A few months ago I lost a middle-management job at a company where I worked for 14 years. I
received four promotions during that time, but it had been quite a while since I actually
interviewed for a new job.
I've gone on several interviews in the past few weeks, which I know I was lucky to get, but
they've all been dead-ends. A friend suggests that I hire a coach to help me polish my
interviewing skills and figure out what I'm doing wrong. Your thoughts? -Rusty
Dear Rusty: You aren't necessarily doing anything wrong. With unemployment now at 10.2%
nationally, and much higher in some states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates
that there are 6.3 job hunters for every available job. That's three times the average that
prevails in a healthy economy, the BLS notes, so the numbers may simply be working against
you.
That you've gotten several interviews in the past few weeks is a good sign. And it's
certainly true that a competent coach could help you improve your interviewing technique.
But before you invest in a coach, see if you're making an easily avoidable mistake you could
clear up on your own.
"The competition is tough enough without giving potential employers reasons not to hire
you," says Tim Schoonover, chairman of outplacement and leadership-development firm OI
Partners.
Here are the most common errors career coaches at OI Partners see -- and how to fix them:
10. Over-Explaining Why You Lost Your Last Job
It's okay to mention that your last position was eliminated, but then move on to what you
can do for this employer.
9. Conveying That You're Not Over It
"During interviews, some people are acting wounded, angry or sad," Schoonover says. These
are normal emotions after a layoff but they don't belong in a job interview -- or you may
"seem unstable and communicate that you don't grasp the business reasons for layoffs," he
adds.
8. Lacking Humor, Warmth, or Personality
Many anxious job candidates are "one-dimensional during interviews, and are too focused on
getting their talking points across," notes Schoonover. "Don't forget to show qualities that
can be a real plus in the decision-making process, including humor in good taste, warmth,
and understanding." One thing interviewers want to know, of course, is how pleasant you
would be to have around the place every day.
7. Not Showing Enough Interest or Enthusiasm
After all, "companies are looking for people who are excited about working with them,"
Schoonover says.
6. Inadequate Research About a Potential Employer
It's essential to be up on the latest news, so be sure to Google the company before the
interview. Be prepared with well-informed, thoughtful questions about its products or
services and its future plans. Many applicants aren't bothering, Schoonover says, and it
shows.
5. Concentrating Too Much on What You Want
Focus more on what the interviewer is saying. Listening carefully is crucial in steering the
conversation toward how you would fit in and what you have to offer.
4. Trying to Be All Things to All People
"Devote most of your effort to talking about what you know you do well, and don't try to
stretch your actual qualifications too far," Schoonover advises. A good rule of thumb: Don't
apply for any job unless you have at least 75% of the stated qualifications.
3. "Winging" the Interview
Schoonover hears from many hiring managers that candidates often aren't ready to answer
difficult questions. So rehearse. "Prepare and practice a 90-second verbal resume, and some
answers to possible questions, so that you come across as succinct," he suggests.
2. Failing to Set Yourself Apart From Other Candidates
"You have to make the strongest possible case for why you are the best person for the job,"
Schoonover says. "Specifically address what impact you can have on sales, profits, costs, or
productivity within the next three to six months. Use quantifiable achievements from past
positions to back up your performance promise."
And the No. 1 mistake OI Partners' coaches see job hunters make:
1. Failing to Ask For the Job
"You have a much better chance of getting the job if you ask for it," says Schoonover.
"Close the interview by summing up what you can bring to the job, and ask for the
opportunity to deliver those results."
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