It takes so much work just to get an interview and then when you get the interview, you have to figure out what to do to get to the next interview!
It’s the number one topic of complaints from job seekers.
You never really know what the other person is thinking.
- How do you know what questions they will ask?
- How are you supposed to answer their questions?
- What do you wear?
- How do you explain reasons for leaving and gaps in employment?
- How do you know if the interviewer is asking improper interview questions? And how do you respond?
- What is your competition like? Who else have they interviewed?
There are so many questions and so many different answers!
Believe it or not, a perfect interview is EXTREMELY rare. And that’s okay. An interview doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. We know that we ask difficult questions and we know that we will probably stump you. It’s our job to ask those difficult questions.
Why do we do it? Many reasons.
When I’m asking a candidate questions during an interview it’s not because I enjoy seeing someone squirm. Actually, it’s really uncomfortable for me when that happens…really.
I want to understand you as a candidate. That is my main objective during an interview. Being able to understand the type of professional you are so that way I know if you’re a good fit for the job.
So why are some people better at interviewing than others? What are they doing that makes the process run so smoothly? What are they doing to get hired?
There are many answers to those questions but I only have one that is true to all interviews. They are confident.
The best interviewees are the ones who know themselves professionally and personally, and know how the two relate to one another. They are honest with themselves and the interviewer. They have talked to many people about their career life and goals and they know what they are capable of.
If you have a good understanding of yourself, answering difficult interview questions is not so difficult.
Here’s a tip:
If you’re not comfortable practicing an interview with someone else, pretend like you’re the one who is hiring. Pretend like it’s your own company and think about what you would want to know about the person you may hire. What are the qualities and skills that are necessary and important to you? By thinking of these questions, you’re not only preparing yourself for an interview, but you’re getting to know yourself.
If you’re having difficulties boosting your self confidence, here’s a short video with some great tips to get you started:
And do your research!! Not just about the company… On interviewing in general. There are so many articles and blogs online with great information on interviewing. Read it, practice it, know it. Become the interviewer. Not only so you’re prepared to be interviewed, but also to interview them back!
Yes, you should be interviewing them during the interview as well. After all, would you go on a date with someone and let them ask all the questions? Make sure the two of you get along and are a good fit.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for this post! As a recent graduate, I can truly relate. I think there are two mistakes candidates make: not being confident (good handshake) and not asking questions! Give it all you got- then you can never regret what you should have asked or said during the interview.
“Give it all you got- then you can never regret what you should have asked or said during the interview.”
Excellent advice and SO true!!
Thanks Emily!
You want to know the secret to interviews? In your own way, just let them know how far you’re willing to bend over & jump on command. Now that’s saving time for an interview prep! Really, is there anything else?
The interview prep business has hyped all of this to where interviewers probably feel too special with themselves. A little bit o’ power have gone to their heads & they dismiss people cause of their shirt colors.
@yea – Well, thank you for the “confidential” reply. It’s unfortunate that you feel you have to vent about your bad interview experiences on a blog that is intended to help prevent those types of experiences. Undercover venting, no less.
If you’d like to chat with me further, feel free to use the little black contact button on the top right hand side of this website. I’d be happy to chat with you about your experience and share some insight that may help you moving forward.
If you would not like to chat, that’s fine too. Everyone needs to vent once in awhile. But here is a piece of unsolicited advice…
Get rid of the attitude. Pay attention and grow up…or at least learn how to act like it. Nothing about your comment stated that you take job search or interviewing seriously. And if that is not the case, then I suggest you reach out to someone for assistance.