In a perfect world, all employers would be well prepared, asking insightful questions during an interview, and hire only the most qualified candidates as a result.
In the real world, though, this is often not the case.
Unfortunately, employers are so often pressed for time that they haven’t prepared much – if at all – for job interviews. This is pretty evident when you walk into the room and the employer calls you by the wrong name or has to take a few minutes to review your resume.
In addition to the interviewer being ill prepared, here’s a look at the 4 other job interview myths and how to deal with each one:
Myth #1: Interviewers are well trained to conduct interviews.
This will likely be true if you’re interviewing with an HR professional. But the average manager or company owner is probably winging it. So if you’re feeling like the interviewer isn’t asking you specific enough questions about what you bring to the table, then offer those details anyway. Be prepared to provide a couple of specific examples of skills or accomplishments that showcase why you should be hired.
Myth #2: There’s a correct answer to each interview question.
When interviewers ask a question, sometimes they are more interested in how you approach the answer and how quickly you can think on your feet. This is apparent when an interviewer asks you an off-the-wall question, like “if you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?” It’s also apparent when they ask you to solve a hypothetical problem. In that case, think about a similar situation you’ve been in and explain how you came up with a solution.
Myth #3: The company scheduled an interview with you, so the job must be still open.
Sometimes an employer may have an internal employee in mind for a position, but just wants to see what else is out there in terms of candidates. In addition, if you connected with the employer via a referral, then that employer may just be interviewing you as a courtesy to the person who referred you. Or, the position could have already been filled, but the employer saw something on your resume that made them think you’d be a good fit for the company in the future.
Whatever the case may be, it’s still worth going to the interview because you could make a connection that leads to a job opportunity down the line.
Myth #4: The most qualified person will get the job.
A hiring manager may be swayed by a more charismatic, but less skilled individual, and hire that person as a result. So if you feel like you’re lacking in the charisma department, then conduct several practice interviews with your spouse or a friend beforehand. The more comfortable and prepared you are, the better you will come off during the interview. Also, don’t forget to dress for success, smile, and make plenty of eye contact.
If you have any additional questions about job interview myths, or would like some help finding potential jobs in Miami, please contact Future Force Personnel. Whether you’re looking for temp jobs, or a full-time position, we can give you access to Miami’s top employers.