You have an amazing resume, an impressive list of accomplishments and you’re landing interviews. However, you’re not sealing the deal on any positions. Why? If you’re getting called in, but not called back, you could be inadvertently sabotaging your interviews by making one or more of these common mistakes.
Making a Bad Impression in the Waiting Area
Make no mistake, the minute you step through the door your actions are being watched. If you are rude to the security guard or short with the front desk attendant, odds are, the hiring manager will hear about it. In fact, many interviewers make a point of asking around to see what sort of impression candidates make in the waiting area. Treat everyone you encounter like they are the CEO.
Winging It
Hiring managers expect you to conduct research about the company. You should be able to speak with confidence about the organization’s mission, the products and services it is known for, and the things that differentiate it in the market. All of this can be found on the company website and by conducting a few internet searches of local publications. If you don’t know what the company does, why would you be hired to work there?
Not Relating Stories to the Position
Stories help paint a picture of who you are as an employee, and they are a great way to connect with the hiring manager. However, stories must be relevant. Don’t spend time talking about the day you took action to get a project on track, unless you can relate it specifically to the needs of the interviewer. The hiring manager wants to know what value you would bring to the position, so always choose relevant anecdotes.
Not Asking Questions
The best way to show a hiring manager that you are uninterested in a position is to leave the interview without asking any questions. Don’t just stick to standard questions about benefits, culture, development, etc. Differentiate yourself by asking thoughtful questions like:
- When you think of your “perfect candidate” for this position, do you see any gaps in my skills or experience?
- Presuming I get the job, what are the key accomplishments you’d like to see from me over the next three months, six months and year?
- What is your (or my future boss’s) leadership style?
- What are this team’s best and worst working relationships with other groups in the company?
- How do I get access to information I will need in order to achieve the goals of this position?
Not Following Up
The way in which you end the interview can have a lasting impact on the way the hiring manager views you. Always thank the hiring manager for their time, ask about next steps and reinforce your continued interest in the position. And always remember to write a thank-you note. As soon as you get home, compose a thoughtful and genuine note of thanks.
If you are an engineer or technical professional in the Southeast region seeking new opportunities, contact the recruiting experts at Selectek today. We can match you with an opportunity that will help you take the next step in your career, and we can help you perfect your interview technique to make a great impression, every time.
