How to score brownie points in an interview by fixing these interviewer mistakes

a lady having a job interview

If you’re looking to score brownie points in an interview, it pays to know what mistakes interviewers commonly make.

Believe it or not, interviewers are human too, and they sometimes make mistakes. Luckily, most of these mistakes are easy to fix.

In this article, we will take a look at common interviewer mistakes, and will provide tips on how to rectify them. So the next time you go for an interview, make sure you know what to watch out for!

Late for interview

Maybe you were scheduled for a 3 pm interview.

You arrived at 2.45 pm and waited until 3.30 pm. The interviewer then checks in and says, “I’m so sorry for being late.” Should you just reply with an “it’s okay”? Well, no, because being late is not a sign of respect. 

A better strategy to advance the conversation would be to politely switch the subject to something positive and say something like, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” or “Thank you for taking time off to meet me.”

Misreading your resume
a sample resume

Image Credits: yeswriting.com

It’s normal for hiring personnel to misread a resume. Since they have read so many, they might have confused you with another individual. But the mistake should be corrected promptly.

If you’ve stayed with a company for at least two years, reiterate that—”I’ve only held two jobs in the past four years.” Then explain how those positions significantly aided your development. Showing your growth in each role sends a positive message so don’t forget that.

Not giving you a reply after promising one

Maybe you thought you had aced the interview and were promised a reply soon. But you received none even after a week.

To prevent such scenarios, inquire about the next steps and when you may anticipate hearing from them. Ensure you have a distinct time frame.

If that period has passed and you haven’t heard anything, send a brief email as a follow-up to the interviewer. Or you could try another method of getting in touch with the interviewer. Sometimes, the person may be on urgent leave or the email has gone to spam.

You don’t have to be a perfect candidate to make a great impression on your interviewer. In fact, by fixing some of the most common interviewer mistakes, you can score some bonus brownie points. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also a chance to show off your skills and strengths. Put your best foot forward and make a superb impression. Good luck!

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Disagreeing during a job interview: Why you shouldn’t be afraid

a job interview

You’re in the midst of your job interview, and things are going well.

The interviewer has asked you a few questions, and you’ve given some great answers.

But then the interviewer throws you a curveball. They ask you to share your thoughts on something you don’t agree with. What do you do?

Why it’s okay to disagree

For one thing, it shows that you’re not afraid to stand up for your beliefs.

It also shows that you’re not afraid to ask questions and challenge the status quo. And most importantly, it shows that you’re confident in your conviction.

But there’s a right way and a wrong way to disagree. The wrong way is to be confrontational. So if you feel like you disagree with something your interviewer has said, go ahead and speak up—just make sure you express your views calmly and respectfully.

How to disagree tactfully
talking during an interview

Image Credits: theladders.com

There’s a big difference between being assertive and being aggressive, and you want to stay on the polite side of things.

Here are a few tips for how to do that:

  • Stay calm. Don’t get flustered if you don’t agree with your interviewer. Stay cool and collected, and state your case plainly.
  • Acknowledge the other person’s opinion. Start your disagreement by saying something like, “I see where you’re coming from, but here’s why I think…”
  • Make your argument clear. Be prepared to back up your disagreement with facts and reasoning. The more solid your argument, the more likely you are to convince your interviewer.
How to make sure you’re still likable

Let’s face it: we all want to be likable.

We want to be the person that people enjoy being around, the person that they think is fun and interesting. And when we go into a job interview, we want to be that person.

But what if you don’t agree with the interviewer? What if you have a different perspective? Do you have to keep your mouth shut, or can you disagree in a way that’s still likable?

Well, express your thoughts without attacking the interviewer or putting them on the defensive. You want to make sure that the interviewer sees you as someone they would want to work with. And you can do that by disagreeing with the subject matter, not against anyone.

You should never be afraid to disagree during a job interview. Chances are, your interviewer is looking for someone who has opinions and isn’t afraid to voice them. If you can back up your arguments with evidence and reasoning, you will only stand to benefit from the exchange. Disagreeing with your interviewer is an approach to show that you’re not fearful to stand up for what you believe in and to take on a challenge. Remember: it’s better, to be honest, and upfront than to hold back and regret it later.

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How to make a good impression in a group interview setting

a group of interviewees waiting

You’re invited to a group interview.

You’re excited and nervous all at the same time. You want to make a great first impression, but you’re not sure how to stand out from the other candidates.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this post, we will give you some tips on how to make a good impression in a group interview setting and stand out from the competition.

Arrive early

Be sure to arrive early.

This gives you a chance to scope out the room, meet the other candidates, and collect your thoughts. It also shows the hiring manager that you’re taking the interview seriously and that you’re respectful of their time.

Plus, arriving early gives you a little extra time to calm your nerves.

If you’re feeling jittery, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you’re there for the opportunity to share your experience. The hiring manager is not a monster—it’s not the end of the world even if there are minor slip-ups.

Make eye contact

Making eye contact shows that you’re engaged in the conversation.

It’s also a good way to connect with the other interviewees. By looking them in the eye, you show that you’re willing to build a rapport with them.

And that’s something that can come in handy down the road if you’re offered the job alongside another candidate.

Speak slowly and clearly

a smiley interviewee

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Speaking slowly and clearly will help you be heard and make a good impression.

If you’re not sure what to say, try to focus on answering the questions that are asked of you. Don’t try to hijack the conversation or offer up too much information.

Just stick to the point and you will be fine.

How to follow up after the session

Following up with the interviewer(s) as soon as possible demonstrates your proactiveness.

First, send a personalized email to the interviewers. Thank them for their time and mention something specific about the conversation. You could also attach your resume and reference letters to the email.

If you haven’t heard back from the company within a week, reach out to the recruiter again to follow up. Be sure to be polite and professional, and always thank them for their time.

You want to make sure that you stand out positively during a group interview. You don’t want to be the one who is quiet and doesn’t say anything. Here are a few ways to make a good impression: make eye contact, listen carefully, and ask questions. Be prepared. Make sure you know as much as possible about the company and the position you’re interviewing for. And lastly, be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you, not who you think they want you to be. By following these tips, you will be sure to make a good impression in any group interview setting.

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Striking a balance: How to talk just enough, but not too much, during an interview

talking during an interview

It can be tricky to strike the right balance between talking too much and talking too little during an interview.

On one hand, you don’t want to come across as someone shy or unwilling to share. On the other hand, you don’t want to overwhelm your interviewer with too much information.

So, how can you make sure that you share just enough information without going overboard? An interviewer wants to get to know you, but they also need to know that you’re the right fit for the job. You need to find a way to balance your need to talk about yourself with their need to learn more about you.

The importance of talking during an interview

You want to show the interviewer that you’re engaged and interested in the role. But you also don’t want to talk too much.

Why is that so?

Because if you talk too much, you may start rambling and lose focus. And the interviewer will start to wonder why you’re not paying attention to their questions. But if you don’t say enough, the interviewer will think you’re not that keen on the role or that you don’t have anything valuable to contribute.

So how can you strike the perfect balance? Well, read on.

How to know if you’re talking too much

How can you tell if you’re talking too much? Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Are you monopolizing the conversation?
  • Are you talking more than your interviewer?
  • Are you talking about yourself more than you are asking questions about the company or the role?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you may need to readjust. Try to focus on listening more and sharing only the most relevant information.

How to know if you’re talking too little
listening during an interview

Image Credits: linkedin.com

Are you worried that you’re not talking enough during your interview? Here are a few signs that you might be:

  • You’re not asking any questions.
  • You’re not giving any examples of your past work.
  • You’re not talking about your skills and experience in handling projects.

If you’re exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s a sign that you might be talking too little. Try to engage more with your interviewer and share more information about yourself.

Tips for speaking the right amount

Here are a few tips for striking the right balance:

  • Listen carefully to the interviewer. They will ask you questions, so answer them.
  • Keep your answers concise. You want to respond to the question, but you don’t want to drone on and on.
  • Don’t just talk about yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know you, but they also want to know what you can do for the company. So make sure to share how you can contribute as a new hire.

When it comes to job interviews, striking a balance between talking too much and talking too little can be difficult. On one hand, you don’t want to monopolize the conversation and end up talking more than your interviewer. On the other hand, you don’t want to say too little and make it seem like you’re not interested in the position. So what’s the right amount to talk? As a general rule, aim to share about three or four thoughts or stories during the interview. Remember to relax and take your time—you don’t want to rush through an interview and wind up saying something you would regret later.

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Dealing with mind blank during a job interview

woman facing mind blank during an interview

So, you’ve landed an interview for your dream job. Congratulations!

Now comes the hard part: making a great first impression. You want to be confident and poised, but what happens if you suddenly go blank when the interviewer asks you a question?

Well, there are a few things you can do. In this article, we will give you some tips for dealing with mind blank during a job interview. We will also show you how to recover if you do end up saying something silly.

Take a deep breath

Before you even walk into the interview room, take a few deep breaths and center yourself. This will help you to relax and focus on what’s ahead.

When you’re actually in the interview, if you find yourself faced with a mind blank, don’t panic. Just take a few seconds to calm yourself down and gather your thoughts. The interviewer isn’t going to judge you for not having all the answers—that’s not what interviews are all about.

Collect your thoughts

When you feel your mind go blank, take a step back and collect your thoughts. You might also want to ask for a few moments to gather your views before answering any further questions.

Remain calm and avoid panicking. Remind yourself that you’re prepared for this interview and you have the skills and experience to get the job done. What matters is that you show that you’re capable of thinking on your feet and that you’re keen on the position. So whatever you do, don’t give up or start fidgeting nervously.

Practice ahead of time
practicing in front of the mirror

Image Credits: eurodenture.com

If you’re familiar with the questions that are going to be asked, you won’t feel so caught off guard.

And even if you can’t predict the questions that will be asked, you can still prepare by practicing your responses to common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and less likely to experience mind blank during your interview.

Practice makes perfect, so don’t underestimate the power of preparation. It could be the difference between landing your dream job and walking away empty-handed.

Speak slowly and confidently

The fear of being faced with a state of mind where you can’t think of anything to say is a common fear and one that can cause a lot of anxiety in the run-up to a job interview.

But don’t worry, because there are some things you can do to help you deal with it. One is to speak slowly and confidently. This will help to put you at ease and show your interviewer that you’re in control. As long as you are capable of speaking articulately about yourself and your skills, you’re safe.

Next, make sure you do your research in advance. Familiarize yourself with the company and the role you’re interviewing for so that you have some talking points ready.

How to follow up after an interview
man on a phone call

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As mentioned earlier, mind blank is a common problem, and chances are, the interviewer has seen it before. Instead of worrying unnecessarily, follow up with the interviewer as soon as possible.

Thank them for their time, and let them know that you’re interested in the position. Reassure them that you’re confident you can ace the position if given the opportunity.

Most people feel some level of anxiety when put in a high-pressure situation like a job interview. Remember that the interviewer is human too, and they likely understand that things can go wrong sometimes. But on your end, prepare as much as possible beforehand. This will reduce the amount of stress you feel and give you more confidence going into the interview. Also, make a list of potential questions and practice answering them aloud. This will get you feeling comfortable with the answers and keep your mind from going blank. On your interview day, all that’s left is to give your 100%.

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