Occasionally I get spam emails that try to give me “tips” on how to interview properly to land a good job. I get a kick out of the “advice” these spammers try to thrust upon me. I just wanted to give my “two cents” on a couple of these tips.
“Social networking sites can be a great way to find out more about a company and even your interviewer. For instance, LinkedIn might reveal their career history and hobbies, which is great for breaking the ice.” – Megan, USA
This is a two way street. If an employer is actually interested in me, the interviewer should take two seconds to look me up on LinkedIN (my profile URL is right there on my resume) and know just a little bit about me. It’s a bit lopsided to expect candidates to know everything about the company, yet the company treats the candidates like numbers…
“Develop a connection with the interviewer”
So beyond gathering information about the company, these tips recommend gathering information about the individual interviewer. The company and the interviewer regard each candidate as a number, yet candidate are expected to do hours of research before talking to anyone. At what point do these companies start looking at and considering a candidate’s qualifications?
“Be able to express what the stretch is for you in this role – we are looking to see that there will be room for you to grow, to keep you motivated in the long run.”
Again, this is a two way street. Way too often companies plan to stagnate people in positions when those people have ambitions to move forward, yet those same companies expect candidates to have plans for forward momentum in the company. It’s a bit of a contradiction, don’t you think?
“Listen to the entire question before you answer, and pay attention – it can be embarrassing if you forget the question when you’re trying to answer!”
Total or extended recall is an amazing trait to have, but most people don’t have it. Personally, I like to keep a tablet or notepad with me in interviews because interviewers have a very bad habit of asking long, compound questions. Perhaps people would struggle less with this if interviewers would:
Formulate their questions to ensure that they are short and concise. Instead of trying to throw the interviewee off with subtle nuances, just ask the damn question.
Ask one question at a time. It doesn’t matter if two questions are related or not; ask the first question, wait for an answer, then build on that answer by asking the next one.
“No matter who you’re talking to at your desired company, always be open with them and don’t forget to smile from time to time. It makes you look more approachable and authentic.”
Once again, this is a two way street. Interviewers expect candidates to smile, be friendly and approachable, while remaining cold, distant, and intimidating.
“Plan the perfect interview outfit. Make sure you get your outfit cleaned, pressed, and tailored.”
I understand the concept of wanting to look your best, but this might be going a bit too far. I think a well fit off the rack outfit is just as good as a high priced tailored suit. Of course, I could be wrong.
The interview is supposed to be a forum for a candidate to showcase his or her ability to perform the requirements of the position. Instead, companies have turned it into a popularity contest. Who knows more about the company and interviewer. Who is the best dressed. Who can brownnose the interviewer the most. Who can tip-toe around the interviewer’s nuanced questions the best. Basically, it’s a circus that doesn’t showcase skills at all; it makes a mockery out of the entire interview process.
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