Job hunting is a very daunting task. Your nerves are probably on the edge from the time you apply to when you formally start the job and all this time, you’re careful not to say or do anything that can mess up your chances.
One of the things a job seeker hopes for while going for an interview is a casual, ‘easy-going’ recruiter. One who will understand that you really need the job, one who will remember deep down that you’re qualified and all in all, that with all the nerves going around, you’re trying your very best to put your best foot forward. However, in a bid to show off our best traits, we can sometimes say things that automatically disqualify us in the eyes of the recruiter. Some of these things are:
1. Resentment/Anger towards past employers or jobs.
I once read that we don’t leave bad jobs, we leave bad bosses and I totally concur. Most of us have had negative working relationships at some point in our career and often, our bosses/managers are the main reason why we’re changing jobs in the first place. But, you never want to say that in an interview. Why? First of all, the Nairobi workspace is tiny, trust me. Your new boss might just be your new boss’ best friend.
Second, speaking negatively about your past work experience will only make you look like a complainer. Regardless of the situation, say it was a great learning experience for your career at the time, but that you have outgrown the role and are excited about taking on new challenges.
2. Too much information
The last thing your recruiter wants to hear is how you need the job because you need to pay HELB loans and how the landlord is on your case for not paying three months of rent on time. It might look like a way to capture the emotions of your recruiter but trust me, they don’t need to know all that information. The wrong personal details can often disqualify an otherwise excellent candidate.
3. Don’t show your desperation.
Of course you’re desperate for the job. I mean, who isn’t? but you should never tell your recruiter that you’re so interested in the job, you would even bargain for them to take you in with less than what they’re offering. You might think that this will make you desirable in their eyes, but it mostly makes you look needy and you’ll really end up downplaying yourself in the long run.
Employers don’t want to hear that you really need the job (because you’re going broke or because you have hospital bills to pay)
4. Being Arrogant
Being confident in your abilities and expressing why you’re the right fit for a role is fine, its great even because you’re proud of what you’ve done and achieved so far but don’t overdo it. There’s a fine line between wanting the job and seeming entitled to it.
It’s okay to talk about your previous achievements, and ask about potential promotions within the role, but it’s not okay to tell the interviewer that you DESERVE the job.
5. Don’t lie
One of the things I’ve heard over time is that over-exaggerates at interviews, even when we don’t realize it at first. While this might be true and our mind want to
This might be true, but it’s risky business, and it rarely works out for the best. You’ll only end up stumbling over yourself when asked to elaborate your story, and there’ll be tell-tale signs from your body language that could give it all away.
So be honest about your genuine achievements and experience, and it will work in your favour. And if not? Get ready for the most awkward first day ever when you eventually get the job and you have to reveal that you can’t actually speak Portuguese..
