Newsletter Archive

JULY 2009

Avoid These Top 5 Interviewing Mistakes

Even though the economy is tough, there are jobs out there and people are getting hired. The process takes longer because job seekers in nearly all industries face more competition for openings. With careful interview preparation and practice, you can communicate your talents and qualifications in a winning way to potential employers. 
 
Here are the top 5 interviewing mistakes that I have observed my coaching clients make along with some ideas about how to avoid them.
 
Mistake #1: Rambling answers to interview questions. The difficulty that many people with Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) have with editing and prioritizing information can get in the way of effective interviewing. In most cases, your reply to a question should consist of 3 to 5 well-chosen, focused sentences. The objective is to highlight skills and experience that demonstrate your capabilities to do the job. Skip information that does not apply to the opening you are currently applying for. Irrelevant details or tangents will confuse the interviewer. 
 
Mistake #2: Not saying enough about your qualifications. Giving too little information can be just as damaging as giving too much. Four and five word answers to questions don't tell an interviewer much about what you can do, and worse, can make you appear disinterested in the position. Do not assume that an interviewer "knows" based on your previous work experience or education why you are qualified for the job. 

Whenever possible talk about the results you achieved at prior jobs rather than simply cataloging the tasks you performed. It is much more powerful, for example, to explain that you modified a payment processing system to make it 15% more efficient than it is to state that you coded checks.
 
If you are uncomfortable talking about your qualifications or accomplishments, are unsure about what to say, or have been fired from several jobs, get some help from a coach or career counselor, or visit your local One-Stop Career Center. 
 
Mistake #3: Being unprepared. Practicing answers to anticipated questions is just one step in preparing to interview successfully. It is equally important to hone your personal presentation.
 
Personal presentation is the way that you portray yourself to others. Neurotypicals start forming impressions of people within 30 seconds of meeting them. Use this fact to your advantage on the job interview by arriving well-groomed and well-dressed. Greet the interviewer with a smile, direct eye contact and a firm handshake before announcing yourself ("I'm Jane Smith, it's nice to meet you").  
 
Be ready with three or four extra copies of your resume in case you are asked to meet with other people in the organization. If you bring samples of your work (such as writing projects, artwork, presentations, etc.) arrange them neatly in a portfolio or notebook and set a limit of 10 examples (or less) of your best work.
 
Plan your travel so that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to your appointment. (Tip: If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, wait before entering the building. Arriving too early can signal poor planning; just like arriving late!)
 
Finally, be prepared with information about the company itself. More than one of my clients has been stumped when asked why they were interested in working for that particular organization. Put some thought into the potential employer's business and how you can help improve it. This will set you apart from the majority of applicants.
 
Mistake #4: Poor diction. An interviewer who is straining to understand what you are saying is missing much of the content of your words. Do you speak too quickly, loudly, softly or in a monotone with little vocal inflection? If you can't do mock interviews with a coach or job counselor, tape record yourself when you practice interviewing and see if you need to work on your delivery.

Mistake #5: Not showing enthusiasm. Be aware of your own body language and whether you are inadvertently sending the wrong message during job interviews. It could appear that you are not interested in the job if you: don't smile, make little or no eye contact, make too much eye contact (stare), look at the wall or floor too often, slouch or fold your arms in front of your chest. Poor grooming also conveys a lack of interest and will almost surely disqualify you from consideration. Be certain that your hair is neatly combed and styled and that your body, teeth and clothing are clean!
 
Finally, conclude the interview by expressing (in words) your interest in the position ("This job sounds like a great match for my skills in ..."). Thank the interviewer for meeting with you, and ask what will happen next. If you weren't given a business card at the beginning of the meeting, request one before you leave so that you can send a written thank-you letter.

© 2009 by Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching