If you've been on numerous first job interviews that never go anywhere you might be asking yourself, "Why do I fail at job interviews?" Many factors play into the outcome of your job interview. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so we are here to help.
Below we will provide some advice to boost your interview skills and help you land your next career.
Before your interview
A lot of the problems candidates face start before the job interview takes place. Here are some tips to better prepare for your upcoming interview. If you are not doing these or are doing them wrong it could answer the question "Why do I always get rejected in interviews?"
Be Prepared
You never want to show up to a job interview unprepared. Interviewing is stressful but you can do a lot to prepare. Take some time to learn about the company. Spend time on their website and read any relevant articles or press releases. You can also search the company's social platforms for the most up to date content.
Practice your answers to common interview questions. You will be asked to answer questions about your resume and past experience. Hiring managers want to see confidence.
Be proud of your skillset and what has led you to this point. Leave time for preparation for each interview you attend. After all, candidates are less likely to fail when they feel prepared.
Do your skills match the job description the company is looking for? You may be failing at job interviews if you are applying to the wrong roles. People looking to make a career change should consider taking a lower-level position or taking a class to learn the necessary requirements.
Day of your job interview
Know where you are going
The interviewer is busy so make sure you show up on time. A huge turn off for employers is showing up late to an interview. Even if you live close to the company, leave yourself extra time to arrive and check-in.
Dress appropriately
Choose professional attire for your interviews. It's always better to be overdressed than under. People will never hold it against you for wearing a suit to an interview. However, jeans and a t-shirt might hurt your chance at a second interview.
During your interview
Be polite and professional
The interviewer wants to get to know you and decide if you are the right candidate for the open position. Answer all questions without an attitude, even if you've been waiting a long time or are irritated. People who lose their patience in any way hurt their chances for future interviews by coming off as rude.
Stay on task
Interviews are your opportunity to demonstrate the type of employee you would be. Take time to explain your skillset and experience. Try not to go ramble on or go off on a tangent.
Keep the conversation focused on the job and company. You will improve your chances of getting hired by engaging the interviewer and not rushing. Think about your answers and listen to the interviewer's responses.
After your interview
Follow up
After every job interview, send a thank-you note. You will want to send one to each person you interviewed with. Your email should be thoughtful and speak to the job you are interviewing for. Not sending a follow up to the interviewer, can hurt your chances of getting a job offer.
What should you do if you fail an interview?
If you are constantly asking yourself why you fail at job interviews, consider asking for feedback. Reach out to former employers or someone at a company you interviewed with. People who recognize they failed can learn a lot from rejection.
Candidates will continue to fail at job interviews if they do not change their process, so ask questions to a former interviewer and take what they say to heart. It might be hard to hear criticism, but making a few simple improvements can help you land your next career.
Final Thoughts
You will go on a lot of interviews throughout your career. Always take the time to listen carefully to each question the interviewer asks. In reality, employers do not want you to fail at your job interview.
The faster the boss makes a hire, the better things will be for their whole team. Every interviewer has a different process to fill an open job, so practice your answers to a wide range of questions to ensure you are prepared. Rejections will come but if you learn from your mistakes and improve your interview performance, the job offers should come rolling in.
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