Landing a job interview is actually quite formulaic. As long as you put in your due diligence and have all your ducks lined up in a row, you’re almost certain to get the attention of recruiters.
To get a job interview, you must:
- Have a well-written CV that’s targeted to the specific job posting
- Optimise your CV with keywords that get noticed by the Applicant Tracking System
- Demonstrate the value you will bring to the role with quantifiable examples
- Have a strong LinkedIn profile that reflects your personal brand and skills
- Be an excellent networker who doesn’t shy from new connections or opportunities
But what do you do if the interview is as far as you ever get? Getting a job offer isn’t as formulaic as getting an interview. Luckily, we have some tips for you.
5 reasons you’re not getting job offers
1. You don’t practise interviewing
Practising your interviewing is crucial. Interview coaching sessions boost your confidence, refine your interview skills and prepare you for tough questions.
Interviewers can sense a lack of confidence from a mile off. If you’re nervous or uncertain, it will manifest in your tone and body language. This tells interviewers that you might not have what it takes to thrive under pressure or take charge.
By allowing yourself to practise an interview in a low stress environment, you’ll take less nerves and more self assuredness with you to the real interview.
Here are a few things to consider when preparing for an interview:
- Prepare at least three quantifiable skills and achievements to talk about
- Write down all the possible questions you could be asked – and answer them
- Record yourself to see how your tone and body language is coming across
- Thoroughly research the company so that you can discuss the role with conviction
- Undertake interview coaching sessions for professional advice on how to improve
2. You don’t demonstrate a growth mindset
Asking about your weaknesses is a common interviewer move. It’s a big red flag if a candidate can’t respond to this question, or if they respond with something generic, like “I’m just too much of a perfectionist”. This is because interviewers want someone who can grow.
It’s not a weakness to talk about your weaknesses. If you’re able to identify things you’ve struggled with in the past, and the steps you’ve taken to improve, you will be showing that you have a growth mindset and are capable of thinking critically about your performance.
At the same time, you don’t want to present yourself as lacking competency for the role, so there is a fine line to tread. Here are some tips to think about:
- Think of a weakness that doesn’t directly affect your ability to succeed in the role
- Give an example of how you’ve improved in this area – list the skills you’ve developed, courses you’ve taken, and talk about the outcome
- Show self awareness and a willingness to seek out resources or guidance
3. You don’t ask any questions
Don’t underestimate the impact of asking meaningful questions during an interview. It’s your opportunity to sell yourself and leave a lasting impression.
The biggest mistake you can make when asking questions is being too general. Prior to your interview, you should do deep-dive research into the company and prepare thoughtful questions that reference company reports or latest updates. This will:
- Present you as a diligent worker
- Demonstrate your strategic thinking
- Show that you’re already picturing yourself in the role
Not asking questions could tell the interviewer that you’re not fully invested in the role. Asking bad questions can be just as harmful as asking no questions, so steer clear of asking anything too obvious or surface-level, such as:
- What holidays you get
- What your responsibilities will be
- What hours you’re expected to work
4. You don’t quantify your answers
If you’re invited for an interview, it means the employer likes you and wants to know more about what you can offer – so don’t answer their questions by reciting what they’ve already read on your CV.
The interview is your chance to demonstrate the value you will bring to the company. Quantify your answers with real-life examples of when you achieved something or brought value to a position. Paint the interviewers a vivid picture so that they can see you in the role.
5. You don’t have the right attitude
Interviewers aren’t just concerned if you’re qualified for the role. They also want to ensure you will fit the company culture and be pleasant to work with. It may sound harsh, but sometimes, you may not get a job offer because you simply had the wrong attitude.
- Don’t be desperate. Instead of gushing about how you much you want or need the job, channel that energy into explaining the value you will bring to the role.
- Don’t be boring. Interviews can be intense, but try not to let the pressure zap your personality away. Be the candidate the interviewers remember at the end of the day.
- Don’t be self-deprecating – or arrogant. You need to demonstrate healthy self awareness and belief in your abilities without swinging too strongly in either direction.
Practise speaking with confidence and letting your personality shine so you can leave a lasting impression after every interview.
In summary…
Practising interviewing, preparing some well-crafted questions and answers, and researching the company diligently are all crucial to impressing your interviewers and getting that job offer.
The right preparation will allow you to:
- Speak with confidence
- Show self awareness
- Ask meaningful questions
- Demonstrate your value
- Bring the right attitude
If you need extra support in writing that perfect CV or learning how to interview like a pro, contact our friendly team today and we’ll transform your career.