4 reasons your interview stunk

 

  1. Veneer-covered plywood is not the same as solid wood. Yes, you created a star resume, using all the right buzzwords in all the right ways. Your resume went right to the top. Unfortunately, your resume was only a sheet of veneer covering your plywood experience and talent. Next time, make sure your experience and talent support your resume. Be a solid wood candidate.
  2. Chemistry – It takes talent and experience to win the interview, but once you make the short list of qualified candidates, chemistry is the key. In fact, it can be more than 70% of the decision. Every company has its unique culture and in the end, the best job will be the one where your personality fits the culture.
  3. Poor communication – Perhaps you didn’t clearly communicate your previous achievements and future goals. Perhaps you didn’t ask valid questions when given the opportunity. Perhaps your questions and answers indicated insecurity rather than confidence. Whatever the reason, you left a sense of doubt in the interviewer’s mind. Next time, prepare longer and practice more.
  4. You didn’t ask for the job – that’s right, you didn’t ask for the job. When the interview is coming to a close, don’t just thank the interviewer and mention that you hope to hear from him/her. Ask them what strengths they see in you. (This makes great points to comment on in your written thank you after the interview.) Don’t be afraid to ask what concerns they might have concerning your background. Show appreciation for their honesty and if you can clear their understanding, by all means, do it. Then, offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and tell them you want the job and give them two or three reason why you would be a great fit.

Bottom-line: If you want a great interview, have the skills, experience, etc that your resume promises; communicate with clarity and confidence; and ask for the job. Remember that while more than one company will match your professional personality, some of them will not. It’s better to discover it during the interview than after you started a new job.