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Category: Business and Industry
Date Submitted: 04/04/2013 09:19 PM
Week 2 Reflection Paper
Sonia Rienecker
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Abstract
When conducting an effective job search an applicant has to be prepared. Planning for interviews is essential to landing the right job. Having a network of contacts for job recommendations should also be part of the plan. Spending time thinking about how to prepare for the job interview and having a clear understanding of what the relationship will be between the applicant and the interviewer is also part of the process. Putting together a list of questions for the potential employer is recommended. Failing to address these issues can lead to an applicant making some serious job interview mistakes. “The biggest mistake job seekers make when interviewing is lack of preparation” (Whitcomb, 2008).
Five common interviewing mistakes:
1. Thinking the interview is about you. In an effort to "get their message across," some interviewees monopolize the conversation with long-winded responses, focusing on how they can enhance their skills and expand their experience.
To avoid this mistake an applicant needs balance in the interview talking no more than 60% of the time. Interviewers are not interested in enhancing skills or broadening experiences. They will be trying to assess whether the applicant already possesses the know-how they need and how well they might fit into the company's organizational culture. When answering questions the applicant should limit their responses to two minutes. If the applicant is required to give examples or provide other information, they'll ask.
2. Failing to translate your skills and experience. The applicant uses words and examples that are common to their function or industry and assume interviewers will understand them or be able to translate them to applications in their industry.
To avoid this mistake don't expect interviewers to translate your experience to apply to their industry. That will be the applicant’s task. Use terms and descriptions...