of faith, and go kick some ass at your next interview!
Tell us, what are some of your more embarrassing mistakes as to why you didn't get the job?
By Nancy Laws | Huff Post
Moving from one interview to the next without a positive response can be frustrating, but the problem, no matter how much it may suck, might be with you. Becoming frustrated can leave us feeling overwhelmed, and we may find ourselves making simple mistakes that can result in larger consequences.
Below are six faux pas that you may be making in your interviews that you might not be aware of. You should make more of an effort to be aware of the mistakes that you may be making during your interviews. How many of your mistakes could be considered by your potential new boss cringe worthy?
I recently helped a friend write a resume, and I was shocked to realize that he was adding a position to his resume that he never had. When I asked him why he would do that, he simply stated that they never really check those things out anyway.
Well, I certainly cannot speak for others, but I do take the time to check the references and previous employers of applicants. And not just for my clients, but for myself as well. The moment I realize that an applicant has been dishonest, I simply move on. What's the point of trusting a dishonest person, anyway?
So, if you have something in your resume that can be disproved, then that may be one of the reasons as to why you didn't get the job of your dreams. And yet, you would be surprised how many people do just that!
Not Following Directions
Sometimes our inability to follow simple directions can be a hindrance for us, and can keep us from getting a position that we may be otherwise qualified for. Most recruiters clearly state what they need in their job posting, whether they ask for a resume via email, or even a cover letter, or they may ask for specific information to be a part of your application. Simply choosing not to follow those simple directions can cost you a great opportunity.
Or maybe you simply do not take the time to read the directions...I know that you are eager to get the job, but rushing will not get you the job any faster. In fact, it just might cost you the job.
Applying For Positions That You Do Not Qualify For
When I joined forces with Remix Design as an executive assistant to the amazing Leisl Schrader, I enjoyed the hiring process that I led, but I learned that many things can be truly irritating for the HR team in charge of new hires. Teri Gavukic said it better in 8 Way Job Candidates Drive Me Crazy; "Don't assume that if you are a barista at the local coffee shop, I will hire you for a law office manager role."
I have received a lot of resumes that did not qualify for the position. I mean, having at least some previous experience in the position makes sense, right? But applying for a Sales and Accounts Manager position, with a background in childcare is a bit over ambitious and slightly annoying.
Lacking Enthusiasm
Nerves can be paralyzing for some, but showing little to no enthusiasm during an interview is a great way to lose your job opportunity.
Being enthusiastic allows the interviewer to understand the passion that you have for the job, and it is hard to gauge your excitement when you remain aloof.
The Inability to Communicate Your Worth
Every hiring manager wants to understand your worth, whether through paper (resume) or in person (interview). You have to be able to communicate the value that you will bring to the organization.
The last thing that matters to the organization is what you will get from the experience. Even though every great organization understands the value in rewarding exceptional employees, their focus is on how you will help them get that much closer to their mission/vision. Taking the time to understand what that is or how your skills can help them get that much closer to their goal is important. But communicating that you are important to the mission/vision is essential.
Dressing Inappropriately
A job interview is not the time to experiment with the new fashion fad. The way you choose to dress for an interview is a reflection of the value that you will bring to the position, and a reflection of how you value yourself. Your outfit should be clean, neat, and focused.
You should not be a distraction to others, so don't wear outlandish clothes. Remember that the way you present yourself can disqualify you the moment you walk through the doors.
These 6 tips are simply a blueprint. You know what your best assets are. Use your previous mistakes to take a leap of faith, and go kick some ass at your next interview!
Tell us, what are some of your more embarrassing mistakes as to why you didn't get the job?
By Nancy Laws | Huff Post
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