Interview Boo-boos to Consider
It is an unfortunate truth that many interviewees aren't aware of how some statements they make during an interview can ruin their chances of being hired regardless of their qualifications & skills. Here is a specific list of things a candidate should never say during an interview as well as examples of things you can say when responding to interview questions.
During a job interview, always maintain a positive and professional demeanor.
Key points to avoid: Negative comments about past employers: "My last boss was terrible," "I hated my previous job," or anything else that portrays a negative experience.
Expressing desperation: "I really need this job," "I'm desperate for work".
Unprepared answers: "I don't know," "I haven't thought about that" or "I just wanted to apply first but haven't had a chance to really learn about the company".
Talking about salary first: "How much does this position pay?", "When would my benefits start?"
Discussing personal issues: "I'm really stressed at my current job because...".
Overconfidence or arrogance: "I can do anything if I put my mind to it".
Complaining about your current role: "My current company is not supportive", "My current management doesn't do anything for employees".
Cursing or unprofessional language: Using slang or inappropriate vocabulary. (This is a no brainer folks).
Asking about benefits too early: "What's your vacation policy?", "How soon do benefits start?" or "How is PTO accrued?".
Not having any questions: Showing lack of interest by not asking questions at the end of the interview. Interviewers would expect you to have some questions about the job role.
Do this instead:
Focus on your positive experiences and accomplishments at previous jobs. Try to express how your accomplishments would relate to the role you've applied for.
Express enthusiasm for the role and company. Share what attracted you to the company & why you chose that job role over others you considered applying for.
Ask thoughtful questions about the position and company culture. "What is your idea of a great team member?". "Does management encourage learning about professional growth within the company? Do they provide training/ cross training for such opportunities?"
Be prepared to discuss your skills and how they align with the job requirements.
Express how your experience & skills can contribute to the company's culture & success. This is a key element to demonstrate your value as a potential employee and show that you've researched the company and understand its needs.
Maintain positive body language and professional demeanor.
Be aware that some interviewers may ask questions about your previous job that may seem friendly & interested but are being asked to elicit a perception of comraderie in order to see how you respond. An assurance of "I'm interested in how your experience affected your performance & encourage you to be transparent in your answers" doesn't mean you should spill your guts about how poorly you believe you were treated. Keep your answers positive. My go to response is "While I valued the experience and skills I gained at my previous role, I realized that to achieve my long-term career aspirations, I needed to seek new opportunities that offered more alignment with my professional development goals.
What are some mistakes you've made during an interview that you think may have affected your chance of being hired? What would you have done differently if you could do it over?
"Interview Tip"
Be prepared to speak professionally!
Make sure that you think about how what you’re saying will come across to the hiring managers.
Before the interview, go over the job description and think about what makes you the best person for the role. Knowing where you fit in, in advance, will boost your confidence.
Avoiding sayings like "wanna" or "fab" and fillers such as "um" or "like" can also make you sound more confident and will make a better impression on the hiring manager.
Are you familiar with the terms that may be specific to your job or industry? Make sure you cover these in your interview preparation. #AWU #disability #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
Be prepared to speak professionally!
Make sure that you think about how what you’re saying will come across to the hiring managers.
Before the interview, go over the job description and think about what makes you the best person for the role. Knowing where you fit in, in advance, will boost your confidence.
Avoiding sayings like "wanna" or "fab" and fillers such as "um" or "like" can also make you sound more confident and will make a better impression on the hiring manager.
Are you familiar with the terms that may be specific to your job or industry? Make sure you cover these in your interview preparation. #AWU #disability #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
Not reviewing your key points is a mistake!
Don't assume that the interviewer has committed your CV to memory. Think about it. They're probably interviewing multiple candidates during the day.
It's up to you to promote yourself. Take the time to go over your CV so that when the interviewer asks you questions, you can answer them confidently and make references to your various achievements.
Be your best advocate. You got this! #AWU #disability #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
Not reviewing your key points is a mistake!
Don't assume that the interviewer has committed your CV to memory. Think about it. They're probably interviewing multiple candidates during the day.
It's up to you to promote yourself. Take the time to go over your CV so that when the interviewer asks you questions, you can answer them confidently and make references to your various achievements.
Be your best advocate. You got this! #AWU #disability #interviewtips
"Interview Tip" Be Specific in your answers!
Neglecting to provide specific examples of your strengths, contributions and impact in previous roles can hurt your chance of getting an offer because it signals to a potential employer that you're not thoughtful or trustworthy.
You have to demonstrate specific accomplishments in order to build trust and positively influence the person who's interviewing you. Vague sterotypical answers may cause a lack of trust. It shows that someone is unprepared and doesn't have a deliberate approach to their work.
Tips for acing your next interview
You can avoid this common mistake — and stand out in your next interview — by being prepared with at least 3-5 specific examples of your strengths and weaknesses, challenges you've overcome in your career, recent win .
Make sure that the examples you're providing are relevant to the job you're interviewing for. #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip" Be Specific in your answers!
Neglecting to provide specific examples of your strengths, contributions and impact in previous roles can hurt your chance of getting an offer because it signals to a potential employer that you're not thoughtful or trustworthy.
You have to demonstrate specific accomplishments in order to build trust and positively influence the person who's interviewing you. Vague sterotypical answers may cause a lack of trust. It shows that someone is unprepared and doesn't have a deliberate approach to their work.
Tips for acing your next interview
You can avoid this common mistake — and stand out in your next interview — by being prepared with at least 3-5 specific examples of your strengths and weaknesses, challenges you've overcome in your career, recent win .
Make sure that the examples you're providing are relevant to the job you're interviewing for. #disability #jobs #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
What do you do when you don't know the answer to a question?
If you are unsure about how to respond, don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer for a moment to gather your thoughts, experts say. You can politely ask for a second, or you can also ask the interviewer to repeat the question.
Another approach may be to tell the interviewe that’s a great question and ask for a moment to gather your thoughts so you can approach this to the best of your ability.
From there, take no more than 60 seconds to think to yourself or even write down your answer on paper. Surprisingly, those 60-seconds may contribute to a well-thought-out and thorough response.
But remember, in the end it isn’t about providing a right answer. Instead, it is about how you respond to the pressure and show confidence in yourself. #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups
"Interview Tip"
What do you do when you don't know the answer to a question?
If you are unsure about how to respond, don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer for a moment to gather your thoughts, experts say. You can politely ask for a second, or you can also ask the interviewer to repeat the question.
Another approach may be to tell the interviewe that’s a great question and ask for a moment to gather your thoughts so you can approach this to the best of your ability.
From there, take no more than 60 seconds to think to yourself or even write down your answer on paper. Surprisingly, those 60-seconds may contribute to a well-thought-out and thorough response.
But remember, in the end it isn’t about providing a right answer. Instead, it is about how you respond to the pressure and show confidence in yourself. #disability #jobs #interviewtips
"Interview Tip"
Don't ask general questions
During your Interview, you should avoid asking general questions as they won't reveal anything. Instead, ask for specific examples and personal perspectives.
If you really want to understand the company you're interviewing with, you have to flip the interview. Ask them questions every bit as incisive as the ones they ask you.
For example, instead of asking what the boss is like, ask: "What was your boss's response the last time something really went wrong?" That'll give you a better idea of how the boss approached a difficult situation.
Instead of asking what the culture's like, ask, "Of all the places and groups you've worked where would this place rank?" The question gives interviewers the chance to show what they like about working at the company, and perhaps, what could be improved.
Be prepared, be specific, and stand out! #disability #jobs #interviewtips
Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups