You've been on the job hunt for a
while, submitting resumes and reaching out to your networks for tips on
openings and future opportunities. So you're no amateur when it comes to
looking for that perfect job. But for some reason, you haven't been getting many
offers - even though you've been getting your foot in the door for interviews.
Keep in mind, there are some
things you should never talk about during a first interview. For instance, we
all know you shouldn't ever trash a previous employer. But what about some of
the less talked about mistakes you may be making? If you've been guilty of any
of these in the past, it might explain why you haven't been able to close the
deal:
Uttering the Phrase "I Don't Know" When it
Comes to Questions About You: Some people just aren't comfortable
talking about themselves. We've been taught that being humble is an admirable
trait and as a result, we struggle with bragging. But if there was ever a
situation that called for touting some of your greatest accomplishments, an
interview is it. So it's time to brush up on all you have to offer, because it
simply isn't acceptable to provide an "I Don't Know" response when
asked what your greatest contribution was to your previous company or what the
financial gain was on your most recent project. Not only should you know all
the answers to questions about you and your work history, but you should be
able to quickly provide them when asked.
Admitting You Don't Know Much About This Company or
the Opening: If you've been looking for a while, it's possible you have
been submitting resumes without even fully reading the job descriptions
anymore. That's fine, but if you get a call for an interview - it's time to do
your research. Look into the company you are interviewing with and brush up on
the specifics of the job as well. This will allow you to present yourself to
hiring managers as someone who is uniquely qualified to fill this role and who
is especially excited about the opportunity to join their team.
Asking About Money or Benefits: Don't put your
cart in front of your horse by asking about compensation or benefits before a
job offer has even been made. Not only can this come off as over-eager, but it
gives the impression that your willingness to take a job is dependent upon what
you can get out of it. While this may be the case, you want to remember that
hiring managers are looking for candidates who are specifically excited about
being a part of their organization or about taking on the challenges of a new
role. So leave the monetary talks for the negotiation stage, where you will
have plenty of opportunities to find out what's on the table.
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