Top 5 Ways to Wreck Your Job Interview
1. Being rude to the receptionist or assistant
Some candidates don't think it matters if they're dismissive of the hiring manager's assistant when arranging the interview or get upset at the receptionist because he or she mispronounced their name by mistake. After all, this person isn't the one making the hiring decision. But you may be surprised to learn that six out of 10 executives polled by Robert Half said they consider their assistant's opinion important when evaluating potential new hires. So remember to be polite and respectful to everyone you interact with during the hiring process.
2. Acting like you're the only person there
Consider this scenario: After you've checked in for the interview, you make a quick phone call to give your friend a blow-by-blow description of last night's party, speaking so loudly that everyone in the office can't help but hear you. That's the wrong approach. It's better to sit patiently and peruse any company literature in the lobby. Doing so demonstrates common courtesy and can help you learn more about the firm and its needs.
3. Arriving late
Getting to an interview on time or, for that matter, a few minutes early is an easy way to impress a prospective employer. Arriving late is not only unprofessional, it also shows the hiring manager that you have little regard for his or her schedule. It also calls into question your ability to show up to work on time, one of the most basic aspects of any job. Plus, arriving late could cause you to miss the meeting altogether if the interviewer has another appointment.
4. Going into the interview unprepared
Far too many candidates fail to properly prepare for the interview, believing that they can "wing it" and still make a strong impression. The savviest job seekers spend time considering questions the hiring manager will likely ask, so they can answer confidently during the meeting. They also research the employer ahead of time so they can explain how their skills match the open position, and also highlight their true interest in the company and position.
5. Not asking questions
As the interview winds down, the hiring manager will likely ask if you have any questions. Your answer should be yes. But your questions should go beyond "How much does the position pay?" and "How many days of vacation can I expect?" Although compensation and benefits are important components of any job, broach these subjects only if the prospective employer has expressed serious interest in hiring you -- usually not until the second or third interview. More appropriate questions for a first interview include "What will my specific duties be?" "What are your top priorities for this position?" and "What does a typical day in this position look like?"
The Intimidating Interviewer
Your potential boss has just finished itemizing what your job would entail, and the list includes working a number of weekends and extensive overtime, as well as more administrative duties than you'd anticipated. While you appreciate the hiring manager's candor, you already know this isn't the place for you.
It's best to be honest: Tell the hiring manager that, based on his description of the job, you think you wouldn't be a good match for the position and thank him or her for meeting with you. The person will appreciate your honesty and that you didn't waste his or her time during the interview process.
While you can't completely prepare for what you'll encounter when you meet a hiring manager, you should consider the personality types you may meet during an interview. By applying your experiences and trusting your instincts, you'll be more likely to succeed -- and be asked back for another meeting.
Awful Interviewers
Most professionals are so focused on performing well for a sharp hiring manager that it's a surprise to meet with someone who is inexperienced, unprepared or unfocused. Following are some common types of bad interviewers you may encounter and how to ensure a meeting with any of them still goes well:
The Distracted Interviewer.
From the moment you walk in his office door, this person can barely focus attention on you long enough to ask a question. Between taking phone calls and talking to employers who poke their heads in for a "quick answer" to a problem, your interviewer has only managed to find out the name of your last employer.
In an extreme situation, you might diplomatically offer to come back at a less hectic time. After all, maybe you've arrived during the busiest time of year, and he or she simply didn't have a chance to prepare for the meeting. If the Distracted Interviewer accepts your offer to come back, and the hiring manager is still disorganized on your second visit, consider this a potential sign of how things are at this firm. Would you want to work for someone who can't organize his or her time well enough to conduct a proper interview?
The First-Timer.
This person is probably more nervous than you are. The First-Timer is likely extremely organized and has a list of questions, all of which must be asked and answered in order. He or she is not at all interested in non-scripted details: When you offer insight into an accomplishment you thought stood out from the rest, the hiring manager just nods politely and moves on to the next question, all the while taking comprehensive notes.
In this situation it's best to just go with the interviewer's flow; you don't want to make the person feel inept. A good way to highlight information you think is crucial -- but that is not on the interviewer's "list" -- is to ask if you can talk about a few relevant accomplishments after the person is finished with his or her questions. The First-Timer will still feel in control of the interview, and you'll feel you've done your best to demonstrate your ability to do the job.
The Never-Ending Interviewer.
You've been talking to a hiring manager for close to two hours, having answered every question the person asked long ago. He or she has moved on from telling you about the job to telling you about his or her recent safari in Africa.
The best advice? Continue to pay close attention. Though the conversation may veer in various directions, by listening carefully, you may get a better idea of the attributes this person seeks in a new hire, allowing you to emphasize your skills during the interview and in a strong follow-up note thanking the interviewer for meeting with you.
The Silent Type.
You don't mind answering questions at length, but you'd like to find out a little bit more about the position. Yet, your attempts to open dialogue are not generating responses. Since you can't force the Silent Type to open up, and you don't want to upset the person, it's best to try to get additional details from other sources.
You might try to do some more research on the company on your own, including talking to those in your network to see if they can offer insight. You may have an opportunity to meet with others at the company who will be more forthcoming with information. Whatever tack you take, you need to get the entire picture of the job and the company before you can consider accepting the position.
A Simple ‘Thank You’ Can Land the Job Interview
Here are some tips to remember the next time you compose a thank-you note following an employment interview:
Write more than one if necessary. Many employers now involve multiple people in the hiring process to get a well-rounded view of applicants. If you interviewed with more than one hiring manager, send a thank-you note to each person. Address every letter to a specific individual, even if you have to do some research to uncover the spelling of someone's name or locate his or her contact information. Also make sure the content of each letter differs, at least slightly; hiring managers often compare notes -- literally.
Send a handwritten note. It's best to send a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. Consider sending a quick e-mail message as soon as you return home in order to meet this "deadline." But don't stop there. Follow up with a letter sent through the regular mail. Use high-quality stationery, and write the message by hand. This personal touch is likely to impress the hiring manager and help you stand out from other candidates, as well as present you with another opportunity to explain why you're right for the job.
Make it specific. To give your letter a personal touch, bring up specifics points from the conversation you had with the hiring manager. For example, if a prospective employer mentioned multiple times that the open position calls for strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, use the thank-you note as an opportunity to remind the person that you've received a professional certification in this program. Even an offhand remark can serve as good fodder. If you discovered the hiring manager attended the same university as you, referencing this commonality could make for an interesting opening or close to your letter.
Don't lose hope. Even if you doubt the interview went well, it's still wise to send a thank-you note. For one thing, the hiring manager may have felt the interview was more successful than you did. In addition, your display of courtesy and professionalism could work in your favor if you cross paths with the person again or another opening arises within the firm.
Being ‘led’ versus being managed in interview when you are not young
Another disparity that needs to be addressed when you are not young, is the fact that boomers want to be "led" and not managed. In his coaching practice, he found that most 30-something managers look for someone they can manage. In coaching sessions with young managers, he observed that their leadership skills typically lag behind their management skills.
This is an opportunity to sell yourself as a consultant whose many years of expertise can be useful in the role of a temporary coach or mentor. This may be a great meld between the "management versus leadership" dichotomy. This also increases your opportunities, since companies are hiring more consultants in this economic downturn. As the economy improves, that 1099 contract could well turn into a salaried position.
If you're a boomer, take note and realize that you might not get the visionary leader you hoped for in your next hiring manager. Block has discovered that most young managers need help and guidance. They actually appreciate being mentored, coached or advised. They recognize the need, but look at it as a temporary or project-based opportunity.
3 Important Interview Tips
1. End strongly. Finish the interview by quickly summarizing how you can deliver solutions to their problems. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you. Sincerely express your interest in the position and ask what the next step will be. Request the interviewer's business card.
2. Thoroughly read and analyze the official job description. Visit the company's Web site or ask the recruiter/hiring manager to provide you with this information. Identify key skills and determine whether or not you meet the job requirements.
3. Carefully research the company. Learn as much as you can about your prospective employer's business model. Visit its Web site and read their mission statement and/or company philosophy. Identify main products, services and functions. Speak to employees, vendors or other contacts with inside knowledge. Acquire strategic information that will enable you to speak knowledgeably and offer valuable insight during your interview.
Don’t Forget to Say "Thanks" in your interview!
A thank-you note is a chance for you to make a lasting, positive impression on a hiring manager who may have interviewed dozens of candidates.
Here are some tips for writing a winning thank-you note:
Be specific. In your note, bring up points from the conversation you had with the hiring manager. For example, if a prospective employer stressed that the open position calls for knowledge of a particular software program, use the thank-you letter as an opportunity to remind the person that you've worked with the application on a range of projects.
Allay concerns. A thank-note is your chance to address any concerns the hiring manger expressed, especially if you were unable to do so in the interview. Perhaps the interviewer was worried about your lack of industry experience, and during the interview you forgot to mention a temporary position you had in the sector. You can bring it up in your note, along with a few points about how that experience contributed to your knowledge or interest in the field.
Add an extra. Perhaps during the interview you mentioned an article you recently read that's relevant to the firm's business. Send it with your note, along with a brief explanation of why you thought your contact would be interested in the information. Indeed, whether it's a news article or a link to an interesting Web site, you'll make yourself more memorable by demonstrating that you've gone beyond the basics.
Make it personal. If you discovered the hiring manager shares your passion for travel or mystery books, referring to this commonality could make your letter even more effective. Personalizing the note will remind him or her who you are and that you paid close attention during the interview.
