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Posted by: Wilson Kumbata
Good and informative article. But how do you deal with nervousness or uneasiness during the interview?
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Posted by: Staff Editor
Wilson, if you're nervous about interviewing a great way to combat that is to practice! Practicing your answers to common interview questions will certainly help you feel more confident. Also, going on interviews even if you don't want the job will help you feel more comfortable when you interview for the job you really want. Hope this helps!
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Posted by: Katina
Very good tips. Also not knowing about the company is a huge mistake. Research the company. Know who they are, their mission statement, where they are going. Not knowing anything about the company is a surefire way to blow the interview. I have been asked to discuss what I know about every single company I have ever interviewed with.
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Posted by: Libby Tallon
This is an informative article, however, it fails to mention what to do when a background check is performed and they don't like what they see. How do I turn a negative into a positive and convince them that I am person worthy of hiring and to not be judged so quickly by past mistakes?
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Posted by: Marc Jacobsen
While I am an advocate of causal dress while on the job - I found most people are more productive in comfortable attire - this doesn't extend to job interviews. I have interviewed many candidates over the years and some of the best potentials came to the interview in jeans and a polo shirt. While their skills were not in question, the sloppiness or excessive causal appearance during the interview cost them the job. As their potential manager, I took their appearance as a signal to how they would approach the job. Fair or not, perception is everything in the initial stages of an interview.
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Posted by: Dan Lister
Re: Trashing previous employers...a question?A previous employer, unable to find anything in my performance history to justify terminating me, MADE UP something, which led to me getting the EEOC involved...a private agreement between myself, said employer, and the EEOC led to it being settled out of court. Now, when a potential employer asks why I left said employer, I obviously cannot say what I related above...but saying "I am not at liberty to discuss that, as it is a contractual agreement between myself, the EEOC, and that employer"; this is, as you might guess, seemingly trashing the employer by linking them to the EEOC.So what CAN I say that won't bugger things for me?
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Posted by: Michael McLendon
How about the part where employers screen you out for race or gender? I have been discriminated against due to being an evil white male.
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Posted by: Grace Pfeiffer
Do you have any tips regarding the screening phone interview? What kinds of bloopers will cause an automatic rule-out here, other than saying negative things about a former employer or getting too friendly?
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Posted by: IE Ries
I've found that just a little bit of levity (if a suitable situation arises) often puts everyone at ease and lets the employer know you can be flexible and personable. But as the article suggests (and I agree 100%), be careful, be tasteful and don't go overboard. A little "get to know you" chat post-interview is fine (if the employer initiates it), but keep it general and upbeat.
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Posted by: Rebecca W
There are online articles on BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING which may help Dan and others with questions find answers. Dan, you don't and shouldn't have to be so honest about why you left. You can rephrase it and still be honest.
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Posted by: marie henry
what do you say when an interiewer asks you about your weaknesses? I usually fumble on that question. I remember answering that "working late to make sure that the job gets done" but then it would appear that I have no weaknesses because employers want dedication to one's work and to the organization. I would like to answer without coming across as too conscientious about my work.
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Posted by: Kathy Bond
I've gone on so many interviews over the past year after having a nice solid career for 15 years...you would not believe how many of these 'hiring managers' are a joke. Because many of us are out of work in this country they treat a measley clerk position as if it's the second coming of Christ. The 'you should be happy to get this job at all' attitude kills me. Half these companies I would not want to work for as a result of meeting their 'hiring manager' period.
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Posted by: edward boyd
This is a great article, but it dosen't highlight any information about background checks. I have trouble with this particular area. I have a letter that explains by hiring me your company will recieve a tax credit or exception for a year and that i'm bonded by the state for 2 years. How do I present this when appling over the internet. Do I save this for the interview.Thank you Edward Boyd
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Posted by: barbara gianchiglia
I was fired due to money missing out of my register. They knew I did not take it so it was actually called "sub standard job performance". I am able to collect unemployment. What do I say when asked why I left the company or when asked if I have ever been fired?
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Posted by: Caroline Connor
In addition to researching the company; be prepared to have a working knowledge of the products, services and target markets so you are able to speak intelligently on the role as it relates to your area of expertise and any course of action you would recommend if offered the position.
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Posted by: La Tanya
When I go on an interview I am often asked why I want to leave my current job after being there for 7yrs and what are my weaknesses. How do I answer these questions without terminating my chances of getting the job.
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Posted by: Nicole Owens
I think the advice you gave was awesome! A lot of people make those horrific mistakes during the interview process.One thing that bothered me though was about the scuff on the shoes... What if someone wasn't able to purchase new shoes but tried to clean them the best they could?
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Posted by: David Hudson
In these hard economic times, and with so many of us looking for jobs in fields of employment other than what we have been previously been working in, how do you deal with the "Over qualified" or "Transferable skills" issues?
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Posted by: Bob
With over 30 years in my career field, I was laid off 8 months ago and have yet to find an employer willing to hire me. This is the first time I have ever been without a job and what I am finding is this. Interviewers are not looking for reasons to hire you but reasons not to. That fact even comes out in this article. It's a dirty little game where they believe your trying to trick them so, they come up with things to trick you. Some would say this is the result of a competitive job market. I say: what ever happened to giving people an honest chance to prove themselves?
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Posted by: Eddy Gallard
It seems to me that all the mistakes are done by the people who want to get the job. Let me remind everybody that the person on the other side of the desk is also a human being. He/she makes mistakes as well.
To the writer of the article you should write something about them as well. I have gone on a few interviews where I wish I never would have met the other person or wasted my time.
Good luck to everybody!
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Posted by: Pam
I would rather ask what the salary is. I don't want to waste my time or theirs. If the position is not paying what I can afford to commute or daycare, you have to ask "is it worth it or can you survive?".
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Posted by: Shamir Helem
The Health Benefits point is a good one. I have in the past brought that up as a question when prompted by my interviewer, if I had any questions about the company. That was my reply, and I realize now that was done without couth, or foresight.
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Posted by: C.E.
Decent tips...thanks. I'd agree with Katina that researching the prospective company in key. With this current depression we're in, employers are soooo picky (with a deep candidate field). It's been very frustrating, as I've always been good at nailing interviews (in the past...in better economic times).
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Posted by: Sandy
I've worked for 30 years in an engineering position...up to management at some major companies. Some of the interviewers obviously look at me as a "baby boomer". Some have even mentioned (skirting the issue with some questionable phrases) that they are looking to hire someone they can "train"...which translates to someone younger. It's not easy being 55+ and out of work.So, how do you interview for this issue?
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Posted by: Deann
I recently went to an interview and as soon as I arrived at the office, I knew I would not be considered for the job. I was too old. How do I contend with that?
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Posted by: Mike
I would like to see a article about background checks and what things are really critical. Sure you can't lie about a college degree but what about your GPA? Can a employer get access to your GPA/ college transcripts? ( I completed a fair credit reporting form) I had a great interview last month I directly knew one of the managers was a friend of a friend of another. At the end of the interview a manger stated "With your background and knowledge I cam certain we will find a place for you in our company". Seven days later I received the thanks but no thanks letter..I have to assume that my GPA being 2.8 instead of 3.0 or greater had to be the deal breaker, or maybe not?
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Posted by: Sherry Causey
This was an excellent article. I especially agree with the point of not getting "too familiar." I had an interview over the phone with a seasoned interviewer. This interview was set up by my previous employer with a reputable, long established company. The employer's skillful questioning combined with my nervousness and ill preparation illicited responses from me that I know blew my chances for the job even though she invited me for a second interview. I think the second interview was out of respect for my past employer. In the end, I tried to recover by professional dress attire, being on time, etc. But, it was too late. My poor first impression ruined my chances and as a result, I did not get the job.
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Posted by: Marie
I keep running into the over-qualified situation. I often find discomfort when asked about previous wages. There has been a downturn in the market which is reflected in the "going-rate" for many positions. I can't help but feel, as soon as I announce past earnings, my chances for obtaining the position just plummeted. I convey my understanding with the economy, let them know I am looking for long-term job stability not immediate monetary gratification. Still, to no avail, I am jobless! HELP!In addition, I have been frowned upon for being too well dressed, educating myself too much on the company; was actually challenged on a fact, higher management was contacted and it turned out I was right. Needless to say, I was not hired. I think maybe I come across as too desperate or something.
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Posted by: nojobsingleparent
I feel like after almost 2 years of job-seeking with my college degree and certifications, what employers really want is to be lied to about your previous employment experiences. Everything is rosy, whether it was or not, whether it was your problem or theirs. My position is "why lie?" I think liars get the good jobs.
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Posted by: Barbara Grant
I appreciated the tips in the article, especially since I,too, have been on quite a few interviews and never hear anything back. I am 64 but look late 40's early 50's and received my masters degree in counseling in 2004. My education and skills are current and my life experiences are many and relevent in helping mental health clients. I evaluate every interview and cannot figure out what went wrong. How do I request feedback from the interviewer?
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Posted by: Gloria L. Hammond
These five mistakes should be taken very seriously before arriving to the interview. The best way way to prepare ourselves is to definitely practice at home with someone who is indeed professional and honest to tell us where we made our mistakes while practicing for the interview.
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Posted by: Roger Erickson
I had one company who stated that I was too friendly and then too down in an interview how do you fight that, then they thought I was emotionally unstable. How do you combat that
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Posted by: wendy snijders
Don't forget to mention that you need to turn your cell phone OFF or on silent!I think they won't be happy when they get a phone call during the interview.
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Posted by: Tina
Most 55+ unemployed workers, even with excellent education and experience, are encountering age discrimination now. It is pervasive, probably since one older worker with a catastrophic illness can cause the entire companies medical premiums to skyrocket. How do I combat this age barrier? I am extremely healthy, and the other side of the coin is that older workers do not have school age children, so I miss less work due to sick children.
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Posted by: Almost@MyWits.End
Kathy Bond nailed it. This is such an "employer's market" that it seems most job postings list aspects of the ideal, flawless candidate as "absolutely must-have" requirements. Often it is obvious that the job posting writer doesn't know the first thing about the job. Sometimes they don't know the difference between their own in-house-built software and commercially available packages. I've seen "requirements" like X years of experience with a technology that is less than X years old! They stack on irrelevant educational demands and yet also seem to think that everyday software like MS Word takes YEARS to learn. "Must have ten years' experience with Word." There is _nothing_ about Word that takes ten years to get. (But the job poster of course doesn't know that.)...and so, solid candidates are tossed into the trash by people who obviously don't know what they're talking about and have no clue what level of talent they're rejecting. It's like if your resume does not read exactly like their 100% perfect ideal candidate description, why even bother? You'll never get the opportunity to educate these fools.
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Posted by: David Alonzo
Legally an employer is not allowed to say why they terminated you...and as for the what to say about your weaknesses....I say that I am a perfectionist....and that can be a weakness because I tend to take the job home with me. What they want to hear is that you are going to do a good job...and if your weakness is perfectionism, that would be good.
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Posted by: Jane
This article was good, but didn't really deal with anything any other employment article hasn't. My question is this: I left my previous employer mainly because I was offered a better job with better pay and benefits. I thought I left my former boss on good terms, but apparently the employer was upset with me for leaving and now gives negative feedback to employers who call requesting information about me. How do I combat this? I can't leave this employer off my resume because I got 5 years of valuable experience from it.
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Posted by: Lina
I have an interview next monday and already I have butterflies in my stomach.
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Posted by: Alexis Jefferson
Let's not forget the employers who toss your application simply because you have been on one job for more than 30 years. Your resume is automatically relegated to file 13. Age discrimination is RAMPANT!
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Posted by: Mary Phillips
Reading the comments, I can identify with the over 50 and long time unemployed set. I have redone my resume to include only 15 years of job experience and just mentioned "older employment includes accounting... details available on request." But thanks for the note on being too familiar. I know that I'm trying too hard to identify with the interviewer - it's my cursed compassionate personality.
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Posted by: Dawn Robertson
I have been on so many job interviews where the interviewers were very aggressive. They ask questions that are so open ended and wait for you to fail. I have 13 years in my field and often deal with much younger women who are able to afford clothing that I cannot, as well as hair, nails, transportation,etc., because they are employed. This cattiness and clique thing is just awful. I have more knowledge in my field than most of these women and it's really hard to compete when they don't want the knowledge, but someone who fits into their "clique". I feel worse for women who have small children and have to find daycare just to get to an interview that was only set up to meet a quota. This needs to stop.
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Posted by: Vickie
I've been unemployed for months so therefore I'm unable to pay my bills and they're showing up on my credit report. I've been told by HR managers this is why I didn't get the job because my credit was bad. I can't get the job to pay my bills, my creditors are hitting my credit report making it bad. I've tried to explain this to the HR managers but still I'm unemployed. How can I overcome this?
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Posted by: Darius Vahab
My career spans over 14 yrs now, and I have sat in on a lot of interviews recently where the hiring manager will also have you meet with other colleagues who not only have no hiring authority, but really don't know how to interview a potential candidate. They've always been used to being the interviewee, not the interviewer. In many instances, I've sat with people with less credentials than myself and discovered that the meeting goes nowhere b/c of our inability to relate based on where we are in our respective careers. I just find that extremely annoying and unproductive to the process.
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Posted by: Nicole Onque
Hate to criticize, but frankly these tips are way too generic. With the current economy employers and recruiters have their pick of thousands of applicants for ONE job posting, and select maybe 10-15 to screen and/or interview, how do we really get ahead of the pack? How do we ensure a 2nd interview or (heaven-forbid) a job offer? I have had 6 interviews in 6 months and only one of them even bothered to get back to me to let me know that another candidate had been offered the job. Please give me information I can really use!
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Posted by: EDWARD POLLACK
As for pay & benefits, you can always look them up on the company's website. If the company doesn't post that information, don't worry about it until AFTER you have been offered the job. If they do NOT offer you the job, what difference does it make what the pay and benefits are? If you are not offered the job, the pay could be $5.00/hr or $50.00/hr. If you are not chosen to fill the position, it doesn't make any difference what the pay and benefits are. Get the job and then worry about pay and benefits. If they don't make you a good offer, say no thank you.
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Posted by: Rene Gilleo
I have been out of work for three months, and I have attended an unemployed networking group with the idea that this will expand my networking circle. The advice our group has received on interviewing was to dress your best (but not overdress to the point of sticking out). The most important thing about interviewing is not to talk about yourself personally but to answer what you can bring to the table and what you can do for the company. Then get contact information so you can call someone back at the company to keep open a line of communication. Even if you don't get the job, you want the potential employer to keep you in mind when another position becomes available.
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Posted by: Rene
I haven't figured out how to win an interview or even how to gain an interview. The advice given to me by job coaches is to target the company where you want to work, dress to impress, have an interesting and appropriate resume that catches the attention of the employer, and get contact information to keep in touch with whomever at the company interviewed you. Learn the buzz words of what the company wants and show in response to every single question that ask you that you are knowledgeable about their company and their your skill set and personal character is exactly what they want. Answer the questions in the way you know the interviewer wants it answered.
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Posted by: Jerry Fay
Kathy got it right. The hiring process in many companies has become a game, irrespective of one's qualifications, experience, or honesty. Being over 50 is seen as a liability. Saying all the right things doesn't guarantee the candidate will be the best person for the job. Let's face it: nobody goes for an interview who is satisfied with the status quo. How many of these young HR people can discern a candidate who would be a good catch?
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Posted by: Chuck
I went on a interview, they called and said they would get back to me when the manger came back in town it has been a week. do I contact them are just wait
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Posted by: GG
GREAT comments and concerns! I've been lucky to always be employed until I was (3 weeks ago now), laid-off unexpectedly. At 53+, I tried to ignore others' age comments, however, I'm finding it scarily difficult to get more than up to 3 hours of "testing", several phone and face-to-face interviews, but no definite offers. Employment agencies have postings I'm qualified for, but are becoming more and more selective and particular, (i.e.: prefer someone with a manufacturing background, etc.) Unemployment is coming in, now, but I'm not one to "milk the state" while I sit around at home and do nothing. It's very unsettling to think someone with my job skills and experience cannot find a job in today's market . . .
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Posted by: Rosa Garcia
very good but what do I say when they ask,"Why do you want to work here in this company?"
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Posted by: Felisha Grubbs
Thank you for the tips for how to prepare for the interview. It was very informative.Lastly, everything you mentioned with regards to the interview you nailed it. In other words, you are on point when you state the necessary measures and what is appropriate and inappropriate at interviews. Keep up the good work.
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Posted by: Carrie Williamson
I live in Michigan, and that should be enough said about that, lack of good paying jobs, and so many people out of work. I dislike the on-line applications, because it is a way for these companies to screen you out, based on their thoughts, feelings, and ultra selective criteria. Job banks and job coaches want you to say positive, but I have sent out close to 500 resumes and still no calls to even set up a interview. I use all the resume coaches, critiques, and had professional resume writers look over my resume, and still no calls. I have even offered companies to try me out for a week without cost to them, but still nothing.
I went back to school to become a dental assistant, and spent a great deal in this education, employers want something for next to nothing. Any suggestions on how to get companies or professions to take you seriously?
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Posted by: helen wilkins
I feel for my fellow job seekers. I have several "sins" in my job history. After working in the creative area of advertising I took a child rearing break for 36 months and only waitressed PT, by the time I was ready to return to the field everything had moved to desktop pub. I had no experience,(sin #1), I sold cars for 5 years until my divorce when I needed a predictable income as a single parent, (sin #2). I then worked as a medical assistant until my son graduated but had a kidney removed due to cancer and was "terminated" after being there a year - things just "weren't working out", a joke that isn't a reason for termination after 1 year it's made in the first 90 days, (sin#3). My next job said the same thing as soon as their health plan contract was up - 1 year after I started. My other sin? 7 years of college with a BA and 3 years of premed at Harvard 10 years after my BA was earned. Is it okay to level the Harvard part off? You'd be amazed out how people discriminate against someone who went to a top Ivy League college that the interviewer couldn't get accepted to. Add all of the above to my age of 52, and I'm virtually unemployable. I've even gone so far as to tell the interviewer I had cancer and didn't expect them to include me on their health care plan - not sure that is legal, but I made the effort. I feel I aced the 3 interviews I had for an auto sales job but haven't heard back. I intend to call today and ask why. It's perfectly appropriate - someone from your past could be saying the wrong things and that is defamation and illegal. All of the jobs I had in the last 10 years told me at the interview if they were contacted for a referral all they would do is confirm dates of employment. Good luck to all of you and remember "whatever doesn't kill me can only make me stronger".
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Posted by: Rob Levasseur
The comments posted from people on your websites are helpful for me; I can relate. And your interview tips are good reminder for me.
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Posted by: Plan
Re: The question about dealing with nervousness -- I find the best way to do that is to go into interviews with the attitude that I'm assessing the potential employer, not the other way around.In other words, tell ME why I should be working for you, why I should choose your company over the others, and why your workplace is a good environment.This works wonders for your mindstate, and it's easy to pull off if you take some time before the interview to come up with solid questions to ask the interviewer.And I really do think of it that way. In December, I went on an all-day, eight-hour interview with an IT company. When lunch time rolled around, I went to a restaurant with five of the company's employees and spent almost an hour listening to them bitch about office politics and co-workers. They were all smiles and extremely professional in the formal interviews, but obviously at lunch they let their guard down.That's a big warning sign right there, and it told me more about their work environment than their own oft-repeated anecdotes about their company being a wonderful place to work.I realize it's not easy to get into this mindstate nowadays, with such a competitive job market and a weak economy. But that makes it all the more crucial, because potential employers will be more interested in the candidate who is confident and sure of their own skills. They can also smell desperation, and that's just human nature.Good luck
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Posted by: CNote
I hate to say that I have over 2,500 rejection letters and emails from employers where I applied for a job in the past 25 years. Probably half that number again who never responded to let me know I was not selected. The age discrimination thing has been going on for at least 15 years and is terrible now. The constructive thing I would offer is customize your resume to hit the buzz words in the online ad for the job you are seeking. Yes this takes extra time but the day of a mass produced resume are gone unless you are a recent grad. If we could get our government to encourage employers to hire individuals who want part-time work (20 hours a week for example)and still get the same health coverage extended to full time employees, we would see a major reduction in unemployment. Lots and lots of 50+ folks want only part-time work but must seek full time just to get the affordable health coverage. Conversely, many already employed who are in the senior category would gladly cut back to 20 hours a week if they knew they could still get reasonable health coverage. And that would create more part-time jobs and so on. Finally, the best way to get a job for 50+ is to contact everyone you know who is working and ask for referrals. I just came off a six month layoff, am 60 and look 50 and the only way I was able to get hired was thru the kindness of a friend who inquired on my behalf. This is the way to get by the HR gatekeeper who we all know is one step from being a power mad dictator. Develop positive self talk and this will lead to resilience and success.
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Posted by: Bulus Gambo
If i know what i should do and what not to do in an interview, this will strengthen my chances of getting the position i want.
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Posted by: Michael
I was terminated from my last job for a policy violation. I have asked the HR dept. if they state that a person was terminated and their answer was "NO". How do I answer the question of why did you leave your last job? Thank you.
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Posted by: susan k
Kathy Bond and others discussing age discrimination are absolutely right. In an online form, when they ask the date of graduation from university, you can just see your info going to the trash right there......I am 48 and can pass for 32, but when I recently went to an interview and most staff were an average of 28, I knew that in spite of being a good fit for the job, they weren't going to hire me. I made it clear that money was not my primary focus, but to no avail. Don't show your hand for ALL the skills you have in this position, even if they ask: it only SCARED them away from me, in this case. Just give an average answer. Another comment said they wanted the resume to match the description perfectly, and I couldn't agree more (and I re-write my resume for EVERY application, still no job after 1.5 years, freshly re-trained and certified in my new field). The single parent said something scary I identified with, I think the liars are getting the jobs, because I refuse to lie about anything. That must be it.
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Posted by: RA On: 7/18/2010 8:31:18 PM
I can see some or most of these tips to be common sense. Just like you don't want to know too much about the person interviewing you, the same on their side. The problem though with the article is how elementary & basic it is. It doesn't go into the unknown legal/financial/political decisions that hiring managers & their lawyers make because of factors most workers today have no clue about. It's the reason that Human Resources & Employment Law & the tax code are such complex areas now, & common workers are the only people who really have to deal with the effects. Things I would have liked seen talked about:1) How to go about explaining a bad background check2) Medical records/conditions & how that influences hiring managers on who they hire3) Past complaints to EEOC about employers, or other problems from the past with employers4) School transcripts. What is the base GPA that employers will find acceptable, & is a 3.0 in a larger more famous school more appealing than a 3.3 in a smaller, less famous school?5) If companies out there know that the economy is HORRIBLE, & that it's not likely to get better for YEARS, or maybe even decades, then why are they being even MORE selective now than before?6) What type of employee do companies look for to obtain the most tax credits & such?
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