Disaster alert! How to stay clear of nightmare interview situations
Job interviews can be daunting, and everyone has a story to tell from how theirs went. In this Blog we look at the most common interview disasters encountered, but how you can also turn them around now before your interview.
Not having done your research
It is vital that you do your research. However, candidates believe this is just looking at common interview questions and learning the answers word for word. But it also means researching the company you are interviewing with prior to the interview. Make sure you know exactly what the company does, study their website and see if you have a good understanding of what the role you are interviewing for entails. Turning up and being questioned on the company and not giving an almost immediate response shows the interviewer the lack of interest you have towards the role and the company.
Top tip! Think outside the box, if you have applied for a creative role such as Marketing then you will most likely be asked questions such as what do you like about our logo or our website.
Speaking before you think
We have all been in a situation where you have so much information to give in order to impress the other person. However, it’s easy in this scenario to completely forget about the question being asked and to blurt out random facts which have no relevance to the question. Rather than rushing to provide an answer quickly, take a moment to process the question you have been asked so you can formulate a clear, relevant and concise answer. If you need a question to be broken down so it’s clearer, don’t be afraid to ask. Taking a moment to pause and then providing a strong answer will be more beneficial for you.
Top Tip! Bring a bottle of water with you or if you get offered a glass of water accept it. This is because if you have been asked a question and need some time to think of a response, take a few sips of water so you can have a short break to think about what to say.
Being asked difficult questions
This is especially common when interviewers can see you have done your research on common interview questions and answers and you are reading them back to the interviewer. Some interviewers ask riddles, mathematical problems or even general knowledge. It all depends on the role you have applied for. This is not to throw you off track, but to see what you would say or do differently to other candidates. Interviewers like to see how you will react in different and unexpected situations to see how adaptable you will be in the working environment.
If you feel like you have been caught off guard don’t let it phase you as it will most likely not be the question that breaks your chances of getting through to the next stage. However, do prepare for scenario-based questions to be one step ahead.
Top Tip! Look on glass door or other employee sights, they offer you the chance to see what they got asked at the interview which may well be frequently asked questions which you can prepare for!
Being late
This is also a common interview disaster. Especially when an interview is being taken place somewhere you are familiar with and know the journey time. However, frequently candidates don’t take into account roadworks, road incidents which have happened or just general delays. Which is why we always remind candidates to leave 10-15 minutes early, or even be extra safe and leave earlier and prepare in a café nearby.
If, however you are late and it’s un-avoided even if you left early; ring your recruiter or the reception at the company you have applied for to inform them of the situation. It’s better to be upfront rather than turning up and telling the interviewer when you arrive. Once you have got to the interview apologise to the receptionist and your interviewer and move swiftly on. If you continue to complain this speaks volume on first impressions the interviewer now has on you.
Remember, mistakes happen and not every interview is going to be perfect. Of course, if you find ways of avoiding disasters before your interview you won’t bump into them. The aim of an interview is to ensure that you come across in the best way possible and show your potential employer that you are the perfect fit for the role that you want.