This infographic breaks down best practices for recruitment skills and includes tips on how to avoid falling into these traps. It’s never too late to get help with your interview skills, so take a look at some of the useful advice in this infographic of bcat scoring. You’ll never be stuck wondering what not to do again!
1. Recruiters are people like you
Recruiters are ordinary people just like you. You aren’t alone, and there is still hope.
2. It’s not a performance test
I hate this one! It’s the biggest mistake I see candidates make day in and day out. When I hear a candidate tell me that they didn’t do well on an assessment because they’re not as good at a certain skill, or they didn’t score high on some knowledge test because they can’t remember a calendar date, I almost always know what is going to happen next (and it ain’t going well). It is OK if you fail! This applies to competency-based tests too, not just assessments that are unrelated to your job. Approach every test as an opportunity to learn something new. Improvement is OK.
3. You don’t need to know every answer
There are always a few things that you can pick up along the way, and others that you may never need or use! Don’t obsess about having every answer right – instead, think about the big picture of what you are learning. Make a mental note of the key points and problem-solving techniques that stick out in your mind when you go back to them later.
4. Practice makes perfect
In my experience, it doesn’t matter how much practice you get at something if it’s not organized into some sort of routine. It may not make sense to you right now, but one day you will look back and wonder how you ever did the things that you used to do. Get a system in place so that anytime you have a spare 20 minutes (after work), or whenever the distraction in your life disappears, you can take 5-10 minutes out of your day to practice some random skill. It will serve as a good reminder of where your strengths and weaknesses are and what actions need to be taken next.
5. You’re never too old
I’ve been around the block a few times, and I think most recruiters are. I have seen some candidates who were so well prepared for an interview that they could have presented on the job to the hiring company. We know it’s not easy, but don’t give up! Even if your skills aren’t cutting edge or you have been out of work for a while, no one is getting younger (unless you’re getting fat). If you want something badly enough, you’ll make it happen – I promise.
6. Embrace failure
This whole idea of no one being perfect is easier said than done. This is your first interview in a while, or maybe it’s your 1st ever. I understand that you want to impress and do well – but there are going to be obstacles along the way. Be graceful – don’t be shy about asking questions and making mistakes. Yes, it will be on your resume, but they will know that you were willing and eager to learn how the company works. Something else to think about: the interviewers are just people like you too! Act like it! You’re not in trouble if something doesn’t go well – have some fun with it!
7. Be nice!
What? I did this one already? Sorry, if you’re like me and on the receiving end of some of these mistakes, you’re most likely sick of hearing about it. But don’t hate on people for being unaware. Yes, it’s annoying (I’ve been there), but sometimes that is exactly what it takes to keep from being stuck with the same old thing day in and day out. How are you supposed to find a job if no one will give you the chance? Be nice – don’t be a jerk.
8. The Technical Test is about the company
The technical test may be different for each job you are applying for, but there will always be a technical component. Find out what that is, and then prepare to walk into the interview knowing what you have to do. Don’t let it throw you off your game – I promise that you don’t need to know every question on the technical test.
Some might say it’s a surprise when there is no follow-up phone call or nothing in writing. That’s true to some extent. However, I have many clients who are in that same situation, and suffering from a common misunderstanding of what it will take to get hired.
9. Don’t be desperate
This is a common mistake that I see candidates make when they’re searching for a job: they go into the interview acting desperate and unprofessional. Why? Because they don’t want to lose the job opportunity, so they give up some of their own personal comfort or don’t do their best work in an effort to show how much they need it.
