Most, if not all of you, will be nervous for an interview. You will have expectations about what to expect from either, previous interviews or horror stories from people you know.
However, we should all try to remember that not every interviewer or interview process is the same. Candidate qualities will be subject to job role and company cultures. Different companies have different values in the workplace, and you can try and gauge what they might be from your interviewer.
Here are five myths about interviews and what makes them easy to overcome.
1, Experience and qualifications
It’s simply not true that the most qualified and experienced candidate gets the job.
In fact, requirements written for job roles are generally unrealistic.
A candidate may have most of the qualifications and experience that the employer is looking for, but their personality and work ethic may not fit the company ethos
Never write yourself off, you might be just what the company is looking for!
2, Exuding confidence
The age-old myth that being the most confident in the room guarantees you the job and the current trend that assumes super confidence equals success is misconstrued.
While interviewers are looking for a level of confidence, it is confidence in the ability to perform the job, not to believe that you are superior to everyone else.
So, it’s ok to be a little nervous! Nerves show that you care about the outcome.
3, Having all the answers
We all worry that we might say the wrong thing or answer an interviewer’s questions badly. The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer. Of course, employers will have some expectations but you’re not to know what they are. The only right thing you can do is to be honest about yourself.
4, Interviewers know exactly what they want
Please be assured that although employers have a general idea of the type of person they would like for the role, that is always subject to change.
Your CV will have been picked out because of certain qualities, experience or qualifications you have. The interview stage is to get to know your personality and to qualify what you have written down on your CV. So, as long as everything is true, the only thing you need to worry about is charming them with your personality!
5, You’re only there to answer questions
Yes, you will be expected to answer some questions during an interview. This doesn’t mean that is all you are there to do.
Most interviewers will want you to engage in a conversation with them; talk about your experiences in relevance to the role, discuss your achievements and how you think your abilities and personality would be a good fit for their company.
Remember, every interview is different! The outcome is dependent on your ability to portray yourself with confidence and the necessary skills to do the job.
Hopefully by debunking these five myths, we have given you some of that confidence you might need!