According to a recent Business Week survey of
recruiters from top companies, there are a number of
missteps that even well-prepared job-seekers can make to
quickly shift the tone of an interview in the wrong
direction.
Avoid these interview blunders:
- Temptation to ramble.
Recruiters are on tight schedules, so let them direct the
conversation. If possible, keep your answers under a minute.
If the interviewer wants more detail, they will ask for it.
- Faking knowledge. Be
honest about not knowing the answer. Ask for a minute to
think about the question further, or offer to get back to
the interviewer via e-mail once you have the opportunity to
do your research. Along these lines, don’t paint an
exaggerated picture of your talents; they could come back to
haunt you later in the interview process.
- Using pedestrian self
descriptors. Standing out is the name of the
game. Nine other candidates may have asserted strong
leadership skills. Connect yourself with a vivid example of
this trait and you are more likely to be remembered.
- Shedding a negative light.
It is tempting to negatively describe where you have been
(and why you are leaving) in an effort to justify a career
or job change. Stay away from anything that could
potentially rub someone the wrong way.
- Failing to conduct preliminary
research. Your interview is the first indicator of
how you will perform on the job. Show initiative and smarts
by learning as much as you can about the company and the
person who is interviewing you before the interview. Prepare
original questions and seize the opportunity to have a
genuine conversation with the recruiter.
- Too much money talk.
Even in a strong job market, don’t overemphasize the
compensation piece by bringing up salary during an initial
meeting. First demonstrate how you can contribute to the
company. Once you are desirable, salary can become a tool
for bargaining.
The Smith School’s Office of Career Management (OCM)
offers career assistance to alumni as well as current
students. Have a question for the OCM?
Submit it via e-mail. |
