Major interview sabotage: What you may be doing to sabotage your own job search

Yesterday I attended a professional networking mixer and ran into a woman who is currently unemployed and seeking connections to find a job. First of all, she is definitely smart for using her resources (the attendees of this function) to find a job in the inside track. She mingled, and impressed people with her personality. She seemed genuinely interested in learning more about each person she met and also showcased her knowledge of the business world in her conversations with people. She approaches each conversation as a potential interview. The thing is that there is one area of her conversation that may be sabotaging her chances of moving forward.

In speaking with her about her job search she seems to be at the point of desperation. One thing I have learned in this business is that no matter how desperate you are in your job search you should never show it. If potential employers know that other companies are not interested in you, it can be a major turn off.

Why should I hire you if my competitors won’t? This is the question that employers will ask themselves when they hear that you have been having bad luck in finding a job. Never share information regarding your job search unless you are asked. If you ARE asked, always keep it brief. Saying too much can hurt you more than it can help you sometimes especially if you name competitors who didn’t call you back or tell the employer that you lowered your standards to find a job. What employers want is an employee who is a hot commodity and highly desired among competitors. Your job is to appear to be this person even if you’re not.

If you are in the situation where you are in a bind to find a job and want to avoid scaring off employers here are a few tips for approaching interviews and first meetings.

Don’t

1. Offer information about how your job search is going.

2. Bash the slow job market (employers know you’re talking about yourself).

3. Over thank the employers (you may come off too needy)

4. Tell them you’ve lowered your standards and will take anything

5. Tell them you’ve reduced your asking salary

6. Tell them how long you’ve been looking unless you’re asked (keep it brief)

Do

1. Thank them for the time and consideration before the interview and after the interview

2. Express your interest in this position

3. Show off your knowledge of the company (don’t over do it)

4. Ask questions about the job and company to show your interest (avoid pay, benefits and time off questions on the first meeting)

5. Act friendly and converse with others in the office while you wait for your interview (others in the office including the secretary may also have a say)

6. Exude confidence and positive energy

Here are some potential questions you may be asked regarding your job situation:

Interviewer-“So, how has your job search been going?”

Your response-“It’s going great so far, I’m here aren’t I!” OR “It’s going well, I’m just working on trying to find the right opportunity. I don’t just want a job to pay the bills, I want an opportunity that will utilize my job skills and personality and until now, I had not found anything that seemed like a good fit.” (they’ll ask you what you’re looking for, so be prepared to tell them and tailor your answer to this position)

Interviewer- “Have you had any interviews yet?”

Your response-“I’ve had a few interviews, but I haven’t found the right one yet. I’m hoping that I will find a great opportunity soon” (note: this response avoids negative answers such as “I haven’t been chosen”)

If you follow these simple tips you will definitely avoid the self-sabotage that can happen when you’re desperate for a job. Always remember, if you don’t get the job it just may not have been the right one for you. Don’t let yourself get discouraged. Remember that others feed off of your energy and negative energy leaves people unsatisfied. Fill them with positive energy and you will reap the rewards. Good luck in your job search.