1. A Weak Opening Statement
Frequently, at the start of the interview, the interviewer may ask you to “take a couple of minutes to introduce yourself and indicate why you are interested in the position.” Your opening statement is a great opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the interview. Don’t just recite your resume experience; the interviewers have already reviewed that. You can provide a brief overall summary, but the real question (not usually explicitly asked) is “Why are you here talking with us today?”
They are not looking for someone who is simply interested in applying for a job. They are looking for someone who really knows the organization and is enthusiastic about its mission. Take the opportunity to demonstrate how your experience can help the organization achieve its goals and objectives. Also, notice the time frame specified. The interviewer said “a couple of minutes,” so don’t carry on longer than that. Be succinct and to the point.
Before your interview, consider:
- What makes you stand out among candidates?
- Have you done your homework? Interviewers want to see that you have, and with so much information readily available online, there is no excuse not to be well informed about the organization.
- How can your experience help solve the challenges of the job?
- Can you relate your experience to the requirements of the position description?
2. Not Answering the Question Asked
I hear this all the time from clients: “They didn’t answer my questions!” If they ask about your management style, don’t carry on for five minutes about strategic partnerships before finally mentioning something about management. Stay focused and listen carefully to the question asked.
Think of your initial response as a “headline” or sound bite — crisp and to the point — then be prepared to back it up with more detail and specific examples.
You might say, “The short answer to your question is, my management style is flexible according to the situation and is also very participative … and I’d like to expand on that briefly with an example if that is OK.” You answered their question, then provided additional depth and a specific example as back-up.
3. Not Providing Specific Examples or Anecdotes
A good interviewer will often ask a question and then ask you to provide specific examples of how you have done that in the past. This is known as a “behavioral vs. theoretical” approach. It is easy to say what you would do in the future, but can you provide specific examples of how you have done this before? When interviewees provide specific examples, the interview team often takes note and mentions it in their feedback.
Of course, you cannot anticipate every question, but you can anticipate many of them. Review the position description; what questions might arise from that? What have you accomplished in your career that relates to those areas? Be prepared with examples for interview questions relating to leadership, management style, stakeholder engagement, ability to generate new sources of revenue, and budgeting or financial matters. These areas are typical interview topics.
4. Poor Eye Contact and Body Language
In-person interviews: If you are interviewing with a search committee or interview panel, don’t forget to make eye contact with each panel member during your responses. Look at the questioner (not your notes) when they are asking you a question. During your response, make eye contact with each member of the interview team, not just the person who asked the question. Start your response by looking at the questioner, then, as you continue, look around the table at every person there.
I have seen situations where the candidate makes eye contact with only two members of a three-person panel and never looks at the third interviewer. This is awkward, and that person likely feels that you do not think they are important in the hiring decision. Have an appropriately firm handshake, and of course, wearing clean, pressed, appropriate business attire goes without saying.
Virtual interviews: Many first-round and even final-round interviews now take place over video. The same principles apply, but the logistics differ. Position your camera at eye level and look into the lens (not at the screen) when speaking. Make sure your background is tidy and professional, your lighting is good, and your audio is clear. Test your technology in advance. Mute when you are not speaking, and minimize distractions. A polished virtual presence signals the same respect and preparation as a strong in-person showing.
5. Showing Up Late or Too Early
Showing up late seems like a basic mistake, right? It is amazing how often it happens. Of course there can be challenges with traffic, public transportation, and the like. If you show up late, it will not only be frowned upon by the interview team, but you are likely to be flustered and more nervous at the start of your interview.
On the other hand, don’t arrive too early. Five to ten minutes early is appropriate, but showing up 30 minutes in advance (unless you have been asked to arrive early to fill out paperwork) can come across as overeager.
Arrive at the location early. Find a parking space. Check to see if you have to sign in with security. Then find a nearby spot where you can relax and review your notes before the meeting. Walk into the interview cool, calm, and relaxed.
Bonus Tips
Don’t prepare “overly creative” materials for follow-up interviews. It is not unusual to be asked to prepare a presentation for a follow-up interview. While it is fine to be somewhat creative, don’t go overboard. Doing something outlandish can backfire and cause you to be disqualified. A small dose of creativity or humor goes a long way. Just be certain to answer the questions they have asked you to address.
Have a thoughtful question ready. You may have a list of questions when you start the interview, many of which get answered during the conversation. Don’t finish empty-handed. Try to have one or two original, relevant, thought-provoking questions in your back pocket. That way you won’t find yourself saying “All of my questions have been answered” at the end of the interview — that can fall a little flat.