If you come to think of it, movies and interviews have a lot in common: there’s a certain script you have to follow in order to engage our audience into listening to your speech, you have to play the role that best fits you as an actor so that you perform at your best during the movie and so on. I researched a few movies and realized some of them speak truly about certain interview situations, so let’s run through them and I’m sure you will see the resemblance too.
You haven’t been doing your research properly
It’s not even a trick question, it’s one of those basic facts you should know about the company you interview for, when you suddenly realize you have no idea what to answer. I’m sure many of us have been guilty of this one at some point during our careers. This could be your classic case of “interview jitters”: being highly excited about the job and engaging in the conversation that you rush in the interview without spending enough time doing proper research. The problem is we all know this is the deal breaker with most recruiters, especially because it proves quite the opposite – that you’re not genuinely interested in the company or the job.
Escape plan: Your quick escape when you don’t know an answer to a simple question is to be honest about it. Unfortunately, it could also affect the success of your interview, but any great recruiter appreciates honesty and works around that to give you another shot.
You want to prove you can be part of the team
Admit it, you’re an interview strutter too. When engaging in a conversation about your dream job, it’s almost impossible to refrain from making a spectacle of your accomplishments. For recruiters however, this scene could seem a bit overrated, as most of them are already aware you’re trying to make a good impression.
Escape plan: If you’re aiming for solid proof of your accomplishments, better talk about solid facts, instead of using far-fetched words. Being enthusiastic, but specific throughout your speech is helpful for the recruiter to remember you as an A-list candidate.
You know the answer before the recruiter even finishes the question
Interviews are not all about awkward and uncomfortable scenes. They’re also about feeling accomplished or proud of your achievements and who you have become as a professional. Sometimes you might realize that you’re not a good fit for the role, but there are also times when you know you are the best choice. There’s no reason to shy away from that feeling, but there’s also a trick to this:
Tip: Showcasing confidence is always a good way to win the recruiter’s trust, but when taken to the extreme, it could just be a sign of meaningless self-importance that eventually drives away your interviewer, and probably everyone else. Be confident, but tone it down with the right amount of modesty.
You know they already picked someone else for the job
You can’t exactly tell when, but sometime during the interview, you realize the recruiter is on “pilot mode” and simply wants to check another candidate on the list. Maybe you talked too much, or maybe you did a bad job at emphasizing why you’re a good fit for the role; whatever the reason might be, you feel the battle is over and you’re far by an astronomical unit from the safe side.
Escape plan: It’s never too late to start the real conversation. Even if the recruiter is set on a candidate or not, be the ice-breaker and turn the situation. Bring out a core achievement or pitch an idea that fits the strategy of the company you apply for.
When you feel you’re under qualified for the job, but don’t want to show it
Some jobs are a perfect fit for us, but some other jobs are proof that we have a great deal of learning ahead. However this doesn’t necessarily have to qualify as a downside, especially because it’s an honest reflection of what you should improve.
Escape plan: If you’re aiming for the job that doesn’t fit you, remember to be honest about it, if not with the recruiter, at least with yourself. If you do get the job despite being under qualified, take it as a challenge and put an extra effort into making it a successful journey.
If you’re preparing for your next interview, and happen to land in one if these situations, keep in mind that it’s not about performing in a certain way in order to get the job, but about getting the job that truly fits your career goals and you as a person. There’s more to an interview than the recruiter’s “yes” or “no” answer, there’s also… who you really are as a professional.
This article was originally posted on LinkedIn.
Andreea Clair:
Some of my other articles you might enjoy.
My writing is penned to inspire those who are looking for that tailor-made message that brings in top talents, or simply for those who want a breath of fresh air in their personal and professional development.
Connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Photo credits in this article:
- www.portland5.com
- thegreenapplehc.wordpress.com
- pikabu.ru
- riggleberry.blogspot.com
- sala66.tumblr.com
