On average, only 3 candidates progress from application to interview.
That’s from a pool of 100.
You don’t have to be an Analyst to know those are poor odds.
Once you make it through, it’s critical you nail the interview.
Here are 3 major mistakes you need to avoid.
A Lack of Preparation
Do your research. It’s really that simple.
One of the most common first questions asked in an interview is “what do you know about our company?”
If you can’t answer this, you won’t get the job. Simple.
Spend the time to get to know the company you are interviewing with. Read the PD, make notes, write down questions to ask. If you have the names of the interviewers beforehand, look them up on LinkedIn. Find out about them and their background.
Do your research before you go in to know as much about the company, role and people as you can.
Don’t be the person that says, “I don’t know”.
Not Answering the Interviewers Questions
Answer the question asked.
And always use examples.
Examples that relate to the question and the role.
The interviewer doesn’t want to hear about hypotheticals, they want to know about you. Share your skills, experience and accomplishments and always tie them back to the question that has been asked.
If an interviewer has to ask you the question again to try and get specific answers they are looking for, it reflects poorly.
Don’t be that person. Answer the question the first time.
Failing to Prepare Your Own Questions
Interviews want to hear you ask questions.
Even if they have told you everything you want to know to make sure it’s the right opportunity, you need to ask questions.
It shows engagement and interest.
It might be controversial to say, but interviews are just as much about engagement and fit in the eye of the interviewer as technical skill. If you can come across as keen to be there and eager for the position, it will go a long way to work in your favour.
Don’t let a lack of preparation stop you from getting the job.
If you’d like to learn more about how to nail an interview, or would like to have a more broader career discussion either send me an email or give me a call.
I’m here to help. Reach out.
Rutherford Kennedy
Senior Consultant & Recruitment Team Lead
Rutherford joined the team at Optimum in September 2022 with a background in law and customer service. His strength lies in being able to listen, identify and fully understand his client’s needs, and then deliver a timely and effective solution. Rutherford loves talking to people, understanding what drives them and is passionate about finding the right role that they will not only enjoy, but thrive in.
