Everyone is familiar with the blank stare that says, “Clueless!” An employer intuitively sees your lack of experience. The nonverbal cues of uncertainty speak louder than a whole conversation. An employer doubts quell an affirmative decision, leaving you befuddled and unemployed.
There are times to think deeply about your answers as you should want to be as precise and confident as possible. It is the way that you communicate dullness overall that is a dead give away that you are in over your head. The body language, the eyes, the tone of voice, and the depletion of certainty in what you say serves you as the dead duck in the pond. The employer sees right through it.
Taking Too Long to Think
A thoughtful answer is an acceptable answer, but a slow answer that inspires the wolves to howl to speak volumes. The unpreparedness is your fault, and you should rehearse interviewing with a coach. Get help anticipating questions that will help you to sharpen answers.
Unanswered Questions
If you don’t want to answer a question, be honest why. Other than not answering inappropriate questions, you answers should lead back to how your skills should fit the job. When it’s your turn to ask questions in formal and informal interviews, be sure that you address the inadequate answers to questions you felt were. Leave no stone unturned when it comes to giving complete answers.
Insufficient Proof
When all of your banter and hype about the terrific job you’ve done lacks merit such as documentation, facts, or at least quantified cost/time results. Can you demonstrate the impact your performance has? This could be embarrassing when you answer “I don’t know.” It is unlikely you will get NOT get a second chance.
Ummm…Uhhh
Lots of these fillers diffuse any confidence that you want to demonstrate. It is time to hit up your local chapter of Toastmasters. Sure you qualify, but couple Um’s and Uh’s with pauses, usually will undermine an impressive candidate.
False or Exaggerated Claims
I agree that employers will not be able to check the facts of your presentation, but if your answers and explanations lack plausibility, this can be a problem. Even worse, if there is a hunch that there is an exaggeration, you won’t get a call back.
Preparation should not be taken for granted in the job search process. You can use lingo, sound expertly, and explain how it’s done, but who are you fooling. Coaching is a viable option for anyone that needs to brush up on interviewing or networking. An professional impression in all phases of networking and hiring is essential to success.
About Mark Anthony Dyson
My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.