The world has always shown that experience is an irrefutable argument, in many areas, and perhaps this is where the popular saying "experience makes perfect" came from. But when it comes to job interviews, having already been through many can be an indicator of imperfection at some crucial point in the process.
In fact, the one who tries to do a self-assessment of his performance is more likely to do better in the next interview than the one who just goes from one to another without reviewing the process. In fact, this candidate subjects himself to making the same rookie mistakes over and over again at each interview.
This text presents the five obvious and super-valuable things, listed by Gary Burnison , the CEO the world's largest organizational consulting firm, that candidates regularly commit before presenting themselves at a new job interview and ruin the recruiter's impression.
- Investigate the company's background, products and services
People go to an interview without knowing clearly and being convinced of the kind of jobs the company does.
Just knowing the basics is not enough. Learn all you can about the company - its history, leadership team, successes and current challenges. If possible, get the company's products and services: buy them, try them out, and talk to the people who use them.
During the interview keep your eyes open. If you are in a meeting with PepsiCo and you get a drink, don't ask for a Coke.
Greater knowledge about the company's customers will also help you present your skills and experience in context. You will give the impression that you are the right candidate for the recruiter, and the more relevant you are, the better connection you will make.
Have well studied the lesson about the company!
- Find out who will be interviewing you and prepare some icebreakers
After the interview is scheduled, get the names and positions of all the people you will meet. You can even ask the coordinator if there is anything you should know about this person(s).
The goal is not just to research who they are, but to look for points of connection, for example, you both worked at the same company several years ago. This will help you discover some icebreakers.
If you can't find anything about the interviewer, look for current topics. Perhaps the company just announced a new product, or the CEO recently revealed positive information about the company.
Even a benign remark - for example, "I see that the company has just made an acquisition. This must be a very exciting and hectic time" - can be an effective opening and conversation starter.
- Be prepared to ask relevant questions
In the middle of the interview, the hiring manager asks, "what do you want to know about the company/this position"? Answering with "I'm fine, thanks!" shows a lack of preparation, interest, and involvement. And it makes a greater negative impression if your intended position requires "interrogator" qualities.
Your questions should be intelligent and strategic, investigating the responsibilities and goals of the position or how the department operates. The questions you ask also show the interviewer how you think.
Here are some examples of intelligent questions:
Why is this position open?
How can I contribute in ways that go beyond the responsibilities of the job list?
Can you give examples of people who previously held this position, but did not fit in well? And why?
At the end of the interview, do not ask about "next steps". If you did well, the recruiter will let you know soon enough.
Instead, tell them how much you love the company, enjoyed the conversation, and are interested in the position.
- Put your phone in silent mode
From the interviewer's perspective, the ringing of a cell phone during an interview is a short but lethal sin; it shows carelessness and lack of respect!
Turn your phone off or put it on silent mode before you get to the door of the institution. If you forget to do this and the phone surprisingly rings, either for a message or call, never answer it.
- Choose the right clothes and do a 'mirror check
Don't procrastinate on this: well in advance, choose well the clothes you will wear to the interview. Try it on. Make sure it is clean, pressed, and still fits.
Not every job interview requires professional attire, but you should still present yourself as well-groomed and well-dressed. If in doubt, ask people close to you or who have worked at the company about what is considered appropriate. Sometimes the person who is organizing the interview will tell you.
On the day of the interview, do a "mirror check" before you leave. Anything stuck in your teeth? Fresh breath? Combed hair? Polished shoes?
On the way to the interview, don't buy or take anything that might splash on you.
Bonus: never be late!