If you are preparing for your next job interview or have come up empty-handed from a recent interview, maybe it is a case of you and not them.
Performing your best at an interview is far from being simple. Unfortunately, for many job seekers interviews don’t always end up as planned. Whether it's nerves or lack of experience, people don't always end up revealing their best qualities. In some cases, they tend to show off their negative personality traits more so than their applicable skills.
There are a number of personality traits employers appreciate most. So, the next time you show up for an interview, be sure to leave these less than desirable ones at the door.
Bragging is forbidden
Frankly, some people are a bit too much in love with themselves. It is OK to say good things about how diligent you are, but when it comes down to flat-out bragging, no interviewer likes this. This is especially true if you have little-to-no hands-on experience, no portfolio, or you are just starting your professional career. If you do have vast experience, show it in a proper and professional way without excessive boasting.
Flattery gets you no where
Sometimes you want the job (or any job) so badly that you're trempted to lie, brag, or even over flatter the interviewer. Of course, everyone likes compliments, and everyone likes hearing other people saying good things about them. But the job interview isn’t the right place to offer up excessive compliments. Thanking them for the opportunity to be there and talking about your best traits and qualities is more than enough. Straightforward, blatant flattery may send the wrong signal; that you have something to hide.
Don’t pretend to be better than you are
It’s always a big mistake for job seekers to pretend being someone or something they are not. A rule of thumb, any professional interviewer will see right through you. They will ask highly specialized questions about your previous job experiences and the duties you had. Don’t pretend you have all the know-how, when, in reality, you just briefly touched upon the subject.
Lying is bad for your career prospects
Recruiters have all the data at hand. Before inviting you for a chat, human resources tend to check your LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, contact your previous employers or, if you’re an alumni, contact your professors and even fellow students to get an overview of you as a professional. Given such a thorough background check on candidates, lying is easily spotted.
Be honest about your interests, achievements and career aspirations. Give honest, reasonable replies and hope that your potential employer likes them. At the end of the day, even if you are employed due to the lies you said, during your trial period it would become obvious that you are not the specialist you claim to be.
Don’t look bored
Sometimes it may take going through a few interviewing stages prior to getting hired. It’s indeed daunting, and sometimes even depressing to answer the same career questions over and over again. But try not to show any signs of boredom. Being engaged and looking interested must be at the core of your behavior. Interviewers don’t like repeating these questions to you too, as they’ve already interviewed many candidates. But it’s all a part of the game.
All in all, before attending a job interview do your homework. The very fact a company noticed your CV and found something worthy of inviting you to drop by is a victory in itself. Don’t waste this achievement by arriving tired, irritated, angry, depressed, or late. After all, you really want to get the job, don’t you?
Veronica Hunt is an ed tech expert and experienced blogger from Delaware City, DE. As a blogger, Veronica sees her purpose in providing her readers with up-to-date info in the spheres of marketing, entrepreneurship and psychology. Apart from work, she adores traveling and yoga. Contact Veronica on Twitter or Facebook.