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Waiting for the phone to ring after an interview can be infuriating for jobseekers. They are not alone as recruiters often feel the same way when working with some businesses.
Although the conversation is not always an easy one, giving constructive feedback is important. As a hiring manager, it’s better to be honest about the professionals you interview so as not to waste your time in the long run. A good recruiter will take on board this feedback and use it to improve the process for the next time you come to hire.
If you are a seeking a job and are not moving past the first interview stage then it is definitely time to ask for feedback. It’s the only way in which you will find out which areas you do well in and what areas you could improve on when it comes to future interviews.
Common interview mistakes:
Sending the wrong signals
Body language is the first thing you notice about someone when you meet them and can impact significantly on how you’re perceived. Make sure you make eye contact when speaking to someone and don’t slouch. When it comes to verbal communication, make sure you ask relevant and thoughtful questions during the interview and get any points you want to make, across clearly and concisely.
Not understanding the role or company
Preparation is paramount. Researching the company and role before an interview is one of the most important things you can do. Insufficient research shows a lack of care or enthusiasm for the role. Make sure you prepare and are knowledgeable on what the company does and where they position themselves within the market.
Showing a lack of enthusiasm
If you want to work for the company you are interviewing for then show it. How else will your interviewer know that you are eager to come on board? It will signal to your interviewer that you are a hard worker, proactive and keen to learn.
Being too informal
Sociability, talkativeness and friendliness are often attractive traits for an employer but there is a line that you need to tread. If you are asked about your personal life – remember to keep your answers professional and use professional language. Being too informal could prevent you from being asked for a second interview.
Limited answers to competency questions
Top tip - prepare some answers to typical questions surrounding the core competencies within your job description using the STAR technique - Situation Task Activity Result. This will help you structure your responses in a logical way to ensure you give full responses that demonstrate your experience.
Perhaps your lack of success is down to a lack of a particular skill set or you may be making similar mistakes in every interview. Either way, only feedback will give you the answer and allow you to acknowledge your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
Your aim should be to receive constructive criticism and use it to your advantage.
Job hunting can be full of uncertainty. But with us, you can be sure that we’ll do everything we can to get you to your ideal job. Send your CV to us to get started or search for the latest job vacancies and we’ll get the ball rolling.