How to score brownie points in an interview by fixing these interviewer mistakes

a lady having a job interview

If you’re looking to score brownie points in an interview, it pays to know what mistakes interviewers commonly make.

Believe it or not, interviewers are human too, and they sometimes make mistakes. Luckily, most of these mistakes are easy to fix.

In this article, we will take a look at common interviewer mistakes, and will provide tips on how to rectify them. So the next time you go for an interview, make sure you know what to watch out for!

Late for interview

Maybe you were scheduled for a 3 pm interview.

You arrived at 2.45 pm and waited until 3.30 pm. The interviewer then checks in and says, “I’m so sorry for being late.” Should you just reply with an “it’s okay”? Well, no, because being late is not a sign of respect. 

A better strategy to advance the conversation would be to politely switch the subject to something positive and say something like, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” or “Thank you for taking time off to meet me.”

Misreading your resume
a sample resume

Image Credits: yeswriting.com

It’s normal for hiring personnel to misread a resume. Since they have read so many, they might have confused you with another individual. But the mistake should be corrected promptly.

If you’ve stayed with a company for at least two years, reiterate that—”I’ve only held two jobs in the past four years.” Then explain how those positions significantly aided your development. Showing your growth in each role sends a positive message so don’t forget that.

Not giving you a reply after promising one

Maybe you thought you had aced the interview and were promised a reply soon. But you received none even after a week.

To prevent such scenarios, inquire about the next steps and when you may anticipate hearing from them. Ensure you have a distinct time frame.

If that period has passed and you haven’t heard anything, send a brief email as a follow-up to the interviewer. Or you could try another method of getting in touch with the interviewer. Sometimes, the person may be on urgent leave or the email has gone to spam.

You don’t have to be a perfect candidate to make a great impression on your interviewer. In fact, by fixing some of the most common interviewer mistakes, you can score some bonus brownie points. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also a chance to show off your skills and strengths. Put your best foot forward and make a superb impression. Good luck!

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The dangers of applying to multiple positions at the same company

man looking at a job application form

You’ve spotted a few job openings at your dream company.

You’re thinking of applying to all of them and maybe even started filling out the applications.

But before you hit the “submit” button, there are a few things you should know. Applying to multiple positions at the same company can backfire and prevent you from getting the job you want.

Applying to multiple positions at the same company vs. applying to multiple companies

When you’re applying for jobs, it can be tempting to apply to multiple positions at the same company. After all, if you’re qualified for the job, why not?

But there’s a big difference between applying to multiple positions at the same company and applying to multiple companies. Applying to multiple positions at the same company can make you look desperate, and it can also make the company think that you’re just playing around.

When you apply to multiple positions at different companies, on the other hand, it shows that you’re searching for a specific position and that you’re taking your time to find the right fit.

How to avoid coming across as desperate or unqualified
lady working on her laptop

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you’re applying to multiple positions at the same company, make sure that you don’t come across as desperate or unqualified.

Here are a few tips for avoiding this:

  • Tailor your applications to the specific position you’re applying for. This shows that you’ve done your research and that you’re serious about the role(s).
  • Take the time to personalize each application. Mentioning something from the job listing or using the hiring manager’s name will make it stand out from the crowd.
  • Be patient and don’t apply to every job that pops up on your radar. It’s better to take your time and find a role that’s a perfect fit for you than to rush into something that’s not right.
  • Make sure your applications are high quality. If you’re sending a mass email with a half-finished resume and no cover letter, it’s going to look like you’re not taking the process seriously.
How to research a company before applying

Find out what the company is all about and make sure that you can be a good culture fit. If you can show the company that you’re truly keen on them, they will be more likely to want to interview you.

Browse the website of the business and social media to find out how outsiders view it.

To find any recent news about the company, such as growth, stock values, or product releases, Google them. Searching in advance will reveal more about the business, and could also raise concerns if you learn that it recently fired employees or had a product problem.

Sending too many applications for various positions to the same company may backfire. Before you apply to multiple positions at the same company, think about why you are interested in the job. Are you applying because you want the job, or are you applying because you need a job?

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Disagreeing during a job interview: Why you shouldn’t be afraid

a job interview

You’re in the midst of your job interview, and things are going well.

The interviewer has asked you a few questions, and you’ve given some great answers.

But then the interviewer throws you a curveball. They ask you to share your thoughts on something you don’t agree with. What do you do?

Why it’s okay to disagree

For one thing, it shows that you’re not afraid to stand up for your beliefs.

It also shows that you’re not afraid to ask questions and challenge the status quo. And most importantly, it shows that you’re confident in your conviction.

But there’s a right way and a wrong way to disagree. The wrong way is to be confrontational. So if you feel like you disagree with something your interviewer has said, go ahead and speak up—just make sure you express your views calmly and respectfully.

How to disagree tactfully
talking during an interview

Image Credits: theladders.com

There’s a big difference between being assertive and being aggressive, and you want to stay on the polite side of things.

Here are a few tips for how to do that:

  • Stay calm. Don’t get flustered if you don’t agree with your interviewer. Stay cool and collected, and state your case plainly.
  • Acknowledge the other person’s opinion. Start your disagreement by saying something like, “I see where you’re coming from, but here’s why I think…”
  • Make your argument clear. Be prepared to back up your disagreement with facts and reasoning. The more solid your argument, the more likely you are to convince your interviewer.
How to make sure you’re still likable

Let’s face it: we all want to be likable.

We want to be the person that people enjoy being around, the person that they think is fun and interesting. And when we go into a job interview, we want to be that person.

But what if you don’t agree with the interviewer? What if you have a different perspective? Do you have to keep your mouth shut, or can you disagree in a way that’s still likable?

Well, express your thoughts without attacking the interviewer or putting them on the defensive. You want to make sure that the interviewer sees you as someone they would want to work with. And you can do that by disagreeing with the subject matter, not against anyone.

You should never be afraid to disagree during a job interview. Chances are, your interviewer is looking for someone who has opinions and isn’t afraid to voice them. If you can back up your arguments with evidence and reasoning, you will only stand to benefit from the exchange. Disagreeing with your interviewer is an approach to show that you’re not fearful to stand up for what you believe in and to take on a challenge. Remember: it’s better, to be honest, and upfront than to hold back and regret it later.

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Why teaching is not an easy profession

teacher at work

Teaching might look easy from the outside, but anyone who has ever worked in this industry knows just how challenging it can be.

It’s a lot of hard work, though it can also be very rewarding. If you’re thinking about switching careers and becoming a teacher, make sure you are prepared for the challenges that come with it.

Dealing with difficult students and parents

Imagine being a teacher and having to deal with difficult students all day, every day.

It’s challenging enough trying to manage a classroom of kids who are not that eager to learn, but when you have to deal with students who are disruptive and unruly, it can be downright exhausting.

Then there are the parents.

You never know what you’re going to get with them. Some are supportive and appreciative, while others seem to think that their child is the best thing since sliced bread.

And don’t even get us started on the ones who think they know better than you do and insist that you do what’s “best” for their child.

Having to be constantly “on”

No breaks, no time to yourself, and no respite from the barrage of questions and requests from your students (and their parents). That’s what it’s like to be a teacher.

There’s no break from the classroom, even when you’re not in the classroom.

You’re always fielding emails, preparing lessons, and grading papers. And then when you finally get home, you have to deal with another round of demands from your kids.

The long hours required
a lady stressed at work

Image Credits: smithsonianmag.com

Think about it. You come home from a long day at work, and you’re exhausted.

But you still have to grade papers, plan for tomorrow’s lesson, and maybe work on a few projects for your professional development.

And that’s just a typical day. Now imagine marking homework on the weekend, or spending your holiday working on lesson plans for approval. That’s what teachers do regularly.

The paperwork

Teaching encompasses everything.

You have to keep track of your students’ attendance, grades, records… And that’s on top of preparing lessons, grading papers, and dealing with students who seem to find joy in making you frown.

Then there’s the fact that most teachers are underpaid and overworked. From juggling classroom duties to extra-curricular activities after school and meetings with parents, and department heads, it can be tough to manage everything effectively.

Though teaching may not be an easy profession, we have to agree that the fulfillment you get from it is unparalleled. You can help mold young minds and watch them grow into successful adults. So while the days may be long and the workload may be heavy, the bonuses are plenty. If you are considering a career in teaching, know that it is not a walk in the park, but it is rewarding. Take the time to learn about what the job entails and make sure you are up for the challenge. If you are, then teaching may be right for you.

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Should a professional be judged based on what they do during their leisure time?

DJ and clubbers

Imagine you are a professional.

You work hard during the week, putting your all into your job. But what you do during your leisure time is none of your boss’s business, right?

Well, not exactly.

While it’s true that your personal life is just that—personal—the line between professional and personal can sometimes get blurred. And if you’re not careful, the things you do during your free time can end up reflecting poorly on you and your job.

What is leisure time?

Leisure time is time that is not spent at work. It is the time when you are not occupied with any responsibilities.

Now, some people may choose to spend their leisure time doing things that are considered to be “productive.”

For example, they may choose to read books, work on their hobby, or spend time with their family and friends. Other people may choose to spend their leisure time watching television, playing video games, or going out for drinks.

Should a professional be judged?
man adjusting his suit

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now, you might be wondering if you should let your hair down and just be yourself when you’re not at work.

After all, you’ve been working hard and you deserve it, right? Well, maybe. But maybe not. Because what you do in your leisure time can reveal a lot about you.

Are you the type of person who likes to go out and party hard on the weekends? Or are you more likely to stay in and watch Netflix? Do you golf or play poker with your buddies? Hang out at the park with your kids?

All of these activities can say something about you as a person. And if someone is looking to judge you, they’re going to look at what you do in your free time to get a sense of who you are.

How to balance your professional life and leisure time

There’s a big difference between completely relaxing and taking a break and letting your professional persona bleed over into your leisure time.

If people start to associate your leisure activities with your professional persona, then it could create some confusion about who you are as a person.

So how do you find the right balance? It’s all about being intentional about it.

If you’re going to let your hair down, make sure you’re not revealing everything on social media sites without thought. Also, ensure that you’re not letting your guard down so much that people start to question your work ethic.

While we all need a break sometimes, we also need to be aware of how we’re perceived by others.

So, what do you think? Is it wrong to judge a professional by what they do during their leisure time? Or should people maintain their professionalism no matter where they are or what they’re doing? It’s up to you to decide what you think is the right thing to do. Weigh the pros and cons and decide what’s appropriate for you and your career.

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