The interview is an important part of most selection procedures. If you are through the e-assessment, then usually an interview follows by a selection psychologist or by a recruiter from the company where you want to work. Has this phase been a consistent roadblock to your ambition? Here are 3 most common mistakes you might be making:
Too little preparation
People who talk easily and have little nerves forget that a selection interview is much more than a pleasant conversation. The interviewer is trained to find out in no time whether you are really what the company is looking for. Just visiting the website and referring to it occasionally in your answers is really not enough. The more you know about the company, the better.
Too little practice
After the interview have you ever thought, “Oh! I should have said…”? Most candidates know that they are suitable or possess a certain competence, but do not know how they can make that clear in the interview. The combination of the pressure of questioning and the candidate’s nerves can make it impossible to find out what the candidate is really like. However, as the old saying goes “Practice makes perfect!”. Ask someone to critically examine you. You will be surprised how hard it is for you to get your words out sometimes.
Too little listening
Thorough preparation and a lot of practice ensure that your self-confidence increases and it is precisely this self-confidence that is important to start the interview relaxed and alert. Stress often results in two basic reactions: either too much or too little. In both cases there is no real contact because you are unable to listen. Making contact really is something that sets you apart from other candidates. Interviewers remember candidates who are authentic and open.
