An executive enquired about interview coaching in December, yet waited until three days before the interview to ask about my availability for coaching. Unfortunately, I couldn’t assist him at the time due. He went to the interview and did not do well.
This is not unusual. Some job candidates, including executives, treat the interview process as a casual event. While the resume will garner interviews, being unprepared will not get the job offer.
Having worked with hundreds of clients, from mid-career professionals to executives, I have found nine common reasons why some job candidates fail at interviews.
#1: Inadequate Preparation
Don’t take your interview lightly. Preparation should begin the moment you submit your resume because you don’t know when you will be invited to an effort. You put a lot of effort into preparing your resume and cover letter; do the same (or more) for the interview.
#2: Limited Company Research
Employers often state that most job candidates arrive at the interview without having researched the company. Some end up talking about Company Y when it should be Company X. Don’t limit your research to the company’s website. Search for any mentions in social media, industry publications, or on regular news channels, and weave your findings into your answers.
#3: Believing You Can “Wing It”
Interviews are too important for you to think you can “wing it”. Far too many times I have encountered job candidates who, after trying to improvise on the go, end up being very disappointed. Seek help from a family member, a friend or a career coach, and don’t leave it for last minute. You want to be well-prepared. Panicky emails or urgent messages within 2-4 days of your interview will unnerve rather than help you.
#4: Unable to Articulate Accomplishment Stories
Most job seekers fail at interviews because they have not learned to tell their stories. When the interviewer says, “Tell me a time when….”, it’s time for you to tell a story. This is your best chance to convince the interviewer(s) that you are the best person for the job. This is Behavioural Interviewing, which is based on the premise that your past success is an indication of your future potential. The best way to do this is to tell stories of your accomplishments. Give clear, concise and confident answers, while ensuring that you incorporate the results or outcomes of your actions.
#5: Engaging in Negative Mind-scripting
Don’t get caught up in a cycle of second-guessing yourself and your abilities. Start with a positive mind script that says you are going to get the job. This frees you up to think clearly. Some people become bogged down, before or during the interview, with the notion that the company has already designated someone for the position and they are just going through the ropes. This belief is not always true, and even if it is, the fact you were invited to the interview suggests you have something the employer wants. It’s your opportunity to shine.
#6: Not Having Questions for the Interviewer
The interview is a two-way street. You are just as invested in the process as the employer. Go prepared with a few questions of your own:
- Is there anything else I should know?
- If I am the successful candidate, what would you like to see me accomplished within first 30 days?
- From a performance standpoint, what aspects of this position would you most like to see improved?
#7: Omitting a Thank You Note
Contrary to what some people think, sending a “thank you” note is not a waste of your time. People in the career sphere believe you should send one. Wharton Professor, Adam Grant said, “A Thank You note is so rare, it instantly separates you from the rest.” The people at Right Management Manpower Group says, “Sending a proper thoughtful thank you note can make all the difference.” “Please” and “Thank you” never go out of style.
That said, a mere “Thank you for meeting with me; I really want the job”, is not enough. Your thank you letter must have substance. You want to thank the people you interviewed with, but equally important, you want to use the letter to expand on a couple of points that were emphasized during the interview. Use your thank you letter to reiterate those points, and why you would be the ideal candidate to take on the role.
#8: Neglecting to Follow Up
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you won’t get the job. You might hear that you were a close second, or the job was offered to someone with a better fit. It is disappointing, and you feel like giving up, but this is not the time to recoil. Take some time to clear your head, and then do what most job candidates would not do (especially if you are still keen to work for that particular company). Follow up! If you want to be remembered; if you want to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer(s), then follow up.
Following up after a rejection will take courage and perseverance. A few months after your interview, reach out to ask how things are going with the new hire. Most times, things will be going great, but in some rare instances, the person did not or is not working out. The same time are following up could be the same time they were considering looking for a replacement. You just never know!
#9: Discontinuing the Courtship
If #8 above didn’t work, don’t despair. It doesn’t mean you should discontinue the courtship. There could be other future openings. You can keep yourself on the interviewer’s radar by sharing with them articles relevant to the profession, or keeping them abreast of trends in the industry. You can also monitor their online forums, ask questions, and share your expertise.
Do you know someone who would be a great fit for a position they are trying to fill? Why not refer such a person to them? Your efforts could sway them to create a position for you, or they could refer you to some other person or company who would need your expertise.
“It’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and don’t have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.” ~ Whitney Young
If you are having interview jitters, connect with me so we can have a one-on-one discussion about how to ace your next interview.
(This is an update to the post first published on my Career Musings Blog).
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About Me: Other than being the Chief Encouragement Officer at The Wright Career Solution, I am a certified career management coach and certified career development practitioner helping clients find satisfying careers and get hired FASTER! I specialize in career transition coaching, professional resume writing, interview coaching, and LinkedIn Profile development. Connect with me here on LinkedIn or on Twitter at @CareerTips2Go.
