However, when you leave an interview feeling really confident and like you did a fantastic job, it can be confusing to hear that you didn’t get the role. What went wrong?

Sometimes small phrases or words that you use during an interview can be enough to put the employer off. Below are some of the most irritating that could be costing you job offers.

1. “I really want this job.”

Employers want to see that you are enthusiastic about the role and their company, but outright saying “I really want this job” sounds more desperate than anything. Desperation is never a good look and it would suggest that you are struggling to get a job anywhere probably because you don’t have the right skills or experience.

Don’t tell your interviewer you really want the job, show them instead.

2. “Um…”

Many of us are guilty of saying “um” while we try to think of an answer. It’s a natural silence filler, however, it makes is look like we are nervous and grasping for an answer.

Instead of looking like you don’t have a clue what to say, you can give yourself some time to think by saying something along the lines of, “That’s a good question, let me take a moment to think”. This response shows that you are calm and collected.

3. “Like… / I think… / you know…”

These are other common examples of filler words that you’ll want to avoid using during interviews. Like “um”, these words make you sound unconfident and even a little dim. Not qualities that employers will be looking for.

To help you cut down on using these filler words, practice some interview answers beforehand and get a friend or family member to ask you some questions. It may help to record yourself so you can hear how often you are resorting to filler words.

Passive phrases such as “I think” and “you know…” should also be replaced with more confident and clear responses if you want to impress your interviewers and show them that you know your stuff.

4. “I’m a perfectionist.”

“What are your weaknesses?” is a common interview question that stumps many candidates. Stating that you are a perfectionist is the most cliché answer you can give.

When employers ask this question, what they are really trying to see is how self-aware you are. Can you recognise your weaknesses and take steps to improve them? Be honest with them and explain how you are working on your weaknesses. Saying you’re a perfectionist will only make you look pompous and inauthentic.

5. Hard-working, fast-learner, self-motivated, etc.

Que some more clichés. These may sound like good descriptive words that employers want to hear but they don’t have much substance.

Words like these don’t set you apart from other candidates or show why you’re a good fit for the company. Instead of reeling these off, you should prepare good examples and anecdotes that demonstrate you have these qualities and other skills required for the role.

6. “What benefits are there?”

Of course, you will want to know about the perks and benefits that go with the job, however, there is a time and a place to find out. Asking this question too soon is a big turn off for employers (if you are working with a recruiter, you can certainly ask them).

Asking about benefits too early on can suggest that you are more interested in them than the role and the company. Instead, you should ask questions that get at how you can help the company achieve their goals.

7. “As I already said…”

You may innocently be referring back to a previous example or reiterating a skill, but this phrase can rub employers up the wrong way. It implies that they weren’t listening before and suggests that you don’t have enough experience if you have to refer back to information that has already been covered.

To avoid a situation like this one, be sure to come up with plenty of examples or your achievements and how you have demonstrated your skills prior to your interview. This should also help you to answer questions more confidently.

8. Fired, hate, awful, etc.

It’s important to avoid negative language like this during your interview as no one wants to hire a negative person. Even if you do have to explain a difficult situation that has happened, do your best to be discreet and show that you are a forgiving and generous team player.

9. “I didn’t get on with my last manager”

This is an example of negativity that you should definitely steer clear of. Employers are looking for people who will fit in well with their team and, even if you weren’t at fault, saying you didn’t get along with your previous boss may suggest that you are hard to work with.

Instead, you should focus on what you are looking for in your next role, i.e. a company that offers better professional development, challenging projects and has a forward-thinking team. Be grateful for the lessons you have learnt in the past, and look to the future!

10. “I don’t really have any questions about the company.”

If you don’t ask any questions at the end of your interview it may suggest to the interviewer that you aren’t really interested in the opportunity and that you haven’t prepared well. They want to see how interested you are in the company and what you know about them.

There are plenty of fantastic questions you can ask, so prepare some in advance and show the interviewer that you are enthusiastic about the role.

11. “When can I start?”

This may seem like a cheeky, confident line to throw in at the end of your interview, but it’s probably one that is better to avoid. It may not be received well and could make you look arrogant and presumptuous. Stick to being polite and professional with a, “Thank you for your time today and I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Article by: CAREEREXPERTS

This is usually one of the final hurdles that an interviewee faces and it is also one that many struggle with. Your answer to this question should never be ‘no’. Why? Because that may suggest to the interviewer that you aren’t really interested in the opportunity and that you haven’t prepared well for your interview.

However, this isn’t just another hurdle for you, it is also an opportunity. Now is your chance to find out more about the company and the role and to assess whether they are the right fit for you!

If you want to be successful at interview you should always prepare some questions to ask at an interview in advance. But what should you ask your interviewer?

7 fantastic questions to ask at an interview

1. What is the company culture like?

This may have already cropped up earlier in the interview, but if not it’s a great question to ask. Company culture should be more important to you than the salary and benefits on offer. Remember, you’re going to be spending so many hours at work and you want to enjoy it as much as possible. If the company culture and values aren’t in line with what you’re looking for and your personality, maybe this isn’t the right opportunity for you.

2. What’s the company’s medium to long-term strategy?

Many interviewers will ask you where you see yourself in 5 years’ times, so why not ask them? You’ll want to know what the company’s future looks like and whether it is somewhere you want to be.

3. What training and development do you offer?

Being able to learn new skills and develop your current ones is extremely important, especially earlier on in your career. If the interviewer can’t give you much of an answer, this position may not be the right one for you.

4. What are my main job responsibilities?

You need to show your interviewer that you’re really interested in the role. If job responsibilities haven’t been clarified, ask about them! You may also want to find out more about how they see the role developing and you progressing.

5. What do you think will be the biggest challenges in my role?

Again, this is a great question to demonstrate your interest and it may reveal more about the company culture to you. If the company bosses are happy to discuss challenges and their potential pitfalls, then you will know that they an open and honest company culture.

6. What are the next steps?

This question shows that you are enthusiastic about the opportunity and want to keep the ball rolling. It also suggests that you are proactive which is a quality that many employers value.

7. Where do you see my career heading?

The best employers will always have a plan in place for where they want their employees to progress. This question may put them on the spot, but they should be able to give you some insight into how your career can progress with the company. You don’t want to head into a dead-end job that will take your career nowhere.

Additional Advice

While you should always expect to be asked and prepare some questions to ask your interviewer, don’t ask things that have already been covered during the interview! If you do, the interviewer will feel that you weren’t listening and this doesn’t make a good impression.

Article by: CareerExperts

Sure, some questions are always going to be a surprise but most questions, including difficult questions, can be prepared for. We tackle some toughies for you, here… 

So, tell us about yourself

Often an interview opener – this is a question and trips most people up. It’s mainly used as an ice breaker to get the conversation flowing but don’t make the mistake of rambling.
Instead, take your CV with you and pick out some career highlights. If this is your first job then explain how life experiences have made you suitable for the position. You can include hobbies and interests that may be complimentary to the job.
Do NOT spend more than 5 minutes talking!

Why do you want THIS job?

If you’ve done your research (and you should have) you can point out aspects of the company that appeal to you. Talk about the position you are looking to fill and why you are the best candidate. Talk about the positives of the job ad – what made it jump out at you and think ‘yeah, I’d be good at that!’ This is your chance to explain!

What did you dislike about your last job?

If you do have previous work experience, even part-time or holiday jobs, avoid making negative comments. Instead, talk about the frustrations of your last role that THIS job could fix and always ALWAYS start with a positive. E.g. ‘I really enjoyed my working experience and I’ve learnt a lot and grown as a person. However, I now know that I’m ready to take the next step with my career.’ 

How do you respond to criticism?

Don’t say: ‘I do NOT like people criticising me!’
DO say (and believe): ‘I welcome constructive criticism as it helps me to learn and get better at my job. Nobody is perfect but I always make sure that if I make a mistake, it’s the first and last time.’

What are you most proud of?

This can be a puzzler! Go to the interview prepared with a few examples of your successes at school, college, volunteering or part-time job and, if possible, use examples to back it up. E.g. ‘I worked really hard to set up a conflict-resolution forum at school and won an award for it. It’s still going in fact it’s grown since I left.”

What are your weaknesses?

Yup, this one almost ALWAYS comes up! Don’t ever give a negative – stroppy, always late, violent are all no-nos! Also try to avoid the obvious ‘I’m a perfectionist’ as it’s a common answer. Stand out from the crowd and expand on your answer, turning a negative into a positive e.g. ‘I sometimes take mistakes too much to heart. However, I make sure I learn from them and never make the mistake again’.

How do you respond to stress and pressure?

An employer wants to know what you will actually be like in a busy place and how reliable and calm you will be when things go wrong. Give examples of times when you have met difficult deadlines or handled tricky people.

Why you?

This is often a closing question and gives you the chance to stand out… Talk about your experience and skills but also about YOU as a person – your attitude and interests and why you’re uniquely suited to the job. Sell, sell, sell! You are, after all, marketing your own brand!

IMPORTANT! Don’t forget that you need to ‘walk the talk!’ If there are aspects of your personality or behaviour that are not socially acceptable, you will need to work on improving them. Personal skills development is an important part of becoming successful in your career – and in life!

Mistake #1 – Not Researching the Company

During your interview, you have to be able to confidently and intelligently talk about the company you’re trying to land a job with. Specifics you should focus on researching before the interview include:

• The company’s history, financial positions, mission, and services
• The company’s focus market
• The company’s main competitors

Mistake #2 – Being Vague in Responses

Let’s say the HR manager enquires about why you’re interested in the specific position you applied for. You give a vague, generic answer. Instantly, the HR manager thinks you’re just looking for any job in any industry instead of a particular role within a particular company, which is why they can happily fill that position with another candidate.

Don’t give vague answers. Instead, be enthusiastic and talk about the aspects of the job that really appeals to you. Elaborate on what you like about the role and responsibilities you’ll be given should you be offered the job.

Mistake #3 – Not Knowing the Details on Your CV

If the interviewer asks you to elaborate on something stated in your CV, you should immediately be able to do so without second-guessing what they’re talking about. Just because the information is stated on your CV doesn’t’ mean an interviewer won’t ask for a more detailed explanation of your background. Make sure you review your CV before attending the interview and practice a few responses based on general questions the interviewer might ask based on the details you’ve provided them with.

Mistake #4 – Criticizing Previous Employers

It can seem tempting, but making derogatory remarks about a previous employer or a role you held in the past is just never a good idea. Criticizing an old boss will probably open up the lines for uncomfortable questioning. The interviewer doesn’t know why you and your ex-boss don’t see eye to eye, so keep it that way and stay focused on the positive aspects of your previous employment.

Mistake #5 – Being Too Friendly

Sure you need to be engaging and interested in your interview, but the interviewer is NOT your friend, and you shouldn’t confuse engaging and interested behaviour with over-familiarity. Always conduct yourself with professionalism, regardless of how good the ‘vibe’ between you and the interviewer seems to be.

Article: Adzuna

Pic: <a href=”http://www.freepik.com”>Designed by Freepik</a>

It’s natural to feel a little nervous before a job interview. Why? Because it’s nearly impossible to know exactly what interview questions and answers you’ll need to prepare for. These questions could affect your future life and career!

Yes, a job interview is a big deal and you need to impress. For starters, we recommend conducting thorough research on the company, dressing to impress and thinking of some great questions to ask. Another key thing to consider before any interview is what you might be asked. While you can’t prepare for every question and the interviewer may throw in some curve-ball questions, there are some general interview questions that come up in most interviews.

Here are seven general interview questions and answers you should be ready for.

1. Tell me about yourself

This is a very common opening question at interviews. Why? It gets you talking and will hopefully allow you to relax into the interview. When answering this question, think about following the structure of your CV. If you’re a recent graduate start with your degree and go on to talk about your work experience. If you’ve already developed professionally, start with your most recent position and give examples of skills and achievements along the way. You don’t need to go into too much detail at this stage, the interviewer will question you further on key areas throughout your interview.

You can also use this question as an opportunity to tell your interviewer about your career aims and ambitions and what you are looking for in your next opportunity.

TIP: Remember that this is an opportunity to showcase your skill set, personality and suitability for the role. If you don’t make a great impression in the first few minutes, it will be very difficult to win your interviewer over later on.

2. What are your strengths?

We recommend coming up with your three best attributes that are in line with the role you are interviewing for. You should also give examples of when you have used these strengths.

3. What are your weaknesses?

This is a tricky question that most people struggle with. The best way to tackle this question is to think of genuine weaknesses that you are taking steps to improve on. For example, your IT skills may not be the best but you have spent some additional hours self-teaching or attending a training course to help improve on them. Avoid cliché answers to this questions, such as ‘I’m a perfectionist’.

4. Why should we hire you?

Before attending your interview, familiarise yourself with the job description. What is it that the company is looking for? Use this as the base of your answer and give examples to back up that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.

5. What are your goals?

What are your goals? or where do you want to be in 5 years’ time? are very common questions. It’s best to think about your answers both in the short-term and long-term. Be honest about where you want your career to go, but also be realistic with your timescales.

6. Why do you want to work here?

This is your opportunity to really show off your research. Talk about why the company culture and the opportunity appeal to you. Be specific, they want to know why their company is more appealing to you than any other.

7. What are your salary expectations?

You need to know what the value of someone with your skills is. If you don’t know, do some online research before your interview. You don’t need to be too specific here as you may want some room to negotiate later. If a salary is mentioned in the job description, ideally you should be looking for somewhere within this bracket.

There you have it. Those are the most common questions and answers for interview questions that you should be ready for. If you have some solid answers prepared for these questions, then you can go into your interview feeling more confident.

If you want any more advice on how to ace your interview take a look at our best interview tips. Good luck!

Article by CareerExperts

We’ve put together some job interview tips for you – including tips, job interview questions, what you should ask, and what to wear. And remember, the more you practice and prepare, the easier it’ll be.

What are interviewers looking for?

Not only do employers want to know that you can do the job – this is where you need to expand on your CV and give real-life examples of how you’ve applied your knowledge and skills – they are also looking at things like:

• Do you have the key skills needed to do the job?
• Body language – your body language gives away a lot more than you might think. So sit up straight (don’t slouch!), smile and make eye contact.
• What kind of person are you? Are you friendly and approachable?
• Will you be a good team fit? Do you suit the company’s values?
• Do you really want the job? Do you have a genuine interest in the organisation? Did you take the time to learn about the company?
• Will your skills and knowledge help solve their problems?
• Can you bring new skills or ideas to the job?
• Are you flexible/adaptable?
• Will you be a self-starter or will you need constant supervision?
• Will you respect management?

Typical job interview questions

Every experience is different, but many employers will ask you the same kind of job interview questions and use similar interview techniques. Here are the most common interview questions:

• Tell me a bit about yourself?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What is your greatest achievement?
• Tell me about a challenge you’ve faced and how you dealt with it.
• What motivates you?
• How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
• Give an example of when you’ve worked in a team to achieve something.
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Do you have any questions for us?

It’s a really good idea to practice your answers to these questions in advance so that you’re not panicking on the day. Don’t fall into the trap of memorising a pre-prepared speech because it’s important that your answer sounds natural, but having some idea of how you’ll respond will help you feel more confident. Although preparing for a job interview is essential, you need to strike a balance between knowing your content and sounding natural.

Unusual job interview questions

Some more unusual interview questions that people claim to have been asked over the years include:

• If you were an animal what would you be?
• How many tennis balls can you fit inside a limousine?
• How many petrol stations are there inside the M25?
• Who would win a fight between Spiderman and Batman?
• How would you get an elephant into a fridge?

Don’t fret too much about whether you’ll get asked an oddball interview question. Interviewers are not necessarily expecting an exact answer – there will be lots of possible responses and they just want to see how you react.

Take your time in answering the question and don’t panic. Think about how you could use one of your skills (like problem-solving) to answer it and embrace the question even though it sounds strange to you.

Remember, there is no right answer to these questions.

‘Preparation is everything when it comes to job interviews.’

Questions to ask during an interview

It’s pretty likely that you’ll be asked if you have any questions yourself at the end of the interview and it’s really important to have some prepared.

Asking questions shows an employer that you care about your career and that you’re genuinely interested in the job.

Use this as an opportunity to find out some more about the role and the company culture, which will help you to decide if it’s the right place for you.

If you’re stumped about what to ask, here are some popular questions to inspire you:

• Why has the job become available?
• Where does the role fit into the overall team structure?
• What are you looking for in a candidate?
• What’s the working environment like?
• What training/development opportunities are available?
• How is performance measured and reviewed?
• When can I expect to hear from you?

While it might be tempting to start talking money, this isn’t really the time for it – unless you are actually asked what your expectations are. It’s better to save any talk of salary until you’ve been offered the job.

Job interview tips

First off, take some job interview tips from Linda Spencer – she should know, she’s a careers adviser at Harvard University. Plus, she’s very friendly:

Now, here’s a round-up of our top job interview tips:

Do your homework

One of the best job interview tips there is! Read up on the company so you can answer any questions they may ask you about them confidently. Have a look at their website and social media sites, and do an online search to see if there’s been any recent news about them.

Practice makes perfect

It really is true – if you practice your answers to some of the typical job interview questions above, you’ll be prepared for them on the day. So get in front of that mirror and get interviewing yourself!

Plan your outfit in advance

Make sure you’re dressed to impress. Read our article on what to wear for interviews for some advice on making a good first impression.

Arrive on time

Think about how you’ll get to the interview and allow plenty of time in case there’s traffic/public transport problems. It’s also a good idea to have a backup route planned so you’re not panicking on the day if it all goes wrong.

Smile – and breathe!

You may be freaking out on the inside but it’s really important to take a few deep breaths and stay calm. It’s perfectly natural to be nervous but the interviewer will want to see how you handle your nerves.

Make sure you smile and make eye contact – and a firm handshake won’t go amiss either. Good luck!

This infographic from Visually shows you some crucial job interview tips for your next interview – and that includes what not to do as well (just right click and select “Open image in new tab” to see it full size). If you’d like to know more, have a read of our very own job interview dos and don’ts page. Oh, and keep scrolling for tips on telephone interviews.

Telephone job interview tips

If you have a telephone interview, you have the added bonus of being able to have some notes to hand without the employer knowing!

But remember, it’s really important that your responses sound natural and that they answer the question being asked, so avoid preparing full responses in advance and reading them like a script.

Instead, just jot down some notes or bullet points around these topics that you can refer to:

• Your skills (including some real-life examples of how you’ve applied them).
• Your strengths.
• A weakness (and think of how you turned this into a positive).
• An example of when you worked as a team – it could be a previous job, a project at school, a sports team or an after-school club.
• Some background info about the company.
• Any questions you want to ask.

Another good technique is to have your CV and cover letter (or application form) to hand, as well as a glass of water in case your throat becomes dry – you don’t want to squeak!

Make sure that you’re in a quiet place for your telephone interview where you know that there’s good phone reception. Speak slowly and clearly, being as concise as you can when you answer and avoiding too many “umms” and “likes” while you’re thinking.

This article was used with kind permission from successatschool.org

It’s never easy to hear that you didn’t get the job or apprenticeship you applied for.

And while we know that feeling of disappointment is very real, there is a silver lining. Hold your head high and use this as a learning opportunity: how can you use the setback to your advantage? The answer is by requesting feedback from the company on your application and interview. If you approach it in the right way, you’ll come away with lots of useful info that you can use in the future.

‘Job rejections come with a silver lining. Use the opportunity to ask for feedback and develop your skills’

So here is a 5-step guide on how to ask why you didn’t get the job.

1. Think it over first

First things first. After your application or job interview, it’s important to take some time to reflect on why you may not have been given the position.

Ask yourself:

• Did I meet all of the requirements (ie skills and experience) listed in the job posting?
• Does my cover letter or CV need some work?
• Did I answer the interview questions to the best of your ability?
• Did I show enthusiasm for the company and the role?
• If I could go back in time, what would I do differently?

2. Say thanks

Once you’ve done some reflection on the interview and you’re ready to receive some constructive criticism, the first step is to send an email to the employer. You should already have the contact details of the person who arranged your interview, or who you sent your job application form to.

Write a polite email saying thanks and ask why you didn’t get the job — but using the right questions!

It’s very common for job applicants to request feedback – employers usually take this as a sign you’re interested and keen to improve on your abilities – so don’t be nervous. But it is very important to be polite. First of all, thank the employer for their time in reviewing your application or carrying out the interview. Say that you’re grateful for the opportunity to interview for the role. You could perhaps mention something specific you learned from the experience.

3. Ask for feedback

Once you’ve said thanks, you can then politely ask for feedback on your application. You should send an email requesting a short phone call with the employer. If they decide not to do a phone call, they might consider answering a few questions by email.

Here is a sample email you could adapt and send:

Subject: {Job role position}

Dear Ms/Mr LastName,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the {insert job role} position on {insert date}. I also appreciate you letting me know that I wasn’t selected for this position.

While I’m disappointed I wasn’t chosen, I would appreciate the chance to get some honest feedback as I am still very interested to work with you in the future. Would you be available for a brief telephone call to discuss how I could improve upon my candidacy for employment? Any detailed feedback you could share would be much appreciated and would help me improve in future interviews.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

FirstName LastName
Phone
Email

4. Make sure to ask the right questions

A common problem when it comes to how to ask why you didn’t get the job is that some employers will give vague feedback. Part of the reason for that is they don’t want to knock your confidence. Another reason is that some employers worry that you might take the feedback badly and become argumentative.

But unspecific advice won’t be very helpful for your future job hunting! So a good way to avoid that happening is by clearly stating your intentions (ie “I’d like the opportunity to develop my skills”) and then asking the right questions. For example:

• Is there anything specific I can work on?
• How could I come across better in future interviews?
• Is there a particular soft skill I need to improve?
• What area of my CV needs to be improved?
• What was the thing I did best?
• Were there any key qualifications for this role that were missing in my CV?
• Did you conclude that my job references could have been stronger?
• Do you have any tips on how I could have better researched your company before the interview?
• Do you have any other suggestions for me?

5. Listen and apply the feedback

It’s important to listen carefully to the feedback, even if you might disagree with some of it. Again, be polite and enthusiastic to learn. While it is disappointing not to get the job, think about the setback as a process, a chance to learn and apply the advice in your future applications. Plus, asking for feedback can be seen as a good networking opportunity as you’ll make a good impression on the employer.

Article credit: successatschool.org

Image credit: Lead image via Pexels

• You applied on time
• Your CV was neat and professional
• You have the correct qualifications and experience
• You sent all the documentation they asked for
• You included a covering letter explaining why you feel you are the right candidate for the position

BUT you still didn’t get contacted for a job interview.

5 common reasons why you might not have been invited for an interview:

1. Your telephone number/email address on your CV is wrong.

• It’s typed incorrectly or the phone number has changed!

2. You don’t have an email address

• In this modern age, businesses prefer to contact people on an email address.
• CLICK HERE to learn how to get an email address.

3. You don’t answer your phone

• Make sure you ALWAYS answer your phone with your name. Example. Hello, Sipho speaking.

4. Inappropriate ringtone

• Keep it neutral. Loud music, lyrics and tones may be offensive or inappropriate for that important call-back

5. Background noise is too loud

• Quickly find a quiet place to answer your phone.
• If they can’t hear you – they cannot offer you an interview! It’s that simple.

JOB HUNTING TIPS:

If you’ve applied for a job:

(1) Make sure that your phone is ALWAYS on for at least 2-3 weeks afterwards.

(2) Make sure you ALWAYS answer your phone professionally. It might be the company phoning to offer you an interview.

• Answer with your name.
• e.g.: Hello, Sipho speaking / Good morning, Janine speaking

Find a quiet place, asap!

Speak clearly and professionally.

Always have a pen and paper ready so you can write down the address and time of interview.

Thank the caller for getting back to you

You might ONLY get one chance. Get it right the first time!

If I play hard to get, soon the phone stops ringing altogether – Mason Cooley