Avoiding pitfalls in job interviews

Landing an interview can seem like a major success in today’s job market. But it’s only the first step toward getting a job — and it’s filled with pitfalls.

By Margaret Steen
Knight Ridder Newspapers The Seattle Times

"People very, very innocently get themselves in trouble" in interviews, said Nancy Perlin, a veteran recruiter and a job-seeking coach and strategist.

Job interviews are not normal conversations, no matter how much the interviewer tries to put you at ease, said Perlin of Redwood City, Calif. Questions and answers that would be innocuous in a more casual setting can have unintended consequences in an interview.

Most people understand that a major goal of the interview is to show that they would be the best person for the job. But they may not think as much about another goal that is equally important: Avoid giving the interviewer a reason not to hire you.

If the interviewer gets nervous about what it will be like to work with you, either because of what you say or how you say it, you’ll probably be passed over for the job no matter how qualified you are.

Here are some examples from Perlin of how job-seekers’ well-intentioned responses to questions can create red flags for interviewers.

• You say: "My last position didn’t use all my many talents and skills, so I’m looking for a better position."

The interviewer hears: "I did very little at my last job and didn’t contribute much to my employer."

This statement makes it sound like you’re complaining, Perlin said. It also suggests that you won’t take the initiative to find new challenges.

You should have said: "I accomplished everything I wanted to and more with my last employer, and then started thinking about the next step in my career."

• You say: "I’m the kind of person who loves to be motivated by new and different challenges."

The interviewer hears: "I’m the kind of person who will refuse to do the everyday work that is boring but necessary."

It’s a good idea to say that you’re motivated by new challenges, Perlin said. But you have to also reassure the interviewer that you’ll be able and willing to focus on the job’s more mundane details.

You should have said: "I get really motivated by new and creative challenges — and I’m really good at making sure everyday details are taken care of."

• You say: "I have some questions about your company’s future financial plans."

The interviewer hears: "I’m a high-maintenance candidate who’s going to probe and be difficult."

This is a legitimate question, Perlin said — but you should ask it once you have an offer in hand. If your goal in asking it during an interview is to show that you’ve done your research on the company, there are more positive ways to do that. For example, you can ask about the company’s new products or growth plans.

You should have said: Nothing until you have an offer.

Perlin’s final word of advice for job-hunters? Try to keep your spirits up so you can go into an interview with confidence.

"People who have been out of work for quite some time are demoralized," Perlin said.

You may be desperate for a job. But acting desperate is unlikely to get you one.

Copyright © 2003 The Seattle Times Company

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