5 Interview Myths – Are they Holding Your Back?

5 Interview Myths – are they holding you back?

Can they make or break the application process?

It’s no secret that most people have a hard time preparing for and participating in an interview.  There is so much on the line, and so many things to think about, how can you ensure that you do everything that you can to be ready.

Let’s look at five common interview myths that may hold you back from your dream job:

1.  I don’t need help preparing for my interview

You may feel that you have been to enough interviews that you know what to do, but that doesn’t mean that you couldn’t use extra help to ensure that you are prepared for this particular interview.

• Do you know what kind of interview it will be?
• Do you understand the types of questions that will be asked?
• How do you know your answers are good enough to make the cut?

2.  I can’t be nervous during the interview!

It’s a given that you will be nervous during the interview.

Quite frankly, if you aren’t nervous, you might be sending the wrong message.

The interviewer might see the lack of nerves as a sign that you don’t care enough about getting the job to be nervous.  You don’t want them to think that.

Nerves are fine.  You just have to know how to manage them so they don’t take over the interview.

• What strategies do you have to deal with nerves?
• How will you ensure that you don’t let your nerves get the best of you?
• Should you acknowledge to the interview board that you are nervous?

3.  Being over prepared can make you seem like a robot

There’s no such thing as being over prepared.  Just because you really know how you are going to answer questions doesn’t mean they have to be delivered like a robot.

• Should you be a little relaxed and let them see your personality?
• Does being prepared  mean your answers will come out concise and organized instead of confused and jumbled, or does it mean you will sound rehearsed and insincere?

4.  I didn’t get the job so I must have blown the interview

Just because you weren’t the successful candidate, does not mean you didn’t interview well.

In fact, you might have had a great interview.  But at the end of the day, someone else might have done better, or had more experience or skills, than you did.

You can’t control that.  Just accept it and move on, taking the interview experience with you for the next one.

• Did you learn something from the interview?
• What can you take with you to the next interview to ensure that you continue to do well?
• What feedback did you get from the interviewer to help you next time?

5.  I should turn the “what is your biggest weakness” question into a strength

Don’t be fooled by this one.

Lots of people think they can give a weakness as something like “I work too hard”.  But today’s interviewer sees right through that.

A weakness is a weakness, pure and simple.  Tell it like it is and let them know how you deal with it.

• Do you know what your true weakness is?
• What do you do to rectify or mitigate that weakness?
• Have you implemented strategies to ensure that the weakness doesn’t interfere with your ability to do a good job?

Let’s look at how this whole process makes you feel …

…as your interview gets closer.

• Are you getting more and more nervous?
• Feeling anxious?
• Are you afraid of what the interviewers will think of your answers?

…while you are at the interview.

• Are your hands shaking?  Mouth dry?
• Are you stumbling through your answers?
• Do you think they hate you?

…if you don’t get the job.

• Are you humiliated?
• Do you feel like a failure?
• Are you doubting your self-worth?
• Are you frustrated?
• Does this put extra financial stress on your and your family?

You are not alone.

Everyone goes through these feelings before, during and after the interview.

That is why you need to take steps to mitigate all of these feelings.  Get help to make sure you are ready.

Don’t be afraid to say “I can’t do this on my own.  I need help.”  It’s ok.  This could be your dream job, so you don’t want to let anything stand in your way.  Take control, and take whatever steps you need to ensure you do the best interview you can do.