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SelfGrowth.com founder David Riklan explains the top mistakes commonly seen during the job interview process. Part of the Change Your Life in Five Minutes or Less series.
Ford R. Myers is The Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Career Coach and Career Coaching. You can find complete information on Ford Myers and his products by visiting http://www.UltimateCareerConsultants.com
During my career, I’ve worked in many different industries. I can remember the struggle of putting together the perfect resume and coordinating with Human Resource departments. I’ve sat in office waiting rooms, listening for my name to be called and gone through the interview process, and I know how daunting it can be. Keep in mind, this was before Monster.com and Craigslist appeared – where beginning a job search is just a click away. Even though technology has made the search process easier, there are still many common mistakes that can quickly derail your candidacy
For advice on this topic, I’ve turned to Ford R. Myers, President of Career Potential, LLC – and Creator of Ultimate Career Consultants, the premier career coach training and licensing program. Ford has appeared on CNN-Money, NBC, ABC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times – and he’s also our Official Guide to Career Coaching!
Now, as the President of my company, I’ve found myself on the opposite side of the interview desk, and I’ve seen candidates make all sorts of mistakes many times. Avoiding these mistakes WILL set you apart from other candidates. So let’s jump right in and review some of these mistakes – and how to avoid them!
Mistake #1: Being Unscheduled or unplanned in your search
Most people spend more time planning a vacation than planning a job search. The typical job seeker just starts out ANYWHERE (usually answering Internet job postings!) and then goes on to whatever is in front of them next. A good job search has a well thought-out methodology – so you know all the right things to do. It has daily planning and activity, time and structure dedicated to the search, and above all else, a system for accountability. Accountability produces consistency; consistency produces persistence; and persistence is powerful!
Mistake #2: Not using phone references or recommendation letters
Most people already know that they need a list of Professional References. But you might be asking, “Why do I need Letters of Recommendation at this point in my career?” The answer is simple. You don’t NEED them … but you should WANT them. Why? Because when you find yourself in a competitive interviewing situation (and what interviewing situation is NOT competitive?), your letters of recommendation can really “give you an edge.”
In other words, when two or more candidates are equally qualified, the one who provides strong Letters of Recommendation at the later stages of the interview process will usually get the offer! So why NOT have this “extra ammunition” in your arsenal? The recommended number of “phone reference people” is between 5 and 7; and you should secure at least 3 or 4 solid Letters of Recommendation.
Mistake #3: Not having a strong cover letter
Cover letters are the most commonly used method to introduce your credentials to an employer. By considering the cover letter as your initial sales presentation – your first chance to impress the employer – you will clearly distinguish yourself from the crowd of other candidates. A well-written cover letter includes three basic parts: An Introduction explaining why you’re writing to the employer, a Sales Presentation telling the employer your qualifications and giving examples of your relevant experience, and a Wrap-up and Close explaining in one sentence what you can do for the organization and directly requesting an interview.
Mistake #4: Not being prepared for interview questions
Almost all interview questions can be divided into a small number of major categories; each with several variations. When you boil it all down, job interviews are made-up of only five basic statements: four questions, and a one sentence response from the employer. You should “interview the interviewer” as much as they are interviewing you! You want to make sure that the company and the position are a good fit for you, so it’s in your best interest to ask a lot of intelligent questions. Never walk into an interview filled with fear and self-doubt. The best way to approach an interview, and to feel confident during it, is to speak with the interviewer as though he or she were your peer. If you fall into hierarchical roles, where the interviewer is “superior” to you, this only breeds insecurity and tension. Don’t think you’ll get hired right away. Typically, your purpose in a first interview is simply to get a second one. You’ll then proceed toward the hiring decision, which might not actually happen until the third or even fourth meeting!
Mistake #5: Ignoring the importance of body language during the interview
Our body language in the work environment “speaks volumes” as we sit through meetings with supervisors and discuss projects with colleagues. But the most important time to consider what your body is saying is during the job interview. How your body “acts” during this all-important meeting sets the tone for hiring decisions, as well as future interactions with your boss and co-workers. Pay attention to your appearance, dress appropriately, make eye contact, shake hands firmly, don’t cross your arms, and sit up straight! This is all pretty basic, but you’d be surprised how often this advice is ignored.
The impact of a great résumé and impeccable references will be greatly diminished if your body language and “physical presence” don’t meet the interviewer’s expectations. So, always be aware of how your body communicates!
Mistake #6: Not following-up after the interview
Set the stage for effective follow-up! You should have a plan in place before you even get to the interview. This way, you’ll be able to “put the wheels in motion” immediately after the interview, and you won’t have to think about it! This step alone will relieve the pressure and decrease your anxiety. Plus, you’ll feel prepared, pro-active and more in control. Don’t rush toward an offer – set a goal to get invited back for a second meeting. Use every follow-up point as a chance to build your perceived value. After the interview, carefully review your notes which highlight the company’s most pressing needs, problems and challenges. Identify specific areas where you have successfully addressed similar issues in your career, and explain these “direct connections” to the interviewer.
By employing these follow-up strategies after the interview, you’ll improve your chances of getting more offers, and you’ll also feel more empowered and effective throughout the hiring process!
Thanks for watching, and thanks to Ford R. Myers for his great insights. You can read more about Ultimate Career Consultants – Ford’s career coaching training and certification program – by visiting http://www.UltimateCareerConsultants.com
Now for our question of the day – What is your biggest challenge in the job interview process? Or, if you’re an employer, what mistakes do you most often see when you interview prospective employees?
Let us know in the comments below!
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