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I wish I could take that interview over again

by JUDIT PRICE
Sun Correspondent
Lowell Sun

The recruiters and HR professionals I meet are very helpful in giving me information useful in guiding clients. I am especially sensitive to their feedback because it is important to prepare clients for job interviews and career change with the best current information possible. These are difficult days. Hiring has slowed down and the risk of a downsizing has increased. Whether we have entered a downturn is still a matter of speculations.

But according to the professionals, companies have become more defensive about hiring. What this means is the number of opportunities may be flattening and therefore each interview opportunity becomes more precious.

I have discussed the importance of preparation for interviews. Good research into the company, its products and strategies, competition and reputation and any additional information that communicates sincere desire to the interviewer is very important. Yet with all of this plus excellent qualifications and references, HR people, hiring managers and recruiters continually express their frustration with professionals who seem to lose their poise and doom their chances.

Probably the most common criticism concerns those candidates who believe they are the drivers of the interview. I assume that many candidates who tend to be more aggressive, either because of the nature of their work, such as sales, or their position in the organizational hierarchy, naturally gravitate toward taking charge. They do not internalize the importance of letting the interviewer drive the interview, while the interviewee should subtly and carefully control answers such that the important messages are delivered.

A good interviewer asks tough questions. Some of those questions generate discomfort. Nevertheless, being asked a difficult question is not an opportunity to challenge the person who may hold the key to your next job. Even if the interviewer seems willing to abdicate control of the meeting, do not respond. Many employers justifiably believe that a belligerent job hunter is probably insensitive to employees and would not be a good team player.

Some interviewees challenge the interviewer to justify why they should want to join the company. Even though you know that you are smart and productive and can add a great deal to the firm, attitude and presentation is critical. It is essential to avoid giving the interviewer the impression that he must sell the company to you. The employer has all the power until the offer is made. Consequently, communicating that you have many other opportunities is more likely to end with a rejection. An interviewer could just assume that your ego might be a problem.

I want to emphasize that preparing and asking thoughtful questions is important. In fact, the interviewer could get suspicious if no questions are asked. Therefore, prepare and ask questions, but never challenge.

Occasionally, it becomes quickly obvious that the job and or the hiring manager or both are not for you. The temptation to bolt can become overwhelming or, even worse, you start to communicate with responses, body language and rudeness that you want to leave. This is a mistake. If the interviewer sees the position is not a good fit, and you create a positive impression, there may be other opportunities in the company that would be more appropriate. Here is an opportunity to create an ally, not an enemy. The interview is at least a great networking opportunity. Achieving the interview was difficult. Do not permanently harm your chances for a potential other opportunity by making an enemy. It is also very unprofessional.

Job hunters err in thinking that no news is good news. The fact is interviewers who reject candidates are reluctant to criticize, especially when times are difficult. The importance of negative feedback for the candidate is simply ignored. Why get involved? Consequently it is critical to solicit as much negative feedback as possible because no interview is absolutely perfect. Without candor, there is no opportunity to respond and correct any misimpressions. At the very least there may be real concerns that should be addressed for the next interview. There is no way to know unless you ask.

Remember that the interview starts the minute you walk into the building. Support staff, reception, security, and anyone else with whom you come into contact must be treated with courtesy and respect, even if you are treated with rudeness or discourtesy. You never know who you might offend.

Finally, it is essential to project confidence, but not arrogance or desperation. One way to ensure this is through mock interviews, in the presence of someone who would give constructive feedback, and recorded if possible.

For further Information email: Judit Price or call: 978-256-0482