If you are landing interviews, but not receiving offers, it the truth is, you probably need to work on the way you present yourself in interviews. Here some of the most common reasons you’re not getting offers and steps you can take to correct the issues.
“Moving through the interview process successfully requires you to think like a sales person; one that drives a meeting by subtly focusing on rapport, setting an agenda, moving through at least three hot buttons (i.e. the job description and your match), talk through those and address any concerns, agree on follow up and close to see if they are going to recommend you for the next steps!” says Sharon Tsao, CMO, Contemporary Staffing Solutions.
You’re Not Enthusiastic
Employers want to hire people who are genuinely enthusiastic. If you are not projecting enthusiasm for the company, the job or the field you’re in, you’re not making a great impression. Employers know they can train people for skills, but they can’t make people enthusiastic. Work on projecting enthusiasm in every interview.
You Aren’t Projecting Confidence
On the job, it will be important for you to make decisions on your own, without hand-holding from your boss. If you don’t project confidence, the hiring manager won’t have confidence in you to do what needs to be done on the job. Make sure you answer questions directly, that you aren’t stammering and that you make strong eye contact throughout the conversation.
You’re Projecting Arrogance
Remember, however, that you can come across as overly-confident, which tends to look like arrogance. You want to project the idea that you are a capable candidate who can handle the job, but you don’t want to come off like you know everything – especially as a recent graduate. The fact is, you have a lot to learn, and it’s important to know that you don’t know it all. Be poised, but don’t be a know-it-all.
You Aren’t Prepared
Hiring managers can tell very quickly if you have taken the time to research their organization and prepare for the interview. Stumbling over answers, using “uh” or “um” a lot and not knowing basic things about the company’s products and services are a sure path to rejection. Always research the company thoroughly and practice your interviewing skills and techniques with a friend or recruiter so you project confident, well-crafted answers.
You’re Breaking Interview 101 Rules
There are some cardinal rules that should never be broken in an interview and if you ignore them, you simply won’t make the right impression. First and foremost, never be late. Even if you legitimately hit traffic, it’s no excuse. Leave much earlier than you think you need to.
Next, dress professionally, in muted colors. Limit your jewelry and avoid perfume. Interviews are not a time for personal expression through your appearance. Speak professionally, stay away from off-color jokes, and answer questions directly. Finally, always close the interview by about next steps. Failing to do this gives the impression that you aren’t interested in the job.
“Being rejected from a job means your closer to getting an offer. Changing jobs or careers is a full time job and it is a numbers game – the more opportunities you create for yourself the closer you will be to a few solid offers that you can choose from. Build relations with your network and with many recruiters that are niched in your field!” says Jessica Barbosa, Branch Manager Philadelphia, Contemporary Staffing Solutions.
Are You A Recent Grad Looking For A Job?
Interviewing well is a skill, but with practice, you can create the right impression. If you are a recent grad looking for a job, contact the recruiting team at Contemporary Staffing Solutions today. We can connect you with a position that will help you get started on the path to success.
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Contemporary Staffing connects job seekers to hiring managers nationally in the following professions: Accounting & Finance, Call Center & Office, Human Resources, IT, Salesforce, and Sales & Marketing.