Interviewing – What NOT To Do

The interview process is filled with obstacles that will prevent even the most qualified candidate from getting the job.  I am going to discuss what I consider to be the most common mistakes based on 5000+ phone and face to face interviews that I have conducted over the years.

Research – Never go into an interview or conversation without previously having done some research on the individual and the company you are speaking with.  That could be as simple as looking at their LinkedIn profile or doing a Google search.  Use that research to help develop five strong questions that convey your knowledge of your profession while also providing you with valuable insight to how the company operates and issues that they are currently experiencing.

Networking – What Not To Do

Networking is defined as a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.  Why should you network?  Studies have shown that 50% of all job openings are never posted anywhere online and upwards of 70% of all openings are filled by networking.  Now that I have your attention, let’s look at how to avoid the common networking errors.

Job Boards Don’t Work – Using Monster, CareerBuilder and the other major job boards is a waste of your time if all you do is apply online.  Applying is the first step but must be followed up by calling into a company and finding out who the hiring manager is for the role. You need to get them on the phone to present them with your 30 second or elevator speech.  Recent statistics I have heard are that 2-5% of the people that apply via the major job boards get a call.  That means 95% of you are wasting your time if all you do is apply online.

Attitude Is Everything

I am sure you have heard that from numerous people and you have probably even said it a few times.  So if we all know it, then why are so many of us having trouble following it?  Over the course of the past few months I have spoken with a number of people whose attitude would suggest they have given up on their job search.  Being able to overcome the constant rejection you face in your job search can be extremely difficult, however it is a requirement for success! Success breeds success and employers want to be associated with successful people.

The process of searching for a new career seems to be filled with rejection and disappointment at every turn.  You apply online for the job that perfectly matches your experience and yet you never hear back from anyone.  Your networking calls to your target companies don’t get returned.  Handling all of this rejection can easily wear down even the most positive of people.  So how do you maintain a positive attitude when everything around you seems negative?