Lots Of Interviews!! But No Job Offers? Why…

(1) Are you qualified for the opportunity you are interviewing for?

The first step in any job search is to review the job description for the position you are interviewing for and make sure you are qualified for the opportunity. Take notes on each qualification an employer is seeking and make sure you have the experience to perform the duties at hand. Use this as a guide in interviewing; to give examples of your experiences, projects you have worked on, obstacles you have overcome, etc. during the interview. This will only emphasize your background to the employer and convince them of your qualifications.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are interviewing for positions which you are not qualified; you will want to reflect on how you will convince a potential employer that you can do the job. In most cases if you are not qualified for a position it will become very clear to the interviewer rather quickly during the interview; do not set yourself up for failure. If you are applying for jobs that are clearly above your qualification level and not getting them it’s time to redirect your job search efforts on positions that you are clearly qualified for.

(2) Are you interested and sincerely excited about the job opportunity?

Does the position excite you or are you simply interviewing because you need a paycheck. You want to work in a career that you are interested in, excited about going to work for every day. If you simply going to interview after interview and are not excited about the opportunities; you need to reflect on the types of jobs that you are currently interviewing for and redirect your efforts to positions that interest you. Employers want to hire individuals that are enthusiastic about working for them, and you need to show that passion in your interview.

(3) Are you establishing a rapport with the interviewer?

As a candidate you need to show your personality. All too many times interviews become stale and routine. The candidate has a responsibility to establish a rapport with the interviewer. Make some small talk; conversations are enjoyable if they are a two way dialog. Ask questions, inquire about the organization, history, the interviewers background, how they enjoy working for the company all help in having a successful interview.

If you currently find yourself in a situation where all your interviews are stale and routine, you are not establishing this rapport. Think about questions you can ask prior to the interview to prepare yourself. This will go a long way to opening up doors within a company.

(4) Are you defining your value to a perspective employer? Are you over pricing yourself?

Salary is one of those items which you need to be prepared to discuss almost immediately with a potential employer. As a candidate you need to understand what an employer is seeking to pay for a desired opportunity up front. If you are interviewing for positions which are way below your expected compensation level; then you are wasting your time, as well as, the employers.

You additionally need to understand your value, what you are worth in the marketplace. Use salary guides, look at other positions in the field with the same qualifications, ask your peers what they make. You do not want to overprice yourself out of the marketplace. During the interview you need to establish your value to an employer; cite examples of work, accomplishments, have a clear understanding of their business and what you can bring to the organization. If you establish your value and the employer sees what you bring to an organization the your salary negotiations will be much easier.

(5) What are you career goals? Do you know?

Prior to any job search you need to have a clear understanding of your career goals and where you are heading. Have you written then down!! Employers will most likely want to know your goals and how you seek to accomplish them. Writing them down beforehand will aid you in being able to clearly express your goals to an employer.

(6) Are you presenting a professional, clean appearance?

You have most likely heard the saying ”image is everything..” how you present yourself for the first time to an employer will direct the tone of the interview. Your personal appearance will be one of the first things someone will judge you on. So make sure you clean up; dress professionally, present yourself in a well-organized and professional manner.

(7) Have you researched the employer before the interview?

Have you done your homework? Have you researched the employer you are interviewing with? Do you understand their business? If not, you better start!! As employers are looking for candidates that take initiative and are intelligent. Researching and preparing yourself for the interview puts you ahead of the crowd in an interviewers mind when they see you clearly understand their business and have a clear understanding of their organization and goals.

(8) Are you selling yourself and presenting your accomplishments clearly?

Sell yourself!! Talk about your accomplishments, experiences, goals, etc.. If you are just sitting in interviews and answering questions that are asked, you most likely will not get the job. You need to sell yourself!! You might have the greatest business mind in the world, but if you don’t talk about your accomplishments, skills, projects and qualifications then no one will know.

(9) Are you asking questions and communicating professionally?

Asking questions during the interview will help in clearly demonstrating your interest in an opportunity. It will show the interviewer you are interested in learning more and aid in establishing a professional and successful two way dialog.

Using the above items to reflect on will help you in having successful interview experiences; the best interviews are usually the ones where the candidate is relaxed and communicates professionally and clearly. Don’t get caught up in the details, but be prepared and ready to put your best foot forward.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com