The pain of job interviews: An employee’s perspective

It’s like unrequited love, isn’t it? You apply to all the positions that you think you would like, and that you have a chance at performing well at, only to be met with the regular disappointment that you’ve been unsuccessful, or even worse, no response at all! It can be a very difficult road and quite tough on your self-esteem.

Here are some things to keep in mind that will make it more bearable when it comes to job hunting.

Treat every application like your first

The appeal of a new start, a fresh beginning and new opportunities is a great source of excitement. The letter that accompanies your succinct and powerful CV (make sure it is tailored to the job criteria and is not too long) must be fresh and unique. Address the advertised position, show enthusiasm, be unique and keep it short.

I know for a fact the pre-screening can be ruthless and long-winded applications get a merciless flick. Take a break and before sending it (because ideally it is not on the deadline), read it like an employer would. Give it to a respected friend and get feedback. Ask them to find at least one thing that would put you off if you were the employer. Then address that and make it sing.

The interview

Bravo. To get to an interview means you are selected from a larger group. This is exciting and the aim is to do well no matter what. After unsuccessfully applying for many positions you may be at the point of downgrading your expectations and feeling a little hopeless, but you must remember that this is the first time that the interviewer is seeing you – so make sure you are entering this meeting with a broad smile and the knowledge that if you are the best candidate you will be chosen.

You only need one

You may be over qualified, under qualified, out of work for years – it doesn’t matter. Persistence pays off. It is easy to take it personally when your application for a job is denied. Many of us define ourselves by our work, referring to ourselves as managers, or marketers, or salesmen, etc. So to receive news that the field in which we have the most pride invested is the basis for that rejection can be really hurtful.

What you need to keep in mind though is that you only need one application to succeed before you have achieved your goal. To this end, it doesn’t matter if you receive one, 10, 50 or 100 rejections! They are all of little consequence when you are offered a position.

Create a winning mindset that shows in your body language and tone

Most judgements are made in the first few seconds. Your look first, then your tone can make or break you as someone no one wants or someone passionate and vibrant people are eager to meet. Although most people don’t consciously catalogue the elements of body language that are presented to them, they are still ultimately influenced by the overall impression that is provided.

If you have had your confidence drained from disappointment and you walk into an interview with slumped shoulders, a serious look on your face and then speak with a cynical or flat tone, then you already have a strike against your name. You may as well do a U-turn. Smiling is a universal form of communication, it says, “I’m pleased to be here, and I’m relaxed and excited”. This is the first impression you want to deliver to someone.

Prepare for behavioural interview questions – the golden egg!

Write down 10 situations in your past work that demonstrated your strengths in communication, dealing with pressure, leading others, resolving conflict, making mistakes and overcoming challenges, dealing with difficult people, motivating others, social networking, influencing, attention to detail, etc.

Judge what competencies, skills and attitudes are wanted from the job. Don’t just list vague details – remember back to actual scenarios and write them down. Write down examples of things that went wrong and what you personally did (not the team – you!) to get through this. These 10 stories are your golden egg. List them on a card and put it in your pocket just as a back up for reading in the waiting area when you have arrived EARLY! These stories build confidence in you and will provide BRILLIANT responses to behavioural questions or provide delightful examples you can bring in to your answers

Hiring is hard work too!

You may not feel much sympathy for the people whose job it is to cross names of the list and add resumes to the recycling bin, but believe it or not those doing the hiring find the recruitment process quite arduous as well. Keeping in mind that they are people with their own set of likes, dislikes, frustrations and sensitivities is a great way to lessen the seriousness of the situation. If you connect with them as people you are well on your way. If you have an impersonal exchange of your skills and attributes then, even if you’re well qualified, you may very well fall short.

Good luck to all job seekers!

Eve Ash has worked as a vocational counsellor and produced a wide range of resources to help job seekers Job Interview Success Series, 6 Essential Steps for Getting that New Job and also Selection Interview Skills for managers.