Interview tips

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Most people donât properly prepare for job interviews. As a result, they usually make one of these two common mistakes in their job interviews, and it costs them the job.

You might think you can get away with doing minimal interview prep in your job search, but hiring managers can tell if you haven't done your research and are struggling to answer questions.

If you're not doing enough interview prep in your job search, you've probably run into one of these two problems during your job interviews...

Lack Of Interview Prep = Saying Too Much Or Too Little

In job interviews, people often make two major mistakes related to the Goldilocks principle: either they provide too little information and clam up or they talk excessively, sounding self-absorbed. To succeed, it's crucial to strike the right balance by following the "Experience + Learn = Grow" approach, which ensures well-structured answers.

Itâs very important that you structure your interview answers in a logical format so that you give hiring managers the right amount of information. Behavioral interview questions require more than a simple "yes" or "no" answer. By following the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model for answering behavioral interview questions, you'll effectively answer any question the hiring manager throws your way.

This takes practice, though. And practice is a huge part of proper interview prep. So, do your research on the company, review your resume, and practice your interview answers in a mock interview with a trusted friend or colleague. You'll never fail a job interview by talking too much or too little again.

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2 Ways People Fail In Job Interviews

2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal The Hiring Manager’s (True) Leadership Style

Nobody wants to work for a bad boss. But if you're looking for a new job, how can you ensure the hiring manager you've been interviewing with will be a good boss?

One of the best ways to dodge a bullet in the hiring process and avoid working for a bad manager is to find out their leadership style. There are two questions I coach people to ask in job interviews to help them secretly figure out what it's really going to be like to work for that hiring manager.

How To Reveal The Hiring Manager's (True) Leadership Style

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @SloaneTilliePoppy 2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal Their (True) Leadership Style ð¤ððð³. There are questions you can ask in a job interview they can help you figure out what the hiring manager will really be like to work for. A lot of times they say one thing but donât really mean it. These two questions Iâve been teaching for years as a way to understand exactly what they value in an employee. What you wanna do is listen closely to see if what they say actually matches up with what they claimed their leader ship style is. And if you donât like what you hear, I would say pass on the job opportunity! I also encourage you to prepare for interviews as best you can. Thatâs why my new TikTok series teaches you how to answer the 18 Tofas behavioral questions so that you can now the interview and stand out. That way theyâll really want to make sure That they pick you for the job and then youâll sit in the driver seat and itâll be up to you to decide if you want them! ##tiktokseries##interviewtips##interviewtipsandtricks##interviewquestions##interviewquestionsandanswers##interviewprep##interviewpreparation##behavioralquestion##careertok##careeradvice##careertiktok##careercoach##interviewcoach##jobinterview##jobinterviewquestions##jobinterviewtips â¬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

When it's your turn to ask questions in the job interview, ask the following questions to determine the hiring manager's true leadership style:

1. Tell me about a recent hire who's been successful here. What 2 or 3 things are they doing that's making them so successful?

Asking this question can help you start to determine whether or not what they said about the job, the company, and their leadership style matches what they value in a person.

For example, if they said, "We believe in work-life balance here. We know you have a life. We really support you. You can get all your work done in the hours that are given here," and then when you ask them this question, they say, "That person that we hired recently, she was amazing. She came in, we were in a pinch. She worked overtime. She worked nights and weekends. She took on a whole bunch of extra responsibilities and she just really crushed it," their answers don't sync up.

2. Can you tell me, without naming names, about somebody who did not work out well here, who really failed in the job? Can you give me 2 or 3 examples of why you think they weren't successful?

Once again, listen closely. If they say things like, "They just walked out the door right at 5 p.m. They weren't flexible. They weren't willing to take on additional responsibility. They weren't a team player," what does it say about the situation?

As a job seeker, these two questions can help you get a better sense of what it would be like to work at a company and/or for a specific hiring manager so you can dodge a bullet. If their leadership style isn't compatible with your work style, you probably won't be happy on the job, no matter how good the opportunity sounds.

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2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews …

The job interview is an essential part of the screening process for employers. It helps employers dig deep beyond the resume to find out about 1) your experience and skills for the job, 2) whether you're a good fit for its workplace culture, and 3) your career goals and outlook to determine how dedicated and loyal you'll be to the job and continued employment with the company.

Asking questions is essential to helping employers make the right decision on which job applicant to select for the job. So, let's break down some of the typical interview questions you may be asked and what employers are really trying to find out so that you can provide the best response.

1. "Talk About One Of Your Greatest Achievements At Work."

When employers ask this question, they are trying to see what you consider important on the job and are also trying to understand your key skill set. The best response is an example that can directly relate back to the job you're applying for.

2. "Talk About A Time You Faced A Major Challenge At Work."

Employer/hiring manager asks a potential job candidate a hard interview question

Employers are always trying to see how you face obstacles at work and your approach to dealing with them. Regardless of the challenge you present, the key is to demonstrate that you were able to overcome it and bring results of success.

3. "What's Your Greatest Weakness?"

Employers want to see how honest you are, and the way you answer can also shed light on if you're able to overcome obstacles. Everyone has a weakness, so provide an honest answer but finish off your response with how you've worked to improve on it so it actually isn't a weakness anymore.

4. "Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?"

Employer/hiring manager wants to find out where the job candidate sees herself in five years during an interview

Employers want to find out your long-term goals and how they may fit into their plans. Your response should inform the employer that you're dedicated to the profession and you have a confident outlook to move up in your career with even more experience and skills to succeed on the job. Do not give an answer that indicates you may not stay with the company.

5. "Describe To Me The Type Of Work Environment You Desire."

Job candidate waits to answer an interview question from the hiring manager

It's important that employers ensure you can fit in culturally and they want to understand the type of worker-boss management relationship desired. Say the person supervising is a micromanager, but you are one who has self-drive and desires empowerment. In such a case, conflict is highly likely.

Do your research ahead of time to understand the employer's workplace culture so you respond accordingly. But it's also important in helping decide whether you should even apply for a job because you want to work in an environment where you'll be happy.

6. "Why Do You Want To Work With Us?"

A hiring manager asks a job candidate, "Why do you want to work with us?"

Employers need to find out if you're a serious candidate for the job and if you have a true desire to work for the company and in the specific field you're applying to. If you do your research beforehand, you will have an idea of things you can call out about the employer that impress you. It'll also inform the employer that you're not just randomly applying to any job, but that you have a true desire to work for them.

7. "Why Are You Leaving Your Employer?"

A job candidate answers the hard interview question, "Why are you leaving your employer?"

Employers will ask this question to try to better understand your long-term goals. It's also to ensure that the reason you're leaving is not one that may present itself again on the new job.

If you were fired from your job, the employer wants to ensure the problem or concerns about being fired do not carry over to the new job. Focus on a response that speaks to your desire for more challenge and that will allow you to utilize your experience and skills, and help you to continue to grow them.

When you understand what employers are really trying to find out with the questions they ask, you can tailor your responses so that you come off as the best candidate for the job.

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7 Things Employers Want To Find Out …

5 Things Every Employer Wants To Hear In An Interview

Ever wonder what a potential boss wants to hear in an interview? What exactly can you say that will increase your chances of receiving a job offer?

I recently heard some great advice that lined up with my previous experience as a human resources manager, and so I thought I would share this great advice with you! Here are five things to communicate during an interview that will convince the employer you're a great hire...

1. You Will Never Have To Tell Me What To Do Twice

Every employer wants to know they can give you instructions once and you'll get the job done. I guarantee you that no employer wants to micromanage or ask an employee more than once to do somethingâno matter what it is.

2. I Will Complete The Job/Assignment You Give Me With Excellence

The employer wants to hear that, no matter what, you are going to make it happenâthat you're going to get the job done and do it to the best of your ability.

3. I Am An Agreeable Person

Interviewer ask job candidate if they are a team player

The employer wants to know that no matter what situation you are put in, you're going to be a team playerâand that you're not going to create confusion, conflict, problems, or challenge their authority.

4. I Am Easy To Correct And Instruct; I Am Teachable

If there is something that's not getting done, or if you're not doing it correctly, the employer wants to know that they can approach you to discuss the situation and that you're not going to fly off the handle or think you're superior.

5. I Am A Loyal Employee

Job candidate conveys he's a loyal employee in an interview

I will not talk poorly about you. I will do everything I can to promote you and help promote this business. While I am working for you, I will always be the best employeeâwhether for one year or 10 years. And, should I leave, I will be rehireable, and I will leave in an amicable and responsible manner.

Prospective employers nowadays understand that asking employees to make a commitment to stay for 10, or even 25 years, just isn't realistic. Loyalty isn't about longevity. It's about being a committed and responsible employee while you're with that company.

These five points are essentially what every employer wants to hear from a potential employee. Of course, this isn't an end-all, be-all of an interview. But if you can communicate these very important points to a prospective employer during an interview, you will stand out among the other job candidates, and it will help the interviewer believe that you would be an asset to the organization.

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5 Things Every Employer Wants To Hear …

Mastering Your Interview Attire: How To Dress For Success

Getting ready for an interview can be a stressful activity. There are so many things to do: research the industry and company, brush up on practice questions, and find something appropriate to wear, just to name a few.

I can address interview attire. The first thing you need to do is understand not only whatâs acceptable in your industry but also the company you will be interviewing with. Attire in the fashion industry is quite different than in the architectural field. If you are new to the industry, check out people you follow on social media in that industry to see what they are wearing in professional situations.

Once you understand company standards, consider the company where you have the interview. Look for a company website and browse the employee directory. How are these individuals dressed?

My recommendation is to find someone in the position one level up from the one you are interested in and use that attire as an example. If you are interviewing within your current industry, you should have a good feel for what all levels of employees wear to work. However, companies have different dress codes. Again, I would look at a company directory to see how most individuals dress and use that as a guide.

Now that you know what type of attire you need, find it. If youâre on a budget, look in your closet first. There are probably options there. Donât forget to look through pieces you do not wear regularly. Most people do not walk around in suits when not at work. Shop discount or thrift stores. Go to department stores and boutiques and find the sale rack. You may get the perfect blazer or pair of pants on sale. You want something stylish, so do not buy something just because itâs cheap.

Hereâs an important note: If you get the job, you will have to dress in this manner on a regular basis, so invest in pieces you will wear quite a bit. If you are not sure what to wear, work with a store associate or personal stylist. We will make sure you are dressed well.

The title of this article is âMastering Your Interview Attireâ which means I want you to have multiple outfits. The reason is that many companies require multiple interviews before choosing a candidate. In fact, you may be contacted after an interview to schedule a second one within 24 hours of the first. Have a few outfits ready by creating a small capsule wardrobe for interviews. A capsule wardrobe is made up of garments that go together, usually in one color and accent color.

Take some of the anxiety and stress out of interviewing by BEING PREPARED mentally, emotionally, physically, and stylistically. Good luck and go get âem!

For more information on how to master your interview attire and dress for success, follow me on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Mastering Your Interview Attire: Expert Tips For Crafting The Ideal Professional Wardrobe

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Mastering Your Interview Attire: How To Dress …

Introverts often feel especially challenged by job interviews. They're meeting new people out of their element and, given the level of importance attached to an interview, it may ramp up nervousness and keep them from performing their best.

If you're an introvert who wants to perform your best during an upcoming interview, or just an extrovert looking for some additional interview help, apply these 13 interview tips!

Before The Interview

Man using tips for introverts while waiting for his job interview

1. Practice.

2. Practice.

3. Pract... Well, you get the idea.

Over-preparing will give you a sense of mastery that can calm your nerves and improve your self-confidence and performance. Know the company, job, your resume, and your career goals inside and out. Write out the questions and answers you want to practice and edit them with a critical eye to get started. Then, practice with someone else playing the employer (mock interview), even if it is only on the phone. You may need to do this more than once.

Before the interview, do a dress rehearsal in your interview attire and in person, if possible. If you can afford it, engage a professionalâit is well worth the investment. If not, practice with someone whose opinion you trust.

4. Prepare notes that you can refer to during an interview.

Usually, it is perfectly expected for you to have a few copies of your resume, and a pen and paper, perhaps in a portfolio or folder. Don't write in full sentences and keep your notes to the top page of your pad. Leave plenty of space to jot notes in a different color ink so that they are easy to pick out. You can write questions for the employer on the next page.

5. Wear comfortable, suitable clothes.

Think about the setting and your personal style and kick up your attire one more notch. We recommend dressing one level above the company's dress code. Make sure that your clothing fits you well and is comfortable to wear sitting, standing, and walking. It should also look good front and back. Ask someone else's opinion. You will already be nervous enoughâno need to add to it by allowing your mind to stray toward your outfit!

6. Visit the location early so you can visualize the setting.

This will also ensure that you know about any construction or other anomalies that may impact your arrival time and can react with a calm, cool demeanor. If it's a public location, a quick reconnaissance will provide additional information to increase your comfort level and limit any fears that can be fed by the unknown.

During The Interview

Job candidate uses tips for introverts during an interview

7. Breathe instead of saying um, uh, etc.

As an introvert, you may get especially nervous when you have to speak in a public or unique situationâsuch as an interview! Instead of filling the silence with random syllables, breathe in. Typically, we stammer when we are trying to find the right words and feel the pressure. Focus on breathing in once and then breathe out while you think. This is usually enough to buy you time to find your language.

8. Strike a pose.

As introverts (or even extroverts!) we sometimes worry that the interviewer will wonder if we have "spaced out" or "lost it" if it takes too long to speak. If you have a pose you normally strike when thinking (a hand on your chin?), do that. Or, you can rephrase the question while searching your mind for the perfect words. Sometimes, the introverts I work with feel comfortable saying something like, "That is a good question, I am processing that as we speak!" A combination can also be employed, of course.

9. Smile.

Reallyâremind yourself to smile! When I worked as a telemarketer, many years ago, I learned that people can hear you smile when you speak. It is true. Well, if people on the other end of a phone can react to a smile, doesn't it stand to reason that an in-person smile will make even more of a positive impression? Take the interview seriously, by all means, but show your humanity as well.

A recent introverted client became comfortable sharing the fact that he is an introvert during the interview. It works really well as a prelude to your answer to, "What is something you have to work on?" or "What is your greatest weakness?"

10. Keep your answers positive.

There is no need to provide anything but the best of your best during the interview. Unless asked specifically about a weakness or a project that has gone wrong, keep your mouth shut. Even then, always put a positive spin on things, and highlight what you've learned and how good you have become at planning and avoiding X, Y, and Z (use the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model for answering behavioral interview questions).

If you are introverted, you may be harder on yourself than anyone else. The last thing you want is to give your mind something to gnaw on while you try to be "in the moment" during an interview.

11. Ask questions.

In order to avoid an interview feeling like an inquisition, ask questions. Approach the interview as if it were a conversation: you listen, you respond, you interact, and the interviewer does the same. If you can nudge the interview in this direction, you will feel a lot more confident and comfortable than if the interviewer is asking all the questions!

12. Watch your body language.

Leaning forward shows that you are interested and alert. Crossing anything sends the message that you are closed off and negative. Leaning back in your chair may give the impression that you don't care or are arrogant. Be careful not to fidget, doodle, or make faces while the interviewer is speaking or you are thinking.

After The Interview

13. Prepare for next time.

When you are safely out of sight, but before you get home, write down some notes about anything you might want to include in a thank-you note, ask in a follow-up or next interview, or could improve on the next time you interview for a job or need to speak in a public or unusual situation!

Interviewing as an introvert doesn't have to be so hard. We hope you found these thirteen interview tips helpful, and now you have the confidence to ace your next job interview!

Good luck!

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13 Interview Tips For Introverts

While the pressure of doing well in your job interview may be over, there's still work to be done. Following each job interview, always send a thank-you note. Not sending one can cost you. But at the same time, sending one that you don't put much thought into can backfire as well.

While the follow-up thank-you note is not the defining factor of whether you will get the job, if written effectively, it does help maintain your standing as an impressive candidate for the position.

There are plenty of tips on how to write a good follow-up thank-you note. Here, we'll focus on signs your thank-you note isn't ready to be sent to a potential employerâyet!

1. You Didn't Check The Small Details

Yes, they may be small details, but one little mistake is enough to hurt your chances of landing the job.

Check your thank-you note for any misspellings or grammatical errors, and make sure you address it to the correct person. The last thing you want to do is misspell someone's name. Like your resume, your thank-you note requires an extra pair of eyes for proofreading.

2. Your Note Feels Generic

Man on phone follows up with employers during his job search by sending a thank-you note

"Thank you for the meeting! It was a pleasure."

Of course it was! Just about every other person who's been interviewed will say the same.

Your thank-you note needs to help you differentiate yourself from all other job applicants. Reflect back on the job interview and highlight a particular point for your message where you can express genuine interest in working for the company and with those you met at the interview.

Avoiding coming off as generic in your thank-you note also means you're customizing your message for each individual you met with. Never send out the same note because it may be shared between the hiring manager, department head, and other individuals you shook hands with at the company.

3. You Didn't Keep It Succinct

Woman writes a follow-up thank-you note after a job interview

A follow-up thank-you note is not like writing to a pen pal. Keep the message professional and succinct. Highlight a specific point in the interview that can serve as your basis for communicating your interest.

The follow-up thank-you note should ultimately help you build a platform for continued communication with the employer throughout the entirety of the hiring process.

4. You Didn't Get Right To It

Job candidate writes a follow-up thank-you note after an interview

If an entire week has passed since the job interview and you're just getting to sending the follow-up thank-you note, you're telling the employer you don't care much for the job.

It's always advised to send the message as soon as possibleâwithin 24 hours of the interview. The sooner that follow-up thank-you note reaches their inbox, the more excited you'll seem about the job opportunity.

As you craft your follow-up thank-you note, be sure you're not making any of the mistakes above. Send a message that is unique and effective to help keep you in the running!

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4 Signs Your Thank-You Note Will Hurt …

Every time you interview, your main purpose is to convince the employer to hire you. The job search is a sales process. The hiring manager (your future boss) is the "customer," and you are both the sales rep and the product. Why should they choose you over all the other "products" out there?

During the interview process, the hiring manager might ask you, "Why should we hire you?" Here are some tips for how you can effectively answer this tough interview question and stand out from other job candidates:

Focus On What You Can Do For The Employer

Job candidate explains why the employer should hire her in a job interview

This question is actually a fantastic opportunity for you to summarize why you'd be a great hire.

Always focus your answer on what benefits you bring, what problems you can solve, and what solutions you can provide. Never, ever say that they should hire you because you need the job or because you really want itâor anything remotely related to your reasons for wanting the job. This is your chance to connect the dots and help the employer see why you're the best person for the job.

Think about things you know the hiring manager (interviewer) is looking forâskill sets, background, character traits, personal qualities, education, experience, or anything else that will make you successful in this role. Relate your answer to these things.

Give An Example

Job candidate answers "Why should we hire you?" in a job interview

Explain how you meet the employer's needs and give an example to support your answer.

Your answer should be framed like this: "You should hire me because you've said you want someone with A, B, and C. I fit all of your requirements. I have A (say what that is), B (maybe give an example), and C (elaborate further)."

This will help you stand out from the other candidates and it gives the employer a reason to hire you.

Keep The Job Description (And Your Skills!) In Mind

Typically, this question will come toward the end of the interview, so you can refer to what you've already talked about, or mention something new that you know they'd be interested in. If it comes in the beginning, use the job description and your research to answer:

Will this job require long hours? Mention your work ethic.
Will this job need someone with great communication skills? Give an example of yours.
Will this job need someone who can learn on the fly? Tell them how you're going to get up to speed quickly and how you've learned and adapted before.
Does this job need someone with a particular background? Mention yours.
Do you have the skill set they want? Talk about your skill set and how you have been successful with it.

Give them examples of what you have achieved in the past. If you haven't done this job before, talk about similar things you've done or qualities you have that will make you successful in this new role.

It's never easy to answer "Why should we hire you?" in a job interview. However, if you do these three things, you'll be able to articulate your skills, experience, and qualifications with ease. And you'll impress the hiring manager in the process!

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How To Answer “Why Should We Hire …

How To Stay Calm And Confident In A Job Interview

As a career coach for 20 years, I've worked with people who are so nervous to go into job interviews that they literally sweat through their clothes. Thankfully, there are a few things that significantly helped them stay calm and confident in job interviews so they could make a great first impression and land the job they want.

Here are three tips I have taught all my clients who are going into job interviews to utilize in order to feel calmer and show more confidence. I think at least one of these will help you...

3 Tips To Stay Calm & Confident In An Interview

@j.t.odonnell
3 Job Interview Tips To Make You Calmer & More Confident ððâ¥ï¸ For years I've been coaching people that get so nervous in job interviews that they sweat through their clothes. as a result I've built a lot of tools and tips to help them succeed in job interviews. these three tips have been the most successful for people who need to be more common focused. the benefit is when you do these things you'll also appear more confident. knowing how to reset yourself in a job interview is very important. you also need to know how to answer really difficult questions in a way that shows the person asking them that you are not afraid. I think you'll find these three tips super helpful and if you like what I suggest you may want to check out my new tiktok series on the 18 hardest behavioral questions and how to answer them correctly. I think it'll give you the confidence you need to truly succeed in your next job interview good luck and go get'em!
â¬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

1. Wear/bring something that will be a cue to relax.

The first tip that will help you stay calm and confident in job interviews is to go into the interview with something that, when you notice it, will be a cue for you to take a breath and relax and put a smile on your face. For example, if you wear jewelry, put the ring on a different finger or the watch/bracelet on the other wrist. If you usually carry a pen, bring a different color pen.

When you notice this one thing, don't over-smile, but take a breath and remind yourself that you're not there in an interrogation. You're there potentially meeting a new colleague. And when you look at it that way, that you're there to make a friend and get to know somebody, you will take that breath, you will smile, and you will relax. And the more you notice it, the more you'll connect with who you are in that moment so that you're giving off the right body language and facial expressions because that's a big part of your communication in a job interview.

2. When you get asked a difficult question, begin your response with, "That's a great question," and remember to smile.

Whenever you get asked one of those difficult questions in a job interview, those questions that just make us anxious, condition yourself to say, "That's a great question," because, psychologically, in my experience, when you say that's a good question and you say it with a smile on your face, you approach it like, "I'm going to answer this question the best that I can."

Also, the hiring manager knows they're asking you a hard question. That's why they're asking you. They want to see your reaction. So when your reaction is, "That's a great question," that tells them you're not afraid of that question. You're ready to answer that questionâa sign of confidence.

3. Learn how to answer behavioral interview questions.

The last and most important tip that will help you stay calm and confident in a job interview is to learn how to effectively answer behavioral interview questions. This is an essential part of interview prep.

Behavioral interview questions are open-ended questions designed to get inside your head and help the hiring manager learn how you think. And by having to give more than a one-word answer, it reveals more about your personality in the workplace, your aptitude, whether or not you're flexible, and your whole mentality and strategy. And this is really important because they're trying to find the right person for the job. By learning how to effectively answer behavioral interview questions, you'll be sure to show the hiring manager you are the right person for the job.

It's completely normal to feel nervous before a job interview. I hope these three tips will help you stay calm and confident during your next one. Good luck, and go get 'em!

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How To Stay Calm And Confident In …

Interviewing is nerve-wracking even in the best of circumstances. If you feel like you're under a microscope, it's because you are! Employers want to make sure that you can do the job. But, just as importantly, they want to determine if you can fit in with their team.

Likability is an intangible component of your interview, so how do you ensure that you come across as likable as well as competent? What do you do when your interview isn't going in the right direction?

The fact is that there is no magic formula. Your best bet is to prepare for the interview as well as you can. If the interview doesn't seem to be going well, you can try to pivot a little, but sometimes there is nothing you can do. If the interviewer has already made up their mind to go with another candidate and they're just going through the motions by interviewing you, that isn't on you.

These things do happen, though, perhaps more than we know. You need to be aware of what is going on during your interview so that you can try to adjust to the extent that you can.

Here are three signs your job interview isn't going well:

They Didn't Have A Good Reaction To Your Success Stories

Job candidate talks to hiring managers and realizes the interview isn't going well

You may have a story of a success that in the past has gotten nods of approval or smiles from your interviewer(s). If you tell the same story with the same zest and you don't get the same or similar reaction, it may mean that they aren't listening, didn't get the point of the story, or missed the importance of the success.

It could also be a sign that you have failed to connect with the interviewer from the start, and they aren't as attentive as you need them to be to get why you are the most qualified candidate.

They Seemed Bored And Distracted

Job candidate thinks the hiring managers/interviewers seem bored and distracted during his job interview

If the interviewer keeps looking at their phone or computer screen, they may be displaying a lack of interest in what you have to say, or they may just be distracted by something that is going on that is taking precedence over your interview. Perhaps they are monitoring an emergency situation, but they can't or don't share that with you. Or maybe they have just decided that they aren't going to hire you, so nothing you say will make a difference. Again, they are just going through the motions.

Without being rude yourself, there is little you can do to get them to pay attention to you unless you manage to get their attention with a witty remark or a humorous story. Everyone usually responds to humor if it is well-delivered and natural. Not everyone can pull that off, however, and it is especially challenging if you are nervous.

They Didn't Tell You About Next Steps Or Ask If You Have Questions For Them

If the interview has gone badly, interviewers won't ask if you have any questions for them and they won't offer what the next steps will be. If you ask and they seem vague or reluctant to tell you when they expect to fill the job, that is another sign that you probably aren't going to be considered as one of the finalists.

Sometimes circumstances are just out of your control, and there is nothing you can do to save an interview that isn't going well. As a post-interview exercise, you should considerâfrom hello to goodbyeâhow you believe you performed and what the reactions of your interviewer(s) were.

Did you fail to prepare properly?
Did you practice well enough beforehand that you were able to contain your nerves?
Were you prepared with the right kind of answers to the questions you were asked?
Were you concise in your responses or did you ramble?
Did you keep to the issue of your ability to do the job or did you veer off into the personal and wind up sharing too much?

If the interview has obviously gone bad and you are pretty sure you aren't going to receive an offer, chalk it up to good experience and move on. Learn from the experience. Avoid blaming the entire situation on the interviewer. Perhaps you could have done something to engage their interest and change their minds about you during the interview.

Take responsibility for your performance and try to figure out how you can improve moving forward. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach if necessary, and move on. Perhaps that job wasn't the best one for you anyway. Maybe not getting that job is a good thing. It frees you up for a better opportunity which may be just around the corner.

Interviews are a necessary part of every job search. Learn how to prepare. Learn how to handle your nerves. Practice with a friend or a coach until you hone the answers to the questions you are sure to be asked and can deliver them with confidence. Nothing replaces appropriate preparation, so if you do the work, you'll always see results. Your hard work will pay off, we promise!

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3 Signs Your Interview Isnât Going In …

It's completely normal to feel nervous before a job interview. But once you're face-to-face with the interviewer, you know you'll succeed. You're qualified. You meet all the requirements for the position. And...you really want the job. Your nerves will go away because you have confidence in yourself.

But what if those nerves worsen once your interview begins? What if you struggle to stay confident during job interviews?

When you lack confidence in yourself, hiring managers pick up on that quickly, and it can greatly hurt your chances of receiving a job offer. Here are three tips that will help you stay confident in a job interview:

1. Write Down All Your Answers (And Read Them Out Loud!)

Interviewing, like everything else in our lives, becomes easier once it feels like a habitâsomething that we do all the time without overthinking it. The best way to make an interview feel natural and conversational is to practice.

Write down your answers to as many interview questions as you can. Then, read them out loud. Read them until you can say them in your sleep (that's when you know you're prepared!).

This will not only help you feel confident answering difficult interview questions, but it will also help you identify which answers you need to work on.

2. Visualize Your Interview Success

Man is confident during an interview after visualizing his success

If you can visualize yourself succeeding in a job interview, your actions will follow. It's not really "faking it until you make it." It's more like conditioning your body to think of a job interview as a positive experience, rather than a negative one. Turn that nervousness into excitement!

Visualization is one of the keys to being more confident in your job interviews. When it comes time to shake the hand of the hiring manager, it'll feel like you've done the interview a thousand times because, in your head, you have!

3. Do A Mock Interview With A Friend

A woman helps her friend by doing a mock interview

Practicing the interview beforehand is a great way to gain confidence. By doing a mock interview with a friend or colleague, you'll get the feedback you need to ensure you're going into the job interview polished and well-prepared. Your friend can offer constructive criticism and some much-needed words of encouragement.

Never do a mock interview with a family member. Your family is very biased. When you do a mock interview with a family member, they are often either overly critical or complimentary, both of which won't do anything to help your confidence and performance when you get to the actual job interview.

Friends and colleagues, on the other hand, will give you honest feedback. They'll challenge you to perform better. Some professionals have a hard time taking feedback without taking it personally, and that's okay. Just think of the feedback from your mock interview as feedback that will help you feel more confident when the big day comesâfeedback that will, ultimately, help you land a job.

Everyone is more confident when they're comfortable. These three tips will help you stay confident in your next job interview and feel comfortable answering any questions the hiring manager decides to throw at you.

Acing an interview is easy when it feels like second nature!

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How To Stay Confident During Job Interviews

Phone interviews are becoming more and more important in the job search. They are your gateway to get to the face-to-face interview. Employers try to screen candidates out with phone interviews because they need to narrow down their list of applicants to bring on site.

So, in your job search, you need to do everything you can to give yourself the edge and ace that phone interview so you can move forward in the job search process.

However, phone interviews can present some unique challenges. It can feel unnerving to not be able to see the interviewer's face or have them see yours.

So, what can you do?

Beyond knowing great answers to phone interview questions, keeping cheat sheets in front of you, and asking questions of your own, here are three surprising tips that may help you ace your phone interview...

Look At A Picture Of Your Interviewer

Looking at a picture of the person interviewing you can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed as you answer their questions. It may even help you establish better rapport.

You can get their picture from their LinkedIn profile, which you should be looking at anyway as part of your pre-interview research. As a bonus, having their picture in front of you means that you will see them smiling at you, which may help you feel more confident too.

Look In The Mirror (Or Stay Away From One)

Happy man on laptop smiles during his phone interview

Some people say that looking in a mirror while you're interviewing on the phone helps you remember to smile. Since smiling while you talk makes you sound more relaxed and confident, that could be great advice.

However, others say that looking in the mirror makes them feel incredibly self-conscious and unable to focus. I say that you should try doing both in another conversation (especially in a mock interview) and see if looking in the mirror works for you or not.

Stand Up

When you stand up rather than sit, your voice is stronger and you sound more enthusiastic and energetic. Those are both great qualities to convey to a hiring manager.

One thing to watch out for: you may be tempted to walk around while you talk, but be careful that you don't move around too fast and get winded. That won't communicate positive qualities for you.

Phone interviews do present some challenges, but they also provide you with some benefits because the interviewer can't see you. Take advantage of the situation and give yourself a performance boost.

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Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship