Aug

5

Job Interview Blunder

Posted by Dan

August 5, 2007 |

I was having dinner with a group of people and one of them mentioned that they were scheduled for a job interview.  This person is currently working, but like so many of us is looking for something to ignite a new spark.  We were discussing the interview process when I asked what she was going to say when the company asked why she wanted to make a change?  Her response was “I’m just going to tell them that I’m ready for a new adventure”. 

Cough…cough, I nearly choked on my food.  Why?  Because I know, after interviewing thousands of people in my career that ‘that’ is definitely the wrong answer to give a potential employer.  Why?  Because it’s all about you and the employer wants to hear ‘what’s in it for them if they choose you’.  The employer does not care if you’re looking for a new adventure.  In fact, answering any interview question as if it is just casual conversation is like signing your own ‘turn down letter’.  It is extremely important to remember that everything you say in an interview (everything) is used to either exclude you from the running or include you.  You are being measured by every word you say - and in fact, even the tone you use with your words is providing the interviewer with clues as to how you’ll fit into the organization. When an employer wants to know why you want to make a change what they are really asking underneath is “Why should we choose you? You already have a job, how do we know you will be happy with a change?”   Use this question as a prime opportunity to convince the employer that you will be a good choice and a good fit.  This is where you can assure the employer that you enjoy what you do, and what a great learning experience it has been for you.  Tell them you reach out for new challenges and growth opportunities, which has been beneficial for you in your current job, as you’ve often been chosen for new projects and promotional opportunities (if this is true, but you get the idea here). Tell them that after researching information on their needs you believe that your strengths and experience gained in X, Y & Z (you fill in the blanks) will be very beneficial in their organization.   

There are all sorts of ways to let the employer know ‘what’s in it for them’ and if you remember to focus your interview answers on that specifically, it will greatly improve your interview skills and experience – hands down.

Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers

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Comments

3 Comments so far

  1. smarthowto on August 6, 2007 3:24 am

    Nice post. I really enjoy your style. BTW, I run a Job Interview Article Directory and if you have some articles for distribution, you are very welcome to post them.

  2. maureen on August 6, 2007 8:48 pm

    Good advice….I have blundered my way though many interviews!!

  3. Network Notables for August 9 : Content Quake on August 9, 2007 10:38 am

    […] Ever have a job interview blunder? Read this post on Career Search and ensure that it does not happen […]

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