Facing the Enemy

If you’re looking for a job, there are a lot of things working against you. Even though the unemployment rate has gone down in 48 states in 2012, it’s holding steady at about 7.6 percent. Good high-paying jobs with job security are scarce and competition is tough. The class of 2013 joins graduates from 2009 and up, competing for jobs while employers are holding the line on adding new jobs. Older workers struggle against the perception they aren’t willing (or able) to gain the technical skills needed to succeed in a digital world. They are too expensive and cost more in terms of benefits. Younger workers lack the experience and work ethic needed to gain the confidence of an employer. 

With all these outside influences working against a job seeker, who would even think of doing anything to waste a job interview? According to a Fast Company article, “Six Ways To Secretly Sabotage Your Job Interview,” candidates do things unknowingly that can dash their chances for a job. Being aware of these interview-busters can help stack the deck in your favor with your next interview opportunity.

Scheduling your interview for the wrong time of day can lessen your chances. Hiring managers often schedule multiple interviews in a day. They are freshest and most interested the first thing in the morning, so don’t be the last interview of the day. 

The first question in an interview is often the classic, “Tell me about yourself.” This is not an invitation to give the history of your life since birth. Talking too much in an interview without getting to the point or focusing on why you’re the best candidate can get boring and cause an interviewer to tune out. Skilled interviewers know that the more a candidate talks, the more she will reveal about herself. But telling college stories or every detail of your last six projects is way too much information.

If your last boss was a jerk, you were underpaid and overworked, or the payroll clerk was padding his paycheck, no one needs to know it, especially your prospective employer. Talking badly about a former employer says more about you than them. You will appear negative, defensive and someone who can’t be trusted to keep a confidence. No hire.

Cover letters are necessary evils. You don’t want to duplicate your resume, but you have to say something of substance or you look like a lightweight. This is not time for a boilerplate letter cut and pasted from the Internet. Customize your cover letter to the job description, linking your best attributes and experience to the key responsibilities of the job opening. Keep it short—three paragraphs max. 

Talking money. Sure you want to know how much you’ll be paid. But if you lead with “what’s in it for me” before knowing what the job is, you’ll come off as shallow and self-centered. The same goes for how much vacation time you get your first year and when your first review is scheduled. Save those questions for the second interview or negotiations after an offer.

No follow-up is an interview killer. Always follow up—a handwritten note is best. You don’t want to be the only candidate that didn’t send a note. Talk about standing out in the crowd. That’s one distinction you don’t want. 

Do yourself a favor and pay attention to the details. With all the factors working against you, be sure you’re working for instead of against yourself in your job search.

Photo Courtesy of Michele Meiklejohn / Freedigitalphotos.net