Simone E
President & Sales Manager, Hispanic-Jobs.com/Asian-Jobs.com/Diversity-Jobs.com
What do you suggest job seekers should not do or ask during the interview
I am trying to write an article for job seekers of what Not to do during the interview and would appreciate any other thoughts . The things that come to my mind are:
- don't accept any cell phone calls
- don't take your children to the interview
- don't talk negative about your ex-employer
- don't say anything about your salary requirements in your first interview
Are there any other suggestions that come to your mind. I would appreciate any other feedback. Thanks so much in advance.
Answers (16)
One of things I tell people, is DO NOT just sit there and answer the questions like a robot. A professional interview is a time for conversation, between the interviewer and interviewee. This is a time to see if both parties are fit for each other. Personally, if someone sits there and answers like a robot, I tend to feel they're simply telling me what they believe I want to hear. I want to have a conversation. Ask questions and dig deeper during an interview. It will be a success more times than not.
Be honest, whatever the outcome of the interview.
If you think that you can't answer anything honestly to the interviewer, it's a total mistake to apply for that job.
Clarification added 4 months ago:
Honesty in this case, is not talking about personal life, most interviewers don't have time for that kind of question, and it's not related to the job.
But it's more on how do we explain what and how we did our work in our previous jobs.
For example in the case of software development:
- We can not lie and said that we previously write our code from zero (without integration or inspiration from other code), with novel algorithms, utilizing the best practices, while in fact we didn't do it like that, very few people do, unless if he/she is a proven expert.
- Why do we choose this job position, instead of other interesting job positions ? If we answer, because this is the best job position in the company is a lie, but instead explain why this job position suits our background.
- Last, why do we choose this company ? If we answer, because this is the best company in the world is a lie, instead we should explain why we like this company, how it suits to our goals, mindsets and background.
Hi Simone,
I would say like James that a professional interview is a conversation where you get the opportunity to let yourself be known as well as your projects and where you can also feel and get to know better the potential employer/structure.
The three 1st points you said are obviously common sense, but i don't agree about the salary question.
If you are in search of a position, and the person that receives you thinks you might be the one for this position, you got to know exactly many aspects of it, and the salary is not only a motivation but also a mean to take the decision to join them or not.
No serious recruiter can be mad at you for asking or saying your pretentions. Though you may use your diplomatic skills to ask it.
Keep in mind that the impression you'll leave, more that what you gonna say during the interview, is likely to count for about 80% in the decision to hire you or not, so try to use non-verbal communication and active listening with your interviewer.
Be careful not to answer to much about your private life in front of someone looking very / too much sympathetic. Don't be surprised if another one tries to destabilize you with questions or attitudes, it might only be to check your resistance under pressure.
Think about what you want the person to remind of you and you'll be fine, provided you have previously had a reflection on your profile and career and show their logic.
It would help a bit to know for which position you are asking for advices too.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
DG.
Clarification added 4 months ago:
PS @Jesse : Just an advice for you in case some day you meet someone trying to establish a close relationship. Sometimes its only a mean to make yourself expose your weaknesses and events of your private life. I'll just say "keep in mind that you are not here to make friends but to work and have a value for a company". I don't mean that you can't anser things for the private life, but just to select them and not to tell the ones that can open a way to misinterpretation or misunderstanding and that can deserve you.
This said, honesty is a highly praised value and you get to know pretty quick if someone has it or not in my opinion.
Hi have a look at 3 articles I wrote on the topic;
http://www.careersiteadvisor.com/article/interview-success/successful-interviewing-part-one-17.html
http://www.careersiteadvisor.com/article/interview-success/successful-interviewing-part-two-22.html
http://www.careersiteadvisor.com/article/interview-success/successful-interviewing-part-three-24.html
Think you will like these.
Cheers
Keith Robinson
Links:
Lisa R
Owner, www.rocketfuelcoffee.com; www.muskokapress.com
Best Answers in: Green Business (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
My coffee company is in a printing office where many young people come to apply for jobs for graphic design positions. Folks also come to apply for positions in the printing facility to simple tasks just to earn minimum wage. The reports I hear post interview are sometimes on the astounding/hilarious side.
- do not ask about breaks, summer hours, lunch
- do not come to work looking like P.Diddy
- Do not over state your qualifications... we will spot it in about half an hour
- No Facebook, internet, cel phone on the job please!
Oh and if by chance we do hire you (sorry this is extra, no charge)
- No one wants to hear about your big night last night, OK?
- If your culture thinks that women should be at home and not at work, stay home. You are looking for trouble here.
- If you are really sick, stay home. Don't make us all sick. If you are not sick Come to work!
- Leave your personal problems in the parking lot!
- We all just want to get work done and have a great day, get along and smile. Get it?
Links:
Don't ignore the secretary or executive assistant. Smile and be freindly to them.
Don't say, "No" when asked if you have questions. Ask questions in the context of what you can do for the company, like, "What are the department's goals?"
Don't blab. Be succinct when answering questions.
Don't do all the talking. Ask intelligent questions.
Don't be too serious. Be sure to smile!
Links:
Brian G also suggests this expert on this topic:
Charley M
Executive Director, CCCN
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (3), Internet Marketing (2), Commercial Real Estate (1), Customer Service (1), Regulation and Compliance (1), Job Search (1), Event Marketing and Promotions (1), Government Services (1), Exporting/Importing (1), International Law (1), Advertising (1), Business Development (1), Planning (1), Business Plans (1), Energy and Development (1), Green Products (1)
Do: Ask them why you should work for them
Dont: Accept here BS because of the current market
All of these are good answers... one thing that I have found coming up more often is candidates who say haven't really personalized their intent for a job. Particularly if they're applying for a position that is a bit of a stretch from their most recent work experiences. DO NOT say...
"I'm desperate."
"I'm honestly looking for anything right now."
"I haven't actually looked at your website yet."
You should ALWAYS have at least read the job description and/or gotten as much detail about the opportunity as possible. Do your research and come prepared with questions about this opportunity AND the company it will be within.
Neil L
Industry Exec/Trainer. Get FREE 8 week "Recruiting System" mini course! Now available at http://www.TheDynamicSale.Com
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (7), Business Development (2), Personnel Policies (1), Career Management (1)
In simple terms a job seeker should not ask or do anything that isn't a reason to be hired. PERIOD! This is something that I stress if my prep/brief training and lived when I was recruiting! Everything that they say or do simply MUST BE A REASON TO BE HIRED! Once you beat that point home and give examples, it will eliminate most "problems". After we give them this wisdom, it is key to remind them that in all market conditions (and especially now) that the interview process is a knock out process! It is a screening out process and not a screening in one! Everything that they do should be simply to move the steps forward and the entire goal AT THIS PHASE is to get the offer ! THEN (and only then) should they ask questions that benefit themselves or that aren't a reason to be hired. Sure, they may care if they have their own office and it may be a dealbreaker for them.. However, they should ask this ONLY when they get the offer (ie no more screening out that can really happen). .Same for questions about important benefits (we don't disagree that the benefit package isn't critical for them to make a decision.. but it is not a reason to be hired, so should only happen after the offer). So, "where will I sit".. "Who will I report into", "What are your hours", "what sort of bonuses or raises can I expect", etc etc DONT belong in the interview until the ball is in their court! THEN, they can and SHOULD make sure that EVERY answer that is important to THEM is addressed!
Naunnie B
Founder and Owner, Finders Seekers Ltd.
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (3), Ethics (1)
Definitely do not tell an agency recruiter or hiring authority the following:
"Well, I wouldn't tell this to the hiring manager or the company recruiter but I .....(was fired, hated my boss, had an affair, took more time off, read boss' personal emails, etc.)"
I get this a lot and many times depending on what is said I will not pass the candidate on to the hiring manager or company recruiter.
Simone,
One fundamental suggestion for any candidate is to come to the interview prepared. By simply spending some time reviewing the company's website and profile, and preparing some intelligent questions ahead of time, any candidate can separate themselves from the pack.
Even at the executive level, I've seen many candidates walk into interviews without doing their homework...
If it's a phone interview, DO NOT put the interviewer on hold to answer other calls! I've had this happen when I'm interviewing someone and they will say "Hold on" and click over to answer another call. Very rude and unprofessional.
Grace H
Corporate Immigration Attorney at Jackson & Hertogs LLP
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (2), Exporting/Importing (1)
In addition to the excellent suggestions already made, I would add: "Be prepared to discuss everything that you put on your resume."
I still recall a rather bizarre interviewing experience where we asked an candidate a "softball" question about one of the personal interests she had listed on her resume. The applicant then proceeded to tell us that she really didn't want to discuss this, she had put the personal interests on her CV only because her friends told her that she should. That rather bizarre response to a benign question pretty much killed her chances for an offer.
It continues to be critical that candidates focus on the needs of the hiring company. Not what you need or want, but what you have that will benefit the company?
Here is some really basic advise:
Know where the company is, look at a map, do a drive by prior to the interview.
Show up 15 minutes early to fill out any paperwork prior to the interview.
At a minimum, visit my companies website and know what we do.
Don't smoke prior to the interview.
Smile, relax let some of your personality show. We are going to be together 40 hours a week, show me what you are like to be around.
Be nice to the receptionist, the person sitting at the front desk isn't always who you think they are.
If you get a question like: "What kind of boss do you like to work for?" Use a real example: "At company XYZ I worked for Mary Jane, and I really working for her because blah blah blah."
I hope this helps.
Mark
Mark W
Owner, Coach & Recruiter
Best Answers in: Job Search (6), Staffing and Recruiting (4), Career Management (1)
Don’t be late. If you absolutely can’t avoid it call the interviewer before your scheduled interview time, apologize and ask if it is convenient to come ahead or would he like to reschedule.
If you smoke DON’T smoke in the car on the way to the interview.
Do not ask questions about money, benefits or vacation. These are not relevant until you get an offer. We will discuss later how to respond if you are asked about money.
Do not speak negatively about a past employer. If you do, the person conducting the interview will assume that you will do the same if you leave his company.
When asked why you are looking or why did you leave, relate only to career goals. Show gratitude for what you have learned and the opportunity you were given but in order to continue the advancement of your career and find new challenges it is time to move on.
Do not generalize or exaggerate. Only talk about abilities and accomplishments that you can back up with specifics. Use numbers, ratios and dates when possible. It does no good to say “I can do that” If you can’t give specific examples of when you have done it.
Do not act or talk like you need a job. Don’t talk about how rough it has been being unemployed. It makes a poor impression and you will lose your room to negotiate for the best offer if the interviewer thinks you will be easy to get. You want to show enthusiasm but you also want them to think they might have to work a little to get you.
