If it’s been a long time since you last interviewed here are two common mistakes I hear rusty interviewees making. You should avoid these.
Many rusty interviewees speak with vagueness and in generalities. Even reading “vagueness” and “generalities” is annoying. Interviewers want to hear specifics… a specific time, event, challenge, triumph, results. The best way to do that is by telling a personal story of your experience with a beginning, middle, and end. Why? For 3 reasons:
- Speaking from experience, it’s really, REALLY hard work for a listener to follow an interviewee blathering on about something they could have, would have, or usually do. It’s especially true if it’s the 4th or 5th interview of the day. It’s much more memorable for a listener to hear an interesting story of your past…a story with an arc that carries the listener along. Then, when the interviewer is reviewing all the candidates interviewed that day, she’ll easily recall you and your story.
- A story of a past experience is a demonstration that you can actually DO something, not just talk about it. Interviewers are looking for people who not only know what to do but also are capable of doing it.
- If you prepare a story with a beginning, middle and end, you guard yourself against talking too much. Make your responses crisp and complete.
Rusty interviewees also tend to be reactive, rather than proactive, in the conversation. Memorable interviews are a two-way street. You can and should ask questions. When you do, you level the power field. But what questions should you ask? About the work environment? The salary? The schedule? Sure, they’re necessary. But don’t start there. Those questions are fine, but they are for your benefit only.
This is your opportunity to ask questions to uncover the hiring manager’s needs and challenges. When you do this, you come across interested in the job, the company and the person who will be your future boss. Once you know their needs and challenges, you can zero-in on sharing your relevant personal strengths and experiences that prove you can help resolve their challenges. Suddenly, you create a moment during the interview where you are presenting the solution (YOU!) to their problem.
As an interviewee, your sole job is to make it easy for the interviewer to select you. If you communicate your experience, skills, strengths and talents in a way that is easy for the interview to understand and remember you, you increase your chances of getting an offer. Are you ready to hear honest feedback and help with your interviewing skills? Go to www.coactioncoaching.com.
