Getting through the shortlisting process is an achievement.
Having made it to the job interview stage, you are much closer to getting the job offer.
But let’s not pretend that it’s easy.
There’s probably still an 80% chance that you will get rejected or lose out to another candidate.
In this blog post I want to share some of the common reasons why you might not be converting job interviews into job offers.
Reason #1: You aren’t prepared
This is a whole lot more common than you might think.
In fact about 6 out 10 candidates do so little preparation that they would be as well declining the interview.
Reason #2: You lose perspective
Yes you want the job.
Equally the job interview isn’t life or death.
The worst that can happen is that you don’t get offered the job.
Reason #3: You don’t go into the interview as an equal
Yes the hiring manager has the role.
Equally you have something to offer.
You also want to find out if the role and organisation is right for you.
Be an equal.
Reason #4: You don’t start well
The opening few minutes of the interview are vital.
First impressions do matter.
Having a really strong answer to the opening question is vital.
Reason #5: You waffle
Interviewers will cut you some slack.
But if your answers are long winded it will reduce your impact.
Reason #6: You go off at a tangent
One of the most common things I say when doing mock interviews with clients is to stay in the lane.
By that I mean really listen to the question and focus your answer on the specific question rather than going off at a tangent.
Reason #7: You overload your answers
What I mean you try to throw in everything that’s remotely relevant.
Remember brevity is best.
The interviewer can always ask a supplementary question.
Reason #8: You don’t sell yourself
You may be reluctant to do this.
If you don’t and another candidate does, they are more likely to get the job offer.
Reasons #9: You can’t explain why you want the role
Hiring managers know you are probably interviewing for several roles.
What they want to hear is that you know why you really want their role.
Reason #10: You can’t explain why you are the ideal candidate
I never cease to be amazed how many candidates struggle to come up with between 5 and 7 good reasons why they are the ideal candidate.
Make sure you are not one of them.
If you are looking to convert more job interviews into job interviews, sign up for my free online course how to ace the job interview.