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Job Interview Tips and Techniques on “What NOT to Do!” by the Recruiter
Q. Here are more interview tips and interview techniques pointing out some of the things you “should not do” at an Interview?
A. One of the things that you must always keep in mind is that there may be aspects of an interview that are simply beyond your control. However as long as you do the best that you can and within a pre-defined awareness of what is “right and wrong”, then you should be confident that you are putting your best foot forward. And it is that confidence that will enable you to keep moving forward until you do secure that position that you want to have. Here is a brief summary of things you should not do at an interview:
- Be practical when answering the question, “What are your future plans?”: The most common mistake that the interviewee commits is that they answer the question with their “dream job” in mind and not what is the practical advancement for their present career path. Also keep in mind that sometimes you can also go too far, including right up to when you plan to retire. Keep it brief and within a reasonable time frame making sure that you include that you wish to grow through the company, in respect of position, profile and financial condition.
- Always remember to turn off your cell phone during an interview. Many a candidate has been taken off a shortlist for doing so. However keeping in mind that most interviewers do realize that it may happen accidently, but it is how you respond to the interruption that can keep you on the shortlist. In other words, apologizing and turning your phone of immediately is a positive move. Taking the time to answer it, is definitely not a good move.
- Do not go to an interview even with a 3rd party agency or recruiter looking like you are on your way to a social gathering. By that we mean dress appropriately. It does not have to be a full piece suit, unless of course you are going for a senior role, then err on the side of caution and dress your best. For other type of roles - business casual is always a safe bet.
- Another Interview faux pas is showing up late for an interview. What compounds this error is when you don’t even bother explaining or mentioning you were late. Keep in mind as a professional who has had countless interviews I do not forget that tiny little detail when we finally do sit down for the interview.
The Recruiter
Newcomers to Canada - Overcoming Employment Challenges by Joshua Kreig
A client from China asked for coaching to become a better interviewer and presenter in English. He wished to express himself more creatively. I asked him how well he thought he expressed himself in Chinese. “It sucks!” he said.
Consideration: Do you possess the skills? It is not the language, it is you.
If you ‘suck’ at it in your first language, you will suck more with a weaker language skill set. Changing languages should not have a profound impact on ability, but language deficiencies expose skill deficiencies or can be seen as incompetency. The good news is communication skills are simply that – a skill set. But you must answer the question: “Do I possess communication skills?” Before looking at the nuts and bolts of communicating in a new language you must be able to do it in your first language
Communication skills are an invaluable asset. Words, both written and spoken, are the instruments of business. The person who can maximize those tools has the greater opportunity for success. A person with dynamic communication skills is often perceived as having a higher aptitude than a person with weaker communication skills. Though there are numerous books and courses on the market to turn you into a good presenter the final decider will be, “Are you creative and dynamic?” The number one skill of the great communicators is that they approach their material from a creative and dynamic perspective.
That is what separates a boring presentation on the annual census report to a forceful one on the relevance of demographics in economic and political decision making. Anyone working in a foreign language should have a forthright evaluation of their skill set in their first language to help understand the challenges they will have in a new language.
If one discovers or knows their first language skills are lacking, taking skills development workshops in the non-fluent language will provide the opportunity to pick up some new skills and practice them in a safe environment. Having the opportunity to practice and receive constructive feedback will help increase confidence.
Your next Job Interview QUICK TIPS…from the Recruiter
This is a Quick Tip list for that very important upcoming interview that you really want to ace. What I have not included in this list - please read my earlier post on “What not to do” at an interview:
- When you are asked if you have a particular skill - always try to give a real work example of when you had to use that skill. Whatever you do - don’t make it up. It’s quite ok to say “I haven’t had experience in that particular area but here is how I would handle it”. Keep in mind if the Interviewer does feel that you may not have experience in that area or that you may not have answered truthfully - they will work the questioning back again to address the area of expertise they are looking for.
- Another very important point to keep in mind is that you are not at an interview to see if the person across from you is going to be your new “best friend”. By this I mean - Keep your interview on a business level at all times. This does not mean you have to be “too” formal. Instead try to engage the Interviewer. This can be done through positive body language - such as an occasional smile and nod - and making sure that you portray the energy level of someone who truly wants to be at the interview in question. Let the interviewer “feel” that you appreciate the time and opportunity they may be giving you. Even if - half way through the interview you discover “to yourself of course” that the job is not a fit for you, then take advantage of the opportunity to practice your interview skills - never just throw an interview. Walk in with your head held high and walk out the same way, knowing that you gave it all you could and in the best way that you could.
- Of course all Interviewers, myself included - want to see all potential candidates and applicants show their confidence in their own capabilities and areas of expertise. However, keep in mind arrogance is not the same as confidence. You are there at the interview to show what you can do and how you believe you are a good fit for a particular role. This is an amazing opportunity where you are given time to basically “strut your stuff” and sell yourself in a positive and professional manner. It is not something you should take lightly. As I mentioned previously, use the opportunity wisely, even if it is just for practice.
Please do stay tuned for other tips and techniques that we will bring your way. If you have any questions about navigating through the waters of looking for that perfect job or launching a new career, please do send us a quick email and we will try to post it live so that others can also benefit from your queries.
Have a great day!
The Recruiter
Overcoming that Interview Nervousness: Reality and Perception Shifts
Being nervous is something we all experience yet think it is only us. But we do not have to let it be a paralysing event. Whenever we enter an unfamiliar situation we will experience nervousness. Being nervous increases the stress of any situation. The next time you are feeling nervous before an interview or a meeting here are five things to say to help move from paralysis to action:
I am prepared.
Reality – Stress is felt when one thinks or feels they do not have the resources to meet the demands of the situation. When we prepare well there is a confidence achieved thereby alleviating nervousness.
Perception shift – If you can say you are prepared, anyone listening to you will get the right information. Knowing one’s stuff is more important than a flashy presentation style. The prepared speaker will go further than one of all style and no substance. Be prepared!
Women in Business with Janet Hanson and 85 Broads
Hi Janet, Thank you for taking the time to chat with us.
- Can you provide our readers with just a brief summary as to how 85 broads came along? And when you began?
When I left Goldman Sachs in 1993, I was really tremendously sad that there was no easy, efficient way for me to stay connected to my friends and colleagues at the firm. I know this sounds like the Stone Age, but “back then” there was no internet or cell phones — the only way I could stay connected to my GS friends was to call them on the telephone or write them a letter or get in my car and drive down to 85 Broad Street. 85 Broads was founded in 1997 but it wasn’t until we “dot-commed” the network in 1999 that our members were really and truly globally connected. Hands down, this was one of the most exciting moments of my entire life. - What would you say is the “star attraction” or more direct, how would women benefit from becoming a part of 85 Broads? Why would women today want to join an organization such as 85 Broads? Great question. One thing the media has not picked up on (yet) is that as women get older, they “prune” their network of relationships. They primarily focus on their immediate family, their colleagues, and on an intimate circle of friends. I think what is so awe-inspiring about 85 Broads is that we the antithesis of “pruning” – we encourage women to connect with other fascinating women who will enrich their lives and expand their knowledge base in a way that probably haven’t done since college or graduate school. In essence, I think the “star attraction” of being a member of 85 Broads is to find new opportunities every single day to inspire and be inspired and to stay in the game!
- Since the inception of 85 Broads, is there any one event or even connection that stands out that reaffirms for you, 85 Broads was one of your best endeavours.
An event we had a few years ago that featured Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach for America; Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen; and Linda Rottenberg, founder and CEO of Endeavor. All 3 of these women are so amazing in their own right but together they rocked the house! Also any event that Susan Payne has spoken at! Susan runs our London chapter and is the CEO of her own hedge fund, Emergent Asset Management. She is also immensely proud of her Canadian citizenship! - What would you say to women out there now who are looking for example to start a new business, take on a new career, follow their academic dreams but may have those infamous “fears of change or new beginnings”?
The first thing I would tell them to do is read “More Than 85 Broads” which features 95 amazing members of our network who are true trailblazers! It’s an amazing book! My other piece of advice is to work with the smartest, most ethical, and most optimistic people. - One last question Janet, what future growth do you see occurring for 85 Broads or would like to see?
I have had the most amazing life. My “formal” career ended when I left Lehman Brothers in 2007. But instead of just finding happiness in my two kids and my two dogs, I wake up every day knowing that I’ll have the incredible good fortune to “meet” dozens of fantastic women who have just joined 85 Broads from all over the world! Most people would no doubt be surprised to hear that I actually approve every single application submitted for membership! The women who join the network might be in college or they might be the CEO of their own company – that is what is so amazing – I have been inspired and empowered by women from all different walks of life. Each one, in their own special and unique way, is an absolute rockstar. That is why I created this network – I don’t ever want to wake up one day and not be inspired!
Janet, thank you for sharing your thoughts with our readers and at Recruiting Now we also look forward to promoting and supporting 85 Broads as a means for women to connect, mentor and share their knowledge and support.