Are you having trouble interviewing? If so, join these folks who have emailed examples of their situations and frustrations:
“I’ve gotten feedback that when I interview I come across as remote, even arrogant. I don’t think of myself that way, although I must admit I am smarter than most people I know and I don’t have a real desire to make friends with everyone I meet. That being said, I’ve snagged my share of interviews but have received no offers, so I must be missing out on something important. What can I say or do that will cause me to appear more engaging?”
Focus on connecting instead of impressing. Make conversation, not combat. Ask questions to learn, not challenge. Understand context before responding. Lean forward, just a little, and speak personally rather than abstractly. Listen as the interviewer describes the company, the opportunity, and the challenge. Smile, relax, and let the interviewer get to know you.
“I have trouble keeping my mouth shut. I’ve been told that I can talk myself in and out of jobs in the same sitting. I don’t know when to quit! I guess I get too excited or nervous, particularly if the interviewer doesn’t say much and is hard to read. What advice do you have for a well meaning (and sometimes loud) blabbermouth?”
It sounds like you are overwhelming interviewers who 1) desire a reasonable and balanced exchange of information; 2) have an inkling you over-talk and under-think and want to test their theory; 3) see you as unaware of your surroundings and 4) perceive you as insensitive or disrespectful. If any or all of the above ring true, you should 1) ask open ended questions and allow interviewers adequate time to answer them; 2) be sure you understand the “why” of the interviewer’s questions before answering the “what”; 3) adjust the volume of your voice to the space in which you’re sitting and 4) be mindful and respectful of the interviewer’s schedule. When time is currency, use it wisely.
“How do you know when the interview’s over? Is dead silence a dead give-away? I’ve been in interviews when the employer seems bored or stops talking after just fifteen or twenty minutes. Should I take that as a sign that I should leave?”
You should take it as a sign that you’re not contributing as much to the discussion as the interviewer expects. Interviewers want applicants to be fully involved; to listen, act interested, project their personalities, and ask good questions. Interviewers expect applicants to demonstrate how they can benefit the company by utilizing their established strengths and proven track records. If your interviews sputter and grind to a halt, it’s up to you to revitalize them.
“I’m not very good at small talk. Don’t like to waste time. I want to get into an interview, make my pitch, hear theirs, and get out. What’s your opinion?”
Take your lead from the interviewer. If he introduces herself in an informal way and asks some “how’s the weather” questions that have little to do with the purpose of the meeting, just relax and respond. He wants you to settle down, lighten up, and establish common ground. You’re on his clock, not yours, so take a deep breath and enjoy the challenge as well as the experience.
“I had a great interview. The employer said I’d hear back from them in a week. Ten days have passed and I haven’t heard a thing. I’ve called once and still no response. What should I do now?”
Write and walk: Write a brief note expressing your appreciation for the interview, your continued interest in the position, and three ways you can add value to their organization. Then keep looking.
