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OP, I agree that it's good that you got honest feedback early on, instead of having to go through life wondering why you can't get hired.
My problem is that people nag at me to smile, but when I do, then I get asked "what the hell are you laughing at?!" And I wasn't even laughing, just a genuine smile. I swear, you just can't win.
I'll try to be glad to meet them, I always thought of them as interrogators who are always out to get me. .
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. Nowadays I usually go into these interviews knowing I won't get a call back
I think this is also a big part of your problem. You have to go in with a positive mental attitude thinking they are lucky to be interviewing you and that you are the best person for the job. Not that they're out to get you and you won't get a call back.
A very good question I ask when they ask me if I have any questions for them is:
Yes, what are the three main competencies you consider crucial for this position and are looking for in a successful candidate?
The question benefits you in the following ways:
1. They always look at me a little startled as they need to THINK about a solid and articulate answer.
2. It allows me to know what it is they want; if I have shown them that; and if I am seriously in the running.
3. If I accept the position, I know exactly how to approach the job when I start because they already told me the three main competencies they want me to focus on.
4. They will remember you because you asked a question that made them think.
3littlebirdies, would you be willing to give any hints on good ways to respond after the interviewer has given you the three competencies?
Boosane, this is a big problem. You have to just smile even if it kills you or you risk coming across as 'off' or too serious or not very personable.
Just walk around with a smile on your face so you get used to it. Look in the mirror throughout the day to make sure it looks genuine.
I'm not trying to scare you, but this could be why you're getting as far as you get without landing a job. Hiring managers mention something like this all the time when they don't hire someone. "She just never smiled." It signals a problem.
It certainly signals a problem with the competence of the interviewer. I guarantee this same interviewer would have, if the op was smiling, would have discarded him/her for not taking things seriously enough.
I just walked out of the interview right now. It was indeed a video conference after all. I was greeted by the person who interviewed me last time and I sat in a conference room and had the interview. The call lasted for about 50 minutes and there were 6 people. The director of marketing, 2 marketing supervisors, and 3 underlings. It was more of a traditional interview and was basically about me reiterating my ability to do the job, how my experience goes hand-in-hand with the position, etc.
Near the end he asked when I'd be able to start, and said he didn't know much about salary, and that there would be a background check, etc.
After answering my questions he said: "We'd like to hire as soon as possible, and we're going to speak with a couple of other people, and make a decision this week. I really enjoyed our interview."
The man came back to escort me out and asked how I did. I said: I think I did okay, they said they were still planning on speaking to a couple of other people. He then replied: "Yeah, we have a few people scheduled this week. Anyhow, I'll get back to you by Friday."
I'm not really sure how I did, but I think I've read somewhere that if you are told they are interviewing other people = a bad sign. In addition, I believe I was the first person to interview because during the conference call, the man who gave me the advice also had to introduce himself to the people on the other end.
Boosane, it sounds like you did well. I'm glad I was able to give you the forewarning that it might be skype or something, so you were prepared.
It's a bad sign when you hear, "We got a ton of resumes and we're going to be seeing several more people so we won't be making a decision this week." I don't think that's what they're saying. It sounds like you're still in the running, so fingers crossed.
A company was holding interviews at my alma mater for a few entry level positions this Monday. I met with him (HR manager) and the hiring manager and had a 30-35 minute interview. I got a call back right now saying that I have moved onto the next stage (in-person at the HQ). However, he gave me some feedback.
He said that I looked really nervous during my interview, and that I needed to smile more. I wasn't as nervous during this interview since the interview was more of a conversation. So I can't even imagine how I looked during some other interviews I've had. I don't have a heart throbbing smile by no means, I hardly ever do smile, you can say that I have a pretty serious face. The interview is next Tuesday and I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on how I can use these next few days to improve on my smiling and not looking as nervous. Nowadays I usually go into these interviews knowing I won't get a call back, but I still tend to get quite nervous and forget to smile.
Thanks for reading and for your time.
I've always heard that the best way to see how you are performing is to video yourself. Maybe you have a friend who will read you questions?
Boosane, it sounds like you did well. I'm glad I was able to give you the forewarning that it might be skype or something, so you were prepared.
It's a bad sign when you hear, "We got a ton of resumes and we're going to be seeing several more people so we won't be making a decision this week." I don't think that's what they're saying. It sounds like you're still in the running, so fingers crossed.
How did you do with smiling?
Thank you! My heart sunk when he said they'd be speaking to a couple of other people, because having browsed through city-data threads, it seems like that phrase is a kiss of death, but I hope it's literal rather than euphemism.
I think the fact that I had to look into the lens of some security camera, it was a bit hard to smile, and especially with 6 folks staring me down. But I definitely tried to look really interested, smiled when answering some questions and definitely smiled when they busted out a joke or two.
Should I also send them thank you emails?
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Originally Posted by Enigma777
I've always heard that the best way to see how you are performing is to video yourself. Maybe you have a friend who will read you questions?
I actually tried it this weekend, it certainly helped! thank you.
Yes, you must have a large phony smile affixed to your face at all times in Corporate America. It is very important that the sea of HR bimbos, salesmen and middle management parasites you will be surrounded by in the workplace not be made to feel uncomfortable.
Boosane, it sounds like you really did better with this interview if you consciously made an effort to smile and look engaged. Well done.
YES, send emails to each of the people who interviewed you thanking them for their time and giving you the opportunity to come in. You can add, "I'm even more interested in the position now that I've learned more, and hope to hear from you soon" if you feel comfortable saying that.
Okay, it's done now - eyes forward and keep looking so you don't drive yourself crazy!
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