| We all have shortcomings. Your job interview | | | | They met at Matt's office instead of a restaurant or |
| weakness could be the way you lost your last job, | | | | someone's living room to make this mock interview |
| your age, a long period of unemployment, health issues, | | | | more real. Jon asked Matt to ask him tough interview |
| no college degree, anxiety, physical or emotional | | | | questions and then to please give him candid |
| handicaps, a lack of self confidence, over explaining | | | | feedback. |
| things, being too honest, being overqualified, not enough | | | | Matt was happy to oblige. |
| experience, or...simply an acute dislike for the whole | | | | Jon's worst job interview weakness quickly became |
| stinking job interview process. | | | | apparent. He talked too much...or as Matt put it, "You |
| Perhaps you struggle with a personal appearance | | | | over explain things, Jon." |
| issue like weight, height, gray hair, no hair, too much hair | | | | Special Tip: One of the secrets to answering interview |
| in the wrong places...whatever. | | | | questions is keep your responses short and sweet...60 |
| Regardless of your fears or job interview weakness, | | | | to 90 seconds max. If your interviewer needs or |
| they all fall within 2 broad categories: | | | | wants more information, they'll ask you. Providing too |
| - Things you have no control over. | | | | much information, or talking in circles, puts you at risk of |
| - Things you can do something about. | | | | being rejected. The 2 reasons candidates tend to talk |
| Let's address your specific job interview weakness | | | | too much are nervousness and lack of preparation. |
| within the 2nd category. But, before we go there, I | | | | So, you're probably asking yourself, how did Jon take |
| want you to clearly see that a job interview rejection | | | | this feedback? And, did it help? |
| is a blessing and not a curse. | | | | Yes...most definitely. |
| No one wants to be turned down for a job...especially | | | | Soon thereafter, Jon got an interview with a very |
| one you are excited about. In fact, you may be | | | | stable, profitable company located near his extended |
| experiencing a lot of turn downs lately, and your self | | | | family. Jon called his manager friend, Matt, and told him |
| confidence is just about totally shot. | | | | the good news. Matt suggested they meet again and |
| Tip: Look at each job interview rejection as feedback. | | | | do another mock interview. This time Jon nailed the |
| Try not to take it personally. The company is not | | | | interview. |
| rejecting you as a person. After all, you are not your | | | | And..he nailed the real job interview. |
| job. Always try and get as much feedback as possible | | | | Despite being unemployed for several months, Jon |
| from those who interviewed you. Feedback is a gift. | | | | was offered a position as a Product Engineer for 10% |
| True Story: Jon was a Product Engineer with a leading | | | | more than what he was earning at his last job. Six |
| Automotive Tier 1 supplier. He lost his job in the wake | | | | months later he got a raise. More importantly, he loves |
| of the recession. Jobs in his field were scarce. Despite | | | | his job. |
| a well written resume and countless hours of interview | | | | If your job interviews are resulting in no offers, or you |
| counseling and preparation, Jon always seemed to get | | | | feel like your job search has hit a brick wall, follow |
| the thumbs down after each and every job interview. | | | | Jon's example. Ask a trusted associate or friend to do |
| If you prepared a checklist of Jon's strengths, the list | | | | a mock interview with you. You can provide the job |
| would be long and distinguished. His resume was well | | | | interview questions. Ask your friend not to pull any |
| written and he had no problems getting interviews. But, | | | | punches. Simply tell it like it is. Then, work hard to turn |
| he wasn't getting offers. | | | | this job interview weakness into a strength. |
| Jon decided to take action to figure out once and for | | | | Tip: It's not a good idea to ask your spouse or best |
| all what job interview weakness was holding him back. | | | | friend to go through this with you. People who are too |
| So, he called his close friend, Matt, who just happened | | | | emotionally invested in you will either tell you how |
| to be a Corporate HR Manager. Matt had interviewed, | | | | wonderful you are, or they will hand you your head by |
| rejected, hired, and fired a lot of people over the years. | | | | revealing to you your every flaw. |
| Jon asked Matt if he would meet with in person and | | | | Not good. |
| do a mock interview. Most importantly, he asked Matt | | | | Neither of these viewpoints will help you. Find someone |
| to please give him brutally honest feedback, no holds | | | | who will be objective, open, and honest with you. |
| barred. | | | | |