7 answers
Yolanda
Student
Casa Grande, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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What are some common mistakes to avoid in a job interview?
I am a student in grade 11 and would like to understand how interview patterns are structured especially in the area of construction.
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7 answers
James Williams
3
Answers
Brough, England, United Kingdom
Updated
James’s Answer
Absolutely, there are some fantastic responses here! Just keep in mind, the ideal interviewer is one who brings out the best in you, so try to stay relaxed and not overburden yourself with stress.
When utilizing slides, make sure they serve as helpful cues rather than cramming them with excessive information.
Always remain true to yourself, be receptive, and demonstrate a readiness to bolster areas where you might need improvement.
Remember, your compatibility with their team is just as crucial as your skills and experience. Be friendly, approachable, and maintain a healthy level of confidence without coming off as arrogant.
Research The company
Research The panel
Research The Industry
When utilizing slides, make sure they serve as helpful cues rather than cramming them with excessive information.
Always remain true to yourself, be receptive, and demonstrate a readiness to bolster areas where you might need improvement.
Remember, your compatibility with their team is just as crucial as your skills and experience. Be friendly, approachable, and maintain a healthy level of confidence without coming off as arrogant.
James recommends the following next steps:
Marjon Rahimian
Customer Success Manager
3
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Marjon’s Answer
1. Instead of sharing generalized ideas, draw from your own authentic experiences. Incorporate real-life scenarios that showcase your abilities, talents, and past experiences.
2. Don't find yourself without questions when the interview concludes. Prepare a set of inquiries to pose to the interviewer, tailored to the information you've gathered about them, the job, and the organization.
3. Don't neglect to investigate the people who will be conducting your interview.
4. Avoid going into the interview without prior knowledge about the company and the position you're applying for.
2. Don't find yourself without questions when the interview concludes. Prepare a set of inquiries to pose to the interviewer, tailored to the information you've gathered about them, the job, and the organization.
3. Don't neglect to investigate the people who will be conducting your interview.
4. Avoid going into the interview without prior knowledge about the company and the position you're applying for.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1681
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Yolanda,
In a job interview, you need to understand what the company is looking for!
Example, in construction. Let's say they are hiring a roofer's helper. Sounds simple enough - you will be loading and unloading the truck, cleaning up at the end of the day. But, what are they really looking for? Anyone can "do" the job that was advertised, what about what they did not say in the advertisement? These are the points that will let you come out ahead of the other applicants.
1. Someone who lives by the rules of safety. Workplace accidents, esp. in construction, are very dangerous, and costly. So, what are you going to do if you are working side by side with workers from other trades, from other companies, that have wires and hoses running all over the place, not adhering to proper safety measures?
2. Interpersonal relationships. Back to #1. Are you going to be known as the company snitch, or can you get things resolved just by talking to people? There are things supervisors need to know, and, there are things they expect you to be able to resolve yourself. If every time you have a question or concern you go to the supervisor, you are keeping them from doing other things! Plus, they don't want any drama.
3. Dependability. They need you to show up for work. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. And to have reliable transportation. If you get up one morning and your car doesn't start, now what are you going to do?
4. Eagerness to learn. Maybe your job is just loading and unloading the truck. But, after you've been on the job a few weeks, and they need you to step up because they are short-staffed or fell behind due to weather, you should know the basics of the roofer's job.
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand a question! Smile, be polite, make eye contact, try to establish rapport.
Kim
In a job interview, you need to understand what the company is looking for!
Example, in construction. Let's say they are hiring a roofer's helper. Sounds simple enough - you will be loading and unloading the truck, cleaning up at the end of the day. But, what are they really looking for? Anyone can "do" the job that was advertised, what about what they did not say in the advertisement? These are the points that will let you come out ahead of the other applicants.
1. Someone who lives by the rules of safety. Workplace accidents, esp. in construction, are very dangerous, and costly. So, what are you going to do if you are working side by side with workers from other trades, from other companies, that have wires and hoses running all over the place, not adhering to proper safety measures?
2. Interpersonal relationships. Back to #1. Are you going to be known as the company snitch, or can you get things resolved just by talking to people? There are things supervisors need to know, and, there are things they expect you to be able to resolve yourself. If every time you have a question or concern you go to the supervisor, you are keeping them from doing other things! Plus, they don't want any drama.
3. Dependability. They need you to show up for work. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. And to have reliable transportation. If you get up one morning and your car doesn't start, now what are you going to do?
4. Eagerness to learn. Maybe your job is just loading and unloading the truck. But, after you've been on the job a few weeks, and they need you to step up because they are short-staffed or fell behind due to weather, you should know the basics of the roofer's job.
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand a question! Smile, be polite, make eye contact, try to establish rapport.
Kim
Matt VanderZyl
Customer Success Manager
3
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Matt’s Answer
I'm sure (I hope!) that you'll get lots of great suggestions, so I'll stick to one:
- always be prepared to ask interesting questions of the interviewer.
One of the worst pitfalls in an interview is when they ask you if you have any questions, and the reply is "nope, I think we pretty much covered everything"
Employers want to see that you're interested in them as a person, and that you're looking for more than "just a job". By asking them thought-provoking questions, you ensure an interesting conversation, usually at the end.
Hope this help - best of luck!
Research your interviewers (on LinkedIn, etc) to find things in common and think of interesting questions
Research the company, including what they do for philanthrophy
- always be prepared to ask interesting questions of the interviewer.
One of the worst pitfalls in an interview is when they ask you if you have any questions, and the reply is "nope, I think we pretty much covered everything"
Employers want to see that you're interested in them as a person, and that you're looking for more than "just a job". By asking them thought-provoking questions, you ensure an interesting conversation, usually at the end.
Hope this help - best of luck!
Matt recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Coyne
Customer Success Manager
1
Answer
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Not having researched the background of the company and the key requirements and skills for the role.
Speaking too quickly and not pausing with the replies to interview questions.
Not making eye contact with the persons interviewing
Speaking too quickly and not pausing with the replies to interview questions.
Not making eye contact with the persons interviewing
Nicole Grube, SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Director
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
There are three basic things, I believe, must be met at the minimum to have a successful interview.
1) Come to the interview prepared! Do research on the company and who you are interviewing prior.
2) Dress to impress. Presentation makes a powerful first impression.
3) Send a thank you note! Whether hand written or via email, following up with the interviewer to thank them and to reinstate why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit in follow up to what you learned about the role and company during the interview, WILL help you stand apart from the rest of the applicants.
These are three simple tasks that I see missed in interview all the time and three simple tasks that when achieved, really set candidates apart.
1) Come to the interview prepared! Do research on the company and who you are interviewing prior.
2) Dress to impress. Presentation makes a powerful first impression.
3) Send a thank you note! Whether hand written or via email, following up with the interviewer to thank them and to reinstate why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit in follow up to what you learned about the role and company during the interview, WILL help you stand apart from the rest of the applicants.
These are three simple tasks that I see missed in interview all the time and three simple tasks that when achieved, really set candidates apart.
Vaibhav Vikram Singh
Customer Success Manager
1
Answer
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Vaibhav Vikram’s Answer
In a job interview, avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of success. The interview mistakes can be like of lack of preparation, being late for an interview or even being too early, showing interest in the conversation - talking too long or too short, too much negative information about your experience or past company, exaggeration about skills or experience.
Also, your appearance and body language can impact the interview too. If you are not adequately dressed or non-verbal cues like lack of eye contact, slouching, or fidgeting can convey nervousness or disinterest.
Also, your appearance and body language can impact the interview too. If you are not adequately dressed or non-verbal cues like lack of eye contact, slouching, or fidgeting can convey nervousness or disinterest.