Ponder This: The Power of Words Imagine this: John, a highly qualified candidate, walked into an interview for what looked like the perfect job, feeling confident and prepared. He felt like he was a perfect candidate and had a strong chance of securing the position. Then, the pivotal moment arrived. The interviewer asked John about his last job. Eager to impress, John candidly spoke about the shortcomings of his previous employer. He detailed the lack of organization, the poor management decisions, and how he often felt undervalued. The atmosphere in the room shifted. The interviewer's smile faded, and the rest of the conversation felt stilted. John left the interview feeling uneasy, sensing that something had gone wrong. A week later, John received the dreaded rejection email. Confused, he reached out for feedback. The hiring manager explained that while his qualifications were outstanding, his negative comments about his previous employer raised concerns about what he did and the lack of action on his part to resolve those issues. Speaking poorly about a past employer is never proper etiquette, however in this case it was the fact he didn't do anything to solve the issues he was facing head on. They want problem solvers, people who are resourceful and rather than only finding fault but backing that up with finding a way to resolve those issues was the missing link. John's story is a powerful reminder of the impact words can have, especially in a job interview. While honesty is important, discretion is crucial. In interviews, sometimes less is more. Focus on the positive aspects of your experience and your strengths. Highlight your skills and achievements without disparaging others and end with how you solved a problem and attacked an issue for the betterment of the team, client or organization. Remember, what you say has power, and silence, when used wisely, can be a strategic advantage. Ponder this: In your next interview, choose your words carefully. What you leave unsaid can be just as important as what you say. #interviewtips
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What not to do in a #jobinterview 6. Fidget Avoid fiddling with items on the desk or with your hands and feet. The interviewer could misinterpret fidgeting as a sign of boredom, and they might think you’re not interested in the conversation. Instead, keep your hands and legs still and avoid unnecessarily touching things on the desk or table. 7. Show a lack of accountability Avoid blaming others for your mistakes. The interviewer may ask you to discuss a time you made a mistake at work. Don't say that you have never made a mistake or that your coworkers were the only ones at fault. Instead, take accountability for your actions. Explain what you learned from the mistake and how you would approach the situation now if you were faced with it again. 8. Check the time Avoid looking at your watch or the clock during your interview. The interviewer could misconstrue this action as a sign that you have somewhere more important to be. Instead, focus on the interview. Make sure your schedule is clear for at least an hour after the start of the interview so you won't be late for any other commitments. 9. Answer the phone Avoid checking or answering your phone during the interview. Dividing your attention between the interview and your phone shows a lack of self-control. Instead, turn your phone off and put it away for the duration of the interview so it does not tempt you. 10. Act desperate Avoid saying or showing that you are desperate for the job. Extreme emotion can eliminate you as a candidate completely. Instead, keep your emotions in check and express your interest in the position appropriately. To be continued.. jobinterviewtips #jobinterviewprep #interviewpreparation #interviewskills #interviewprep #interviewquestions #interviewsuccess #interviewtraining #job #jobs #adviceoftheday
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Sr. Technical Recruiter | Recruit security-cleared engineers & scientists | Enthusiastic people-person with a mutant curiosity gene
When you're asked during an interview about your current company, boss, or coworkers, tread lightly, regardless of your feelings. I've found that most of us can go on and on and on when something (or someone) has upset us. Practice your answer BEFORE your interview about: 💡What type of management style you appreciate in a boss? 💡What do you appreciate most about your current manager? What do you appreciate least? 💡How would you describe your manager? Current company culture? 💡How would your coworkers describe you? Your supervisor? 💡Why are you considering leaving your company (or why you did leave)? There are DANGER signs all around these types of questions. Not that you can't answer them, of course you can answer them. My point is to practice your answers so you can speak articulately, clearly, and concisely. Yep, concisely. Otherwise, you can fall down that slippery slope of negativity and spend 10 minutes or more talking about your boss, your coworkers, or your company. That information may absolutely be true BUT it shouldn't be the focus of your interview for another job. (When you're dealing with trauma from work, seek help from family, friends, and a therapist. It's so important to be honest and deal with those emotions and experiences.) Practice your answers and speak concisely. I suggest practicing a 2 - 3 sentence answer then stop talking. Yes, give your answer and remain silent, which sounds MUCH easier than it actually may be when you have angry, hurt, or sad feelings about your boss, coworkers, and/or company. Practice being comfortable giving an interview answer then remaining quiet. It's a practiced skill for many of us. #interviewtips #interview #interviewing #conciseanswers
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Principal Resume Writer at Franklin Paterson Company Inc. | Resume Writing | Interview Preparation | Job Search and Career Strategy Coaching.
Asking process-oriented questions at the interview can make you appear more thoughtful and interested in succeeding in the role, not simply getting hired for the job. Plus, the manager's interest in engaging with you, proactively listening, and asking follow-up questions can strongly indicate their interest in your candidacy for the role and the support they will provide at the decision-making phase. Asking questions at the end of an interview is crucial, but what if you have already exhausted your prepared questions? Don't panic! For example, you could ask the manager about the challenges someone in the role can expect to face. The response can reveal the manager's awareness of the role's demands, interest in guaranteeing your success, and management approach. Pay attention to the manager's interview style, too. Are they engaged and interactive, or disinterested and unprepared? Asking process-oriented questions shows you are thinking careerwise and interested in succeeding in the role, not just getting a job. It can also set you apart from other candidates and reveal whether the manager can help you achieve your career goals. So, please be sure to be prepared with your end-of-interview questions to end the interview successfully. I suggest three end-of-interview questions, plus two other "just in case" questions since you may need options. It could make all the difference! Rahila Chaudhry Nicole Paterson, MPA Janae Dixon Marlōn Hall, Leslie Moser Kissner Keith Atkins, SHRM-SCP, PHR Connie Wilson Tiffany Wey, MBA Ronald Williams, ChFC® Lloyd Howard III Alan Elmont Jhae Thompson Spencer Goodridge Dr. Monica D. Thompson Dia’Vante Brown CLTC Shelia Perkins Ashton Barber Jhae Thompson #smallbusiness #leadership #resumewriting #management #jobsearching #interviewing #dwen #franklinpatersoncompany #Lakefrontatkeystone
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LinkedIn Top HR Voice | HR Professional | Recruitment & DEI Coach | Change Management | Organizational Development & Wellness | DM to talk.
Congrats!! You got an opportunity to give an Interview to your Dream Job. You want this job SO bad. But what if you accidentally: - Freeze up over a tough question? - Say something that makes you look bad? A few silly slip-ups might be all it takes to cost you your dream role. 😰 Here are 5 of the most common interview mistakes I've seen brilliant candidates make - and how to dodge them: 1) Dressing Inappropriately First impressions matter! Clothes too casual or revealing can make you seem unprofessional. Do your research on the company culture and opt for polished, conservative attire. 2) Rehearsed, Robotic Answers You want to prepare, but not sound like you're reciting a script! Memorize key accomplishments, then practice delivering them conversationally. 3) Not Researching Enough Going in blind shows a lack of interest. Study the role, company mission, revenue drivers, competitors, and leadership team. This'll help you ask insightful questions too. 4) Being Unprepared for Tough Questions "What's your biggest weakness?" Prepare thoughtful responses to tricky prompts like this one. Don't get flustered! 5) Lack of Follow Up An interview isn't over when you leave! Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email reinforcing your interest and fit for the role. The good news? All these little mistakes are easily preventable with the right preparation and mindset. You've got this! Just go in confident, researched, and authentic. After all, your dream job should be a great fit for the real you. P.S. If you still struggle to get fully prepared and want some good Personalized tips and tricks to crack your interview , DM me "Interview" I will share you the 1:1 call link. P.P.S. Wishing you all the success and luck as you chase those dream roles! You've got this. Copy #Interview #Hiring #Employee
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Ever walked out of an interview feeling like you stumbled through it? 🙈 We've all been there! The truth is, we tend to be our own harshest critics. In the words of Kerry Hanon, author of Love Your Job: The New Rules for Career Happiness, “we are all our own worst critics. Chances are the little voice in your head is a lot more critical than what the person observed on the other side of the table.” So, let's break down some cringe-worthy scenarios and how to gracefully navigate them: Mid-answer, your mind decides to take a break 👉 It happens to the best of us! Apologise, explain and ask the recruiter to repeat the question. They understand the stress of interviews and may even provide more context. Resist the urge to vent about your past job 👀 👉If it slips out, acknowledge it immediately and put a positive spin on it. Show that you've learned and can handle challenges with grace. Preparation is key, but curveball questions happen 👉 Stay calm, resist bluffing, and consider asking the interviewer to rephrase the question. Use tactics like reframing or thinking out loud to showcase problem-solving skills. 💡Remember, interviewers are human too. They've likely faced their fair share of awkward moments. They're more likely to show empathy than slam the door. What's the most awkward moment you have ever had during an interview? We would love to know! 😅 #interviews #interviewfails #jobinterview
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Have you ever found yourself compromising your values to achieve a goal? Have you experienced consequences after doing the right thing? How did you deal with a situation that made you uncomfortable? If you've been in a job interview, I'm sure you've heard questions like these. Recruiters and Managers often ask questions related to integrity, but what exactly is integrity, why is it important, and most importantly, how can we answer these questions correctly? Let's break it down 😊 According to the Oxford dictionary, integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. In practical terms, integrity is doing what is right even when no one is watching and even when you know you're not going to receive anything in return. Integrity is not just a value, but a behavior that provides you with an unwavering feeling that you are doing what is right according to your moral compass. Why is it important to maintain integrity? The answer is simple. Whether it's for individuals or companies, it's crucial to gain people's trust. You build trust with every action you take. For companies, integrity can be the difference between winning or losing a client forever, having a good or bad reputation, and that's why it's essential to assess behaviors related to integrity in future collaborators. So, how can we answer integrity-related questions correctly? After everything that has been shared here, the answer might be obvious, but if not, here's a clue 😉 JUST SAY THE TRUTH!! Share how you felt in the situations described, what you did, even if you think you could have acted differently. It will show that you have learned and grown. Of course, you could lie, but if you're considering that as an option, could you please go back to the definition of integrity again? After all, the goal is not just to get a job, but to leave this place better than we found it, don't you think? #Interviews #Interviewquestions #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #Integrityisabehaviour
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My colleague and I were chatting about the interview process today, and it got us thinking – you're not just applying for a job, you're also getting a feel for the company! So, how do you make a great impression beyond your CV? The answer? Your behavior throughout the entire hiring process. We're talking everything from that first email to following up after an assessment. Every interaction is a chance to show off your personality, how you work, and if you'd be a good fit with the team. Why do hiring managers care so much? Promptness: Responding quickly to emails and calls (or letting them know if there's a delay) shows you're reliable and can manage your time. Following Instructions: Can you follow directions clearly, on applications or even during assessments? This shows you can take direction and adapt to new things. Communication Skills: How you write and speak in emails and calls reflects how professional you are and how well you communicate. But the hiring process can showcase you even more! Problem-solving: Faced with a challenge in an assessment? Can you think on your feet and find solutions? Enthusiasm: Does your communication show genuine interest in the role and the company? So, how do you give an exceptional first impression? Be Responsive: Answer emails and calls ASAP. If there's a delay, send a quick message explaining. Proofread Everything: Typos happen, but they can make you look sloppy. Double-check everything you send! Phone Pro: Speak clearly and confidently. Can't answer a question? Offer to find out and get back to them. Follow Up After Assessments: Send a thank-you email to reiterate your interest in the position. By presenting yourself professionally throughout the whole process, you're giving the company a glimpse into who you are and how you could be a great addition to their team. Remember, it's a two-way street! #impression #behaviour #interview #interviewing #feedback #personality #fit #culture
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😂 Interview No-No’s: What NOT to Do When Meeting Your Future Boss 🚫 Ever wondered what might be going through a recruiter’s mind during an interview? Here’s a light-hearted look at some classic interview blunders that we’ve all seen (and maybe laughed about) behind the scenes: 1. The “Do You Have Any Questions?” Trap: Responding with “Nope, I think you’ve covered everything!” might make you look unprepared. A better approach? Have a few thoughtful questions ready that show your interest and engagement. 📚 2. The “I’m Just Here for the Free Coffee” Syndrome: If you’re only in it for the perks (and not genuinely interested in the role), it’s pretty obvious. Make sure your enthusiasm for the position shines through. ☕️ 3. Over-Sharing Personal Life Details: While it’s great to be personable, talking about your cat’s dietary preferences might not be the best way to impress your future boss. Keep it professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality show! 🐱 4. The “Fashionably Late” Strategy: Arriving late (whether virtual or in-person) without a good reason can leave a bad impression. Plan ahead and aim to be punctual—it shows respect and professionalism. ⏰ 5. The “Not-So-Secret” Secret Handshake: A firm handshake is great, but if you try to invent a new handshake or go for the “I’m not touching your hand” approach, it might raise eyebrows. Stick with the classics! 🤝 Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but a little preparation and awareness of these common pitfalls can go a long way. Remember, recruiters are rooting for you to succeed, so bring your best self and a touch of charm! What’s the funniest interview mistake you’ve ever seen? Share in the comments! #InterviewTips #JobSearch #Recruitment #Professionalism #CareerAdvice #HumorInHiring #RecruitmentTip #ProfessionlDevelopment #CareerCoach
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Senior Consultant | Specialised Recruitment | Driving Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding | Creating impact with single step at-a-time!
A lot of my candidates have come back stating the interview went really well, was 40 mins or an hour long. But eventually not all of them make through. Let's understand what might have gone wrong, even though the interaction was quite elaborative and specific to details from your end. When navigating an interview, the goal is to showcase your skills and qualifications without overwhelming the interviewer with excessive preaching. Here are some key do's and don'ts to keep in mind: Do's: ✅ 1. Listen actively: Pay close attention to the questions asked and respond thoughtfully. Show that you understand the company's needs and how you can fulfill them. 2. Provide examples: Instead of making broad statements about your skills, offer specific examples of how you've applied them in previous roles. 3. Highlight achievements: Discuss your accomplishments and the positive impact you've had in previous positions. 4. Be humble: While it's important to showcase your strengths, avoid coming across as arrogant or overly confident. Acknowledge areas where you have room for growth and improvement. 5. Ask questions: Demonstrate your interest in the company and the role by asking thoughtful questions. Don'ts: ❌ 1. Avoid monologues: Keep your responses concise and to the point. 2. Don't lecture: Avoid talking down to the interviewer or assuming that you know more than they do. 3. Don't oversell yourself: While it's important to highlight your strengths, avoid exaggerating or making unrealistic claims about your abilities. 4. Steer clear of negativity: Avoid speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your previous experiences. 5. Respect boundaries: Be mindful of the interviewer's time and avoid monopolizing the conversation. Allow for pauses and opportunities for the interviewer to ask follow-up questions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively showcase your skills and qualifications in a way that resonates with the interviewer and positions you as a highly skilled and valuable resource to the organization. #recruitment #interviewprocess #interview #legalhiring #skills #hrinterviewskills #interviewskills #conversation #opportunity
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