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 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 have success getting interview calls but fail to convert these opportunities into job offers.
are you currently looking for the right job?
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 get out of it 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 put 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. People are drawn to confident and well put together people. Maintain good body language. Speak with authority. Take some time to practice if you need to. This can help you calm your nerves before the interview.
you’re not selling your strengths
A job interview is the time to play to your strengths. It’s not enough to just state your strengths. You need to have supporting arguments to back it up. How?
- Tell a story. 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. It’s important to be yourself and let your personality stand out. If you’re too polished or bland, you’ll be forgettable. Stand out, don’t blend in.
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.
you weren’t picking up on cues from the interviewer
It’s common for the interviewer to offer up some cues. Look out for them. They may want you to wrap up an answer. They may want you to elaborate more on a specific topic. Pay attention to the nonverbal cues being communicated by the interviewer.
you don’t seem interested in the job
You know you really 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 and make it clear you are interested. Ask about next steps and make sure you follow up if you don’t hear from the employer.
you asked for too much
Know your worth. Asking for too much or having unreasonable compensation demands can take you out of consideration right away. Know your target salary and why it’s fair to ask for it. Be up to date 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. It’s your opportunity to win the job. Make it count.