A job interview is one of the most important elements in the employment search process, with two-way benefits for the employer and the employee. A call from an employer indicates the interest he or she has in recruiting the candidate shortlisted for the interview. Job interviews provide opportunities for both parties to exchange views and understand each other to determine their suitability for each other.
A job interview is a strategic conversation with a purpose, regardless of the status of the vacancy available to be filled. In a limited amount of time, the employer has to fathom and decide whether the applicant fits his organisation or not. Simultaneously, the candidate needs to understand the needs of the employer and determine whether he or she fits into the organisation.
At interviews, the candidates are given an opportunity to present their skills, knowledge, background, experience, and attitudes toward the employer’s organisation. At the interview, the interviewee can obtain information about the job, remuneration, career development opportunities, and a sketch of the work environment.
During my long career in the private sector, at various pay grades, I have faced many job interviews as a candidate. Similarly, from the other side of the table, I have interviewed hundreds of applicants for various job positions. The commonest mistakes, blunders, and errors candidates make are those made without even realising that they have erred.
Usually, the process begins with the submission of the curriculum vitae (CV) to the prospective employer. If the applicant is selected for an interview, the interview process begins. The interview stands in the applicant’s way as an obstacle. The result, whether he gets the job or not, depends on how he faces the interview.
Very rarely have I come across candidates who are not nervous immediately before an interview, regardless of the knowledge, experience, or skill they have. Hence, my first advice is to be confident and believe in yourself. That way, many of the mistakes discussed below can be circumvented.
First and foremost, the candidates must prepare themselves consciously for the interview as if their life is dependent on it. Not only the physical appearance but also every single aspect related to the job applied for. For example, the background of the employing company, and industry knowledge must be thoroughly studied.
Preparing for likely questions based on these criteria is a sure way of achieving a successful self-presentation. As a candidate, to the interviewer, the candidate can be highly unattractive if he or she fails to answer the interviewer’s questions reasonably well. Many times, I have come across candidates who showed up without any clue about the company or even the position they applied for.
Homework
Therefore, doing your homework about the interview, covering as many aspects as possible, is immensely vital. Candidates can either slack off, show up, or hope for the best, or they can be prepared and confidently face the interviewer, where the interviewer cannot easily reject and dismiss them.
A failure to pay attention to one’s appearance for an interview is a mistake. At an interview, not only is attire important, but so is general appearance. No interviewer wants to see a candidate who is sloppy or inappropriately dressed.
The information the applicant has gathered about the organisation during the preparation process will indicate the type of dress best suited for the interview. Being late for an interview also makes the candidate nervous and untidy. Hence, you must arrive at the interview on time, certainly not late, but also not too early.
The proverb “First impressions are the most lasting” is accurately suited to a candidate when he or she first approaches the interviewer or a panel of interviewers. They are ready to make a decision on whether you will proceed further or not. Hence, impressing them in the first instance is an absolute necessity.
While a neat and well-groomed appearance is important, the enthusiasm and energy the candidate shows on the first approach will be an important criterion. A combination of low energy and second-rate enthusiasm is a definite disadvantage. Therefore, your greeting must be energetic, your eye contact must be friendly, and your handshake should be firm and confident.
However, my advice is to wait until the interviewer offers his or her hand, as some people prefer to avoid handshakes. At this stage, not only the approach but also the applicants’ voice tone, posture, and body language matter. Hence, they must sit properly, using the full space of the chair with the interview documents, preferably on their lap.
Composure
On the contrary, candidates must understand that displaying too much energy or enthusiasm is also a mistake. If they show too much excitement, it may appear as nervousness or desperation. Therefore, maintaining your composure at the interview is important whilst showing interest.
The candidate usually gets the opportunity to sell him or herself to the interviewer after the introductions. Some candidates present themselves in a lame manner, while others are pushy, shady, and aggressive. Both ends do not work at an interview. Therefore, candidates must treat an interview as an intellectual sales pitch and present themselves with adequate self-praise and the right composure.
Although an interview is similar to a sales presentation where the product is the candidate, some of the candidates talk too much, which may irritate the interviewer. Nobody likes people who talk too much. Also, by talking too much, you may offer incorrect information that may be seen as dishonesty or carelessness.
At an interview, time is limited for both the candidate and the interviewer. Hence, the answers or information flow must be precise, brief, and straightforward. However, if the applicant is properly prepared, he or she may not get caught off guard and will have a better opportunity to provide balanced answers and information.
Invariably, in the latter part of the process, the interviewer habitually wants to know whether the candidate has anything they need to know about employment. In my experience, many candidates are scared of asking questions of the interviewer, particularly at the final stage, for fear of failure.
Questions
The candidates must have questions prepared in advance for the interviewer. If not, they may appear ignorant and not interested in understanding the purpose of the discussion. Asking questions about the job, the organisation, or the line of business will certainly be appreciated by any interviewer. However, your questions must be intelligent, timely, and appropriate.
Another common mistake is talking about salaries, perks, and benefits too early in the interview. It is not only unappealing to an interviewer, but it can also give the impression that you are motivated primarily by monetary gain rather than the job.
The best approach is to wait till the interviewer brings up the subject of remuneration. Most often, they either ask about your salary expectations or inform you of their allocation for the job. If they do not discuss the remuneration package during the interview, wait till the final stage and politely inquire about salary and perks.
One important factor related to the salary is that you must avoid discussing your financial burdens or family issues with the interviewer. That can give an impression that you will resort to malpractices while on the job to solve personal financial problems.
There are many more mistakes interviewees make at interviews and lose opportunities to get recruited. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, facing an interview can be a scary experience for most candidates. Also, invariably, it is a fierce competition with other candidates who vie for the same vacancy. The ultimate win goes to those who believe in themselves and make fewer mistakes during the interview.