Job Interviews are rarely an enjoyable experience. You need to be prepared for anything and everything an interviewer might ask, including some of the more off-the-wall questions some companies like to throw out just to see how you handle the unexpected. You also need to know about misconceptions you might have walking in, so I was drawn to a recent post on doostang.com that lists three interview misconceptions.
A job interview, whether in person or by phone, is stressful. So know what to expect, and what not to expect.
The three misconceptions listed in the piece are:
- The Most Qualified Candidate Gets the Job
- The Interviewer is Prepared for…the Interview
- The Interviewer will Ask All the Necessary Questions
Feeling that you weren’t most qualified if you don’t get a job is counter-productive in a number of ways, most importantly in hurting your confidence for other interviews.
“It’s important to understand that you need to be professional, personable, and on your A Game at all times. You can be the most fabulous job candidate on paper and in reality, but if you don’t bring confidence to the table, the job could go to someone who had better people skills and impressed the interviewer. Conversely, if you know your resume may be lacking in certain areas, make up for it by giving a winning interview,” the article correctly notes.
Why worry about whether the interviewer is prepared for your interview?
Because, “the more prepared you are, the easier the interview is for everyone, and the better impression you create. Decide what you want to tell the interviewer beforehand, and do your best to find ways to mention your past achievements and what you can bring to the table,” the article says.
Regarding questions, even the best interviewer can leave something out. You’ll be amazed how many time someone else at the same locale might start out by saying “you’ve probably already been asked this,” by the first person to interview you, only to find out you hadn’t.
So, “it is your job to bring up skills and qualifications you have that are specifically pertinent to the job, so that the person interviewing you can report these back to the individual who makes the final decision. If they are the person who makes the final call, make the choice easier for them by addressing every aspect of the job description in a way that paints you as the perfect candidate,” the article says.
John N. Frank
Always Be Job Hunting 