Getting a call for a job interview is the first step to landing a job offer. You win the job during the interview. If your interview skills are not top-notch, you’ll have issues turning an interview into a receiving job offer.
The main goal of a job interview is to get a job offer. But this can be easier said than done. To get a job offer, you need to accomplish a number of objectives. In the short time you have with the interviewer, you need to:
- sell yourself and be engaging
- start building a relationship with the interviewer
- show you are qualified and can help the company
- identify if the job is a good fit for you
No pressure, right? In this article, we’ll discuss the common reasons why you can successfully get interview calls but fail to convert these opportunities into job offers.
you’re not prepared
If you fail to prepare for a job interview, prepare to fail. Every job interview is unique. Each one is your chance to get a job offer.
You’ll take away what you put in. You can’t rely on a great resume and expect to get the job.
Competition for jobs is fierce. If you don’t prepare, you’ll lose out to another candidate who puts in the time and effort.
Practice answers to common interview questions. Research the company. Be prepared to wow the interviewer.
you’re not confident
How you present yourself matters. Confident and well-put-together people attract others. You should maintain good body language throughout the interview while answering questions.
Always remember to speak with authority to the hiring manager and maintain eye contact. Speaking with authority is especially true during a phone call interview when they cannot read your body language. It takes some time to practice these skills. The plus side is that practising before can help you calm your nerves before the interview.
you’re not selling your greatest strengths
A job interview is the time to play to your strengths. In today's job market, it’s not enough to just state your strengths in the interview process. You need to have supporting arguments to back it up.
- have success story anecdotes ready so you can easily speak to your strengths.
- use numbers and stats to add weight to your achievements.
- bring your portfolio of work if it makes sense.
you seem robotic
People hire people. Being yourself and letting your personality stand out during the hiring process is important. If you’re too polished or bland, you’ll be forgettable. Stand out, don’t blend in and become too robotic.
You want to accept a job offer from a company that knows your true self. You don't want to come off to the hiring manager as robotic or someone that you aren't. This won't help you in the long term.
Here are some tips to sound less robotic:
- commit to spontaneity during the interview, meaning don't memorize answers to common questions.
- don't be afraid to pause or take breaks when answering interview questions.
- use P-I-E (passionate, interested, and engaged) to help ensure that you are genuine in your next interview.
you’re repeating your resume
The interviewer already knows what is on your resume. So, avoid just repeating what is on your resume during the interview. Remember, the resume is what gets you the interview.
The interview is what gets you the job offer. Have more to offer during the interview. Read over the job description to ensure you can speak on those points, connecting them back to your work experience.
Your resume could also be your biggest problem. If you find that your resume isn't landing your job interviews, check out this helpful advice.
you weren’t noticing cues from the interviewer
Look out for common cues for the interviewer to offer up. They may want you to wrap up an answer. They may want you to elaborate more on a specific topic.
Be aware of nonverbal cues being communicated by the hiring manager. Noticing their cues could show and explain further that you're a good fit and could get you a job offer.
you don’t seem interested in the job
You know you want the job. But you also have to make sure the interviewer knows this as well. One of the surefire ways you will lose out on a job is if you don’t seem interested.
Have strong and positive energy during the interview. Show off your interests and career goals. Ask about next steps and potential start dates, and make sure you follow up if you don’t hear from the employer.
you asked for too much
Know your worth during this process. Asking for too much can take you out of consideration immediately. Know your target salary and why it’s fair to ask for it. Be current about the average salary for professionals with your experience and years of service.
A job interview is your chance to show why you are the best candidate. This is your opportunity to win the job. Make it count.
