As executive recruiting experts in Northern California, Pacific Staffing knows it’s not just entry or mid-level candidates that make mistakes during the job interview process. Plenty of executives blow lucrative job opportunities by committing common, yet fatal errors in an interview.
If you’ve got an important interview coming up, be sure to avoid the following:
Talking Too Much
Executives are used to being in charge and being listened to. However, a job interview is a two-way conversation.
Instead of rambling on about your background, offer crisp, clear answers that are no more than about 60 seconds. Not only will you be more memorable as a leader who can cut to the chase, but you will also be perceived as a good listener – a critical skill for any executive level position.
Not Being Able to Back Up Claims
Sure, you may consider yourself an industry maverick. But where is the proof to back up that claim? When you go to an interview, be prepared to back up your strengths and qualifications with specific, real-world examples of each.
Letting Ego Get in the Way
It doesn’t matter how high of a position you held last. If you come across as egotistical, then you are not going to make a positive impression.
One way to avoid letting your ego get in the way is to draw clear ties between your background and skill set and the company’s needs and requirements for the position. Essentially saying “here’s how I can help you” will make a far more favorable impression.
Not Preparing for Interviews
You have experience running a multi-million dollar company. Plus you’re great at winging it, so why prepare for an interview?
Because if you don’t, your lack of preparation will come across loud and clear. Let’s put it this way: would you hire someone who was obviously unprepared? Probably not. Your future employer feel the same way. Preparation is key to a focused presentation of your skills and why your abilities are the best fit for the position.
Appearing Too Desperate or Too Aggressive
If you’ve been at your job search for a while and have lost a bit of confidence as a result, don’t let that show through during the job interview. If, for instance, you offer to accept a lower salary than what you were paid in your previous position or your market value, you’re going to come across as too anxious or overeager to get the job.
Likewise, keep in mind that there is a line between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Assertiveness is a polite phone call a week after the interview to follow up. Aggressiveness is daily phone calls and emails inquiring when the interviewer will contact references and when a hiring decision will be made.
About Pacific Staffing
We’ve been helping people achieve professional success for more than 25 years. As experts in the field of executive recruiting in Northern California, we can help you uncover opportunities no one else knows about and guide you toward achieving your career goals.