Job interviews can be nerve-racking. Regardless of whether you are interviewing for a job in another organisation or even considering an internal role in your current organisation, in this article, I share the commonly held MYTHS around interviews from my 12 years of experience in HR. #careercoach #interviewmyths #jobseekers #careeradvancement #HRnuggets
It is normal to experience a mix of anxiety and excitement leading up to a job interview. After all, it can be the make-or-break factor to landing the job of your dreams.
However, beware of the below myths about interviews which may not work in your favour.
Myth 1: Interviewers are aliens or super-humans and need to be bowled over
The person on the other side of the table is as human as you are. In fact, conducting your interview could be just one of the many tasks on their expanding to-do list. So do yourself a favour and assume the best intention. Seek to make a connection. Choose to express and not only impress. Your ability to convey with confidence the value you will bring to the role without over-selling yourself can win over the hiring manager.
Myth 2: It is only what you say at the interview which matters
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only what you say which is evaluated during the interview. A good interviewer can read you the moment you walk into the door. Your appearance and dressing, facial expressions, hand gestures, voice tone carry a subtle message across more than your spoken words. It is essential to ensure that your thoughts, words, and behaviours are in sync, reflecting a high level of authenticity. Don’t forget to dress for the job you want and ensure your attire is appropriate and accentuates your personal style.
Myth 3: If I am technically skilled, my selection is certain
“You don’t hire for skills; you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills”- Simon Sinek
Personal characteristics and attributes like adaptability, teamwork, rapport building, problem-solving, creative thinking, emotional intelligence are inherent to an individual and shaped by one’s personal value system and experience. They can be the true differentiators at the workplace and are pretty difficult to train. Often organisations don’t just look for the most qualified candidate but the one who can effectively demonstrate most of the above attributes.
Myth 4: I need to be a 100% fit for the job role
Each job has a learning curve, and it is nearly impossible to find a 100% fit. So don’t try to hide behind a façade and paint a picture to prove you are fully fit for the job role. Being authentic and acknowledging gaps in your understanding can give the hiring manager the confidence that you are self-aware and open to learning.
Myth 5: Stating my areas of improvement may put me at a disadvantage
One of the most commonly asked interviews questions is around your strengths and areas of improvement. When it comes to strengths, job seekers sit up in their chairs and have a huge list of accomplishments, unique selling points and personal differentiators to rattle off. And then to the areas of improvement, and suddenly they are thrown on a back footing. So take some time to reflect on your areas of development and steps you have initiated towards enhancing them.
Myth 6: It is sufficient to know about my job role and brush up on all technical concepts
Just understanding your job role may not be sufficient. Interviewers look for candidates who understand the company, competitor profile and how the business generates revenue. A candidates’ ability to see the bigger picture and assess how their work fits into the larger scheme depicts a growth and strategic mindset. The smart way to do this would be to visit the company website and network with existing employees of the organisation.
Myth 7: Asking questions to the hiring manager may make me look over-smart
Asking questions to the Hiring Manager is a great way to make the interview feel more like a conversation. Moreover, it will help you ascertain whether you will be a good fit for the role and organisation. Questions like ‘what are the key attributes of a successful candidate in this role?’ or ‘what is the organisation culture?’ will also demonstrate a sense of curiosity and seriousness to the interviewer.
The Bottomline
As the old saying goes: Fail to prepare and prepare to fail. Overconfidence is reflected through under-preparation, which can be a recipe for disaster. Also, don’t over-prepare as an element of spontaneity is a good thing to have during an interview.
And with all that preparation, if you still don’t happen to crack the interview, then chin up. There is always a better opportunity that awaits you. And don’t forget to carry the lessons learnt from the previous interview when you walk into the next one.
Note: Working with a Career Coach can help you better prepare for the interview, brand yourself in the most effective way possible and negotiate expectations tactfully. In case you would like to have a short discovery call to understand more about career coaching, please write to me at note4rochelle@outlook.comor DM me on Linkedin.