Prior to the interview, do a little research regarding the position you want and see what your intended role requires most in terms of applicable skills and personal qualifications.
There’s an ocean of interview advice out there and bobbing on the ebb and flow of this ocean are persistent misconceptions relating to what to do and what not to do on job interview.
While we can’t advise you on what color tie to wear, we can certainly help you through four of the most common interview misconceptions that seem to trip people up the most.
Misconception #1: Ask lots of questions at the end of the interview
Should you come prepared with a list of questions related to the job? Absolutely. Should you allow those questions to become an interrogation session? Nope. Instead, mold the interview into a dialogue between you and the individual interviewing you.
For example, if the interviewer asks you “What qualifies you for this position?” you would give your response and then follow up with a question such as “Can you tell me about the possibilities for advancement with this company?”
Misconception #2: Keep Your Flaws to Yourself
It seems ridiculous to reveal anything about yourself that might hurt your chances at a position, but in reality a large portion of interviewers will require you to discuss a flaw you’ve had.
A lot of people make the mistake of providing a strong “positive flaw.” “Oh, sometimes I involve myself way too much with my work.” An interviewer will most likely see right through that one and get the impression you are over-inflating yourself.
Be honest. A company wants someone who is honest in the interview. The best thing to do is address a flaw you have had at a past position, outline a solution you undertook to get past it and then move on to the next question. If pressed, you can always say such as “I feel confident enough of my abilities moving forward that I can fulfill all the requirements you’re looking for.”
Misconception #3: Giving a Laundry List of Qualifications.
Okay, you’re obviously a valuable individual who should be considered but don’t overdo it by just describing yourself with no evidence: “I am detail-oriented, I think outside the box, I’m someone who displays a lot of initiative and….”
The interviewer understands what you’re saying, but would appreciate concrete examples to back your claims up. Prior to the interview, do a little research regarding the position you want and see what your intended role requires most in terms of applicable skills and personal qualifications.
Rather than throwing out everything you’ve got and hoping something sticks, you can list specific skills and qualifications that make you the right candidate. Back yourself up even more by citing past examples of how your skills made you a star performer: “At Company X, my attention to detail ensured all inventory records were kept up to date improving efficiency and saving the company money.”
Misconception #4: Lay That Salary Expectation Right Out.
Money has always been one of those taboo topics to discuss on the job and it feels even more so when you’re in the middle of an interview. However, it doesn’t have to be the “boogeyman” of the interview. It’s a good rule of thumb not to be the first person to bring up salary in the interview and to not mention what your previous rate of pay was until a definite job offer is on the table, otherwise, your potential employer may give you an offer that’s on the low side.
The following are some examples of some good replies you can give when asked what you are looking for in terms of pay:
“I’d like a salary that would be in line with the contributions I can make to my department and the company as a whole. Overall I feel my skills and experience can make a significant contribution. What is your company considering in terms of salary?”
“Well, I feel that discussing my salary expectations would be something better suited after your determination I’m the candidate you’ve settled on. I feel that would be a more appropriate time for that particular discussion.”
I thought #4 was really good. Salary is always such a weird thing to talk about with an interviewer. I feel like if i tell them what i want, they might give the position to someone else who can undercut me.
I remember the last time i was involved in the hiring decision of a potential employee. I can say that for me personality was almost as important as qualifications. This may not be the wisest choice depending on the position but when you work in a small space i feel people will get more work done in a happy social environment with someone with a little less skill then in a tense environment with an employee that had a flawless resume and skill set.
These are great tips. I hope to not have to brush up on them anytime soon. I particuarly like the list of qualifications. I think it is smart to address your best qualities. If you have more than that is great. It will allow you to pull them out at a later date.
Keep in mind, the salary you negotiate will probably stick with you for at least the next six to twelve months, and may impact future raises as well. It’s great to land the job, but not if you stunt your long-term salary potential! By using tip number four, you minimize the risk of losing the job offer over the salary.
Great advice. Reminds me of my last job interview, and how bad I must have flubbed it. Oddly enough, I actually did land the position. This article will definitely stick with me in my next interview.
This article was great! It was a great refresher on my interview skills.