You spent hours fine tuning your resume, days practicing interview questions and years building a network of professionals who can vouch for your work ethic. As a job seeker looking for a better position at another firm, you see no way to fail the interview. You exude confidence as you walk in the room, only to blow it with one major mistake.
Ken Schmitt, president and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search, has seen it all in his 17-year career. Schmitt relates stories that actually happened with regards to job candidates who had victory within their grasp only to see a huge job opportunity slip away. Some potential employees proceeded to fail the interview even after they were hired.
One job seeker passed five interviews with flying colors as he worked through human resources, vice presidents, the CEO and a member of the board. One final event remained as the candidate attended a meet and greet as a mere formality, yet the candidate was able to fail the interview in dramatic fashion. Do not show up to a party with a cigarette in your mouth or with a refreshing beverage while intoxicated. Companies may use informal gatherings as another test for you to pass, so be mindful of events to which you are invited before you sign on the dotted line.
Do not negotiate your compensation based on what other people make, especially your spouse. Your salary is commensurate with your education, your experience, the local cost of living and industry standards for similar positions. Never approach human resources for a raise because you want to make more money than your spouse.
Once you join a firm, consider yourself on probation for two to three months to see how you handle your new position. Celebrating your new job across the border and partying all weekend with your best friends is fine, but don't post your social life completely on social media, especially if you call in sick two weeks after starting and your partying caused you to miss work. This person did fail the interview, even after he landed the job. Your professional reputation is on the line, so make it count in all facets of your life.
Know your office's culture, but do not make your cubicle or desk too much like home. Your work space may have a bar, a ping-pong table, organic food for lunch and a workout room, but that does not mean you can take a 10-minute call from home during an important meeting. Even a laid-back office does not mean you can take time off due to having a long week just one week into your new position.
Other ways you can fail the interview include a weak handshake, wearing the wrong clothing and nonverbal cues. Hiring managers watch for subtle signs in your behavior and how you handle yourself to ascertain your personality. Are you someone who gets the job done, or are you likely to wilt under pressure?
Small mistakes in the interview can be overcome with the right attitude. However, glaring and obvious foibles can cause you to fail the interview before you become a valued member of the firm. If you make an egregious error at work that can still be corrected, do so after you have gained everyone's trust.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!