As a recruiter, I work in a liaison role between the professionals that I represent and the clients searching for top talent. During the debrief process I find the following mistakes often lead to the applicant being overlooked for the opportunity.
- Long-winded tangents. Today’s employer is looking for someone with active listening skills and the ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment. When professionals take 5-10 minutes to answer simple interview questions, this can lead to the assumption that the person is too talkative or very long-winded, which is often not a fit for small entrepreneurial companies that are looking for “movers and shakers”. Average interview answers should be about 2-3 minutes with backstory/process/impact.
- Getting comfortable. I find that some employers conduct a very casual interview process. For this reason, some professionals become too comfortable too quick. Discussing your personal views, negative experiences or family drama (even when you’re feeling really comfortable with the interviewer) usually does not lead to a positive result. Keep the topic of conversation on your professional abilities!
- Talking money! I understand professionals do not want to waste their time with opportunities that can’t afford them and discussing compensation is a priority. However, this is a conversation that should generally be had with the recruiter representing the job search, or the Human Resource professional at the company. The first interview with the hiring manager should not involve any discussion regarding compensation. This first interview is the professional’s opportunity to demonstrate and communicate his/her achievements, and potential impact for the opportunity. This should leverage the negotiation process when it takes place.
- 4. Not asking questions. Every stage of the process should inspire additional questions for the professional to continue to evaluate the opportunity. No professional is an expert in a job or company they have not worked. Not asking questions at any stage of the interview process can be a turnoff to a potential employer. You can never have enough intel on a new opportunity/company so keep the questions coming!
- Being negative!! Employers are very aware that you can’t change someone’s attitude. You can teach them new skills but often you can’t turn a negative person into a positive one. If you approach the interview by speaking poorly of past bosses, companies or any topic that is negative, this will be a poor representation of your attitude. We all have negative experiences but discussing them during the interview process can give the employer the wrong idea.
By avoiding these simple mistakes, a professional will have a greater impact during the interview process, and a higher probability of achieving the goal of receiving an offer.
