4 Interview Mindsets That Won’t Get You That Job

by Joan Igamba

We often hear that there is no substitute for thorough preparation before an interview- usually along the lines of researching the company and considering possible questions.

What about the attitude you go to the interview room with? What is your mental state on the day? These are important questions to ask yourself because your mindset, positive or negative, plays a huge role in whether you land the job.

Use the following as a guide on which attitudes to avoid throughout the interview process.

1. Expecting Certain Questions

It is important to prepare beforehand. However, going into an interview with the expectation that a list of questions you had rehearsed will get asked, is not right.

For example, expecting the interviewer to lead with the common, tell me about yourself question and instead they ask you what three words could best describe you, could confuse you. Something the interviewer could interpret as self-doubt or lack of confidence.

To avoid this, prepare using the commonly asked questions but go with an open mind. Expect a situation where the questions you expect, do not get asked at all.

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2. A pessimistic approach

Going into an interview with the attitude that this is yet another interview that you will not ace, is not right. Rejections from previous employer should not cause you to have a bad attitude because this will come across as a lack of enthusiasm to the interviewer.

To avoid this, you have to shift your mind to see rejection as redirection. That rejection is redirecting you to go after roles you are qualified for. Remain optimistic all through and never take rejection personally.

3. Thinking they are wrong and right answers

Every employer will be different. Some will ask you questions that are designed to test your decision making or your critical thinking skills. One good example is this question: What came first? The chicken or the egg? Overthinking such a question could cause you to miss the point of the question entirely.

To avoid this, just share your thought process out loud with the interviewer and trust that your thinking is in the right place.

4. Not selling yourself enough

Interviews are like a sales pitch. They are a time for you to shine and market yourself as the best person for the position.  Do not sit back and think your CV alone will convince them to hire you. Impress the employers on a one to one basis as well. Do not make false claims but remain enthusiastic all through the interview. Talk about your achievements and any new ideas you might have.

In Conclusion,

Keep in mind that the interview process is a competition and there is no second prize. Ms Lucy Karwigi, an interview coach at Corporate Staffing Services, can help you through a mock interview process to help you stand a better chance.