Mistakes People Make on Interviews

If you have gone on interview after interview and have never received a job offer, consider that something is wrong with the way you answer job interview questions. Below are possible mistakes you are making:1) There might be something about your explanation to tough interview questions, whether it’s your tone and/or your word choice that is costing you job offers. Since your resume spells out your black marks (ex: job hopper image, employment gap, and so on), the interviewer is aware of your baggage before you step foot into the interview room. That’s the reason she asks those hard-hitting questions such as, “Why have you had three jobs over the last three years?”Because the interviewer is aware of your employment history and has called you in for an interview that implies that whatever your professional hiccup may be, it isn’t a deal breaker. As a result, don’t personalize the tough questions. Simply answer each with careful consideration.2) Interview questions tend to be redundant. Interviewers ask the same question in varied ways. As a result, you provide the same stories time and again. Inevitably, the interview turns dull. To avoid this problem, brainstorm various stories so that you don’t run out of examples.3) During the interview you sensed that you lost the interest of interviewer. Hoping that the interviewer’s feelings may go away, you choose to ignore the elephant in the room. What you should have done is this: Bring up your professional hiccup to force the conversation. In doing so, you will have the opportunity to broach the interviewer’s concerns head on. This approach can be a tricky if you approach the situation in a defense or apologetic manner. Before you attempt to broach a difficult topic make sure are comfortable with your explanation.4) Perhaps during the job interview you use gendered-language. For example, providing answers with only male or only female colleagues. Vary your responses to include both genders. Doing so demonstrates that you (1) have experience working collaboratively with men and women and (2) respect both genders.As you can see, if you are winning interviews and not getting the job, then it may be due to your interview presentation, and not your lack of experience, lack of education, or your hopper image. So take the time to assess your performance and determine ways you can overcome the negative impression you may be giving.