Hiring Myths, Truths, and What it Means to YOU

There are many facts and tips regarding interviewing for a
job that are solid and true. However, there are a great
many facts and tips that are myths that you have picked up
somewhere along the way that may be getting in the way of
your getting those offers that you are seeking.  A quick
look at what is myth and what is true may help you sort out
fact from myth in the interviewing process.

MYTH #1

You should try not to be nervous in the interview.

TRUTH

EVERYBODY gets nervous. It’s OK to be nervous.
Not only is it OK to be nervous, it is essential for you to
accept the way you feel. It is very unrealistic to tell
yourself you should be different from the way you really
are. It just makes you feel worse about yourself.

What’s the worst thing that can happen? For many people the
worst thing that can happen is “rejection” – not getting an
offer. Did you ever think that maybe the job wasn’t right
for you? Try to look at the process from another
perspective – as a learning experience.

TIP

Give yourself credit for getting an interview ”only a
small percentage of people get this far in the process.
Give yourself credit for going out there and putting
yourself on the line, even though it is painful for you.
Give yourself permission to not get job offers. Believe
that an offer will come through when it is the right offer
the right fit for the company and for you.

MYTH #2

The interviewer is out to get you.

TRUTH

The interviewer is hoping that you are the person that he
is looking for.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU.

It may make you less nervous if you realize that your
interviewer could be just as nervous as you. He is not
necessarily enjoying the experience because it is not his
area of expertise, unless it is part of his job. Usually
hiring managers are good at what they do best - and that is
not necessarily interviewing.

TIP

There is no fool proof method for success in dealing with
an interviewer’s lack of skills. Try not to let this affect
your performance or attitude during the interview. Be aware
that some interviewers have problems with interviewing, and
be prepared to deal with the situation ahead of time so you
won’t be caught off guard and blame yourself.

MYTH #3

The first impression is the MOST  important part of the
interview.

TRUTH

While the first impression is important - it is only a part
of the decision making process if your interviewer is doing
a good job of interviewing.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU.

Sometimes you can get off on the wrong foot - for whatever
reason. Don’t lose your cool. All is not lost. Just think
positive thoughts and take a deep breath. Try to retain
control and give it your best shot.

TIP

Demeanor and appearance head the list of things that people
judge you on, especially in the interview. Grooming is the
first essential to making a good impression. If you know
you look good, you will feel good, and your confidence will
be boosted.

MYTH #4

Your job in an interview is to sell yourself.

TRUTH

While you are giving your interviewer information on you to
convince him that you are the best person for the job that
is only half of the interview process. You should be
checking “them” out as well. Would you want to spend 8-10
hours every work day with these people? In this position?

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

One of the worst ways to interview for a job is with the
“Please, please hire me attitude.” You are actually
interviewing them as they are interviewing you and should
be listening to see if you hear any “red flags.” This is a
two-way process where you are looking for the best fit for
you as they are looking to see if you are a good fit.

TIP

Turn up your intuitive and read between the lines. This
means listening and asking questions. When it is your turn
to ask questions make sure you don’t miss the opportunity
to find out about the things that are important to you.

MYTH #5

You should tell the interviewer as much as possible about
you in the interview.

TRUTH

Tell the interviewer what they need to know about you and
your uniqueness to do the job. Try to focus on relevant
information for the job that you are interviewing for.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

One common mistake that candidates make when interviewing
is talking too much - rambling. It is important that you
listen to the question asked and answer that question. It
is very easy to stray off the subject and ramble about
things that are not relevant to the job if your answer is
too long.

TIP

Keep your answers to two to three minutes at the most. When
you limit your time you tend to stay more focused. Watch
the interviewer’s eyes – if they “glaze over” you have lost
them.

MYTH #6

Nobody hires at the end of the year.

TRUTH

Companies hire all year round. Some departments will have
money to spend because of the close of the books at the end
of the year and will want to hire and use that money.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

Don’t let personal distractions like the holidays keep you
from putting in the hours necessary to continue your
search. Regardless of the season, your job right now is to
find a job. Think of this as “going to work.”

TIP

If you find hiring is slow in your industry at this time
put your energy into preparation and research. Do research
on companies, industries, and positions. Knowledge is
power. And, power gives you confidence – something you will
need to succeed in the interview.

MYTH #7

The best candidate ALWAYS gets the job.

TRUTH

He who sells himself BEST gets the job.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

This means that in order to get your point across ”sell
yourself” in an interview, you must be prepared. It is a
big mistake to try and WING the interview. Do some
preparation by looking carefully at what the company’s
needs are and then putting together your ideas and thoughts
about how you can bring something to the job and fill their
needs.

TIP

Look at the job postings and ads to see what experiences,
skills and traits are in demand for the type of position
you are seeking. In fact, look at several job postings that
would be of interest to you. Look for words and key factors
that employers are seeking in your type of work. Do your
preparation around these key words.

Sometimes using common sense will work to help you through
the interview but it is important that you be aware of some
of the pitfalls of interviewing. Preparation and making a
good impression will be a good first step. Preparing and
knowing what the employer is looking for will take you to
the next level of preparation. And lastly, feeling
confident that you can do the job and bring something to
the company will be the most important piece of all.

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Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Coach, is a
celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you
interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her
FREE 9-part “Interview Success Tips” report by visiting
Carole on the web at The Interview Coach
http://www.interviewcoach.com