Your goal during your job interview is to convince the hiring manager why you are the best person for the job.
You have only a limited amount of time to do this, so you need to make every word count. If you say something inappropriate or inane, you’ve not only wasted valuable time, but possibly taken yourself out of the running for the position.
Keep Your Foot Out of Your Mouth
From the start of your interview to the finish, make sure your best abilities and accomplishments and not these blatant faux pas are what your interviewers remember about you:
- “So, tell me what your company does.” Rule number one of interviewing is: Do your homework. Know what a company does, what current challenges they face, and how hiring you could help them overcome them. In addition to giving yourself a leg up on the competition, by being well prepared, you’ll demonstrate your passion and solid work ethic.
- “My last boss was a real piece of work.” Complaining about a previous employer reflects poorly on you. Even if you’re telling the truth, it makes you look like a whiner and a poor sport. It’s great to talk about the challenges you faced, but focus on the positive results you achieved.
- “I really don’t have any weaknesses.” Yes, you do. And sharing ways you have worked toward improving them can be a very effective strategy. Also, don’t respond with something as cliché as “Perfectionism is my greatest weakness.” Use a more genuine, detailed response that offers more insight into your work style and personality.
- “How much does this job pay?” As a job candidate, you should never be the first one to bring up salary. Mentioning pay sends the message all you’re after is money. There will be plenty of time to talk numbers later, after you’ve gotten a firm offer.
- “Can I work from home? (or “How much vacation do I get?” or anything else related to pay and benefits). Like salary, your benefits package is best left till after an offer is received. Otherwise, a prospective employer will question your motivation or work ethic.
- “Sorry I’m so late (or early).” Be on time for your interview. And punctuality means just that. Don’t be too early either, or you may put pressure on an interviewer to drop what they’re doing and deal with you. Plan ahead, allowing for traffic and other factors, so you arrive at a reasonable time.
- “Would you like to see my references?” Wait until asked, and then supply your list of references, which should be a separate document from your resume. Offering this information too soon can make you seem desperate.
Knowing what to say, how to act, what to wear and in general, how to ace a job interview is challenging because, it’s not something you do every day. But the professional career coaches at PrideStaff Fresno do. Our experts can not only help you find your dream job, but also prepare you for it – from resume prep to interviewing, negotiating and transitioning into your new role. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.