Struggling with interviewing

How to improve your batting percentage during your job search

Q: This month I started looking for a new job. My 10-year anniversary just happened. I need to make more money, and I am frustrated. I have great experience. I have been sending resumes out and I have been interviewing. Interviewing is easier using Zoom since I don’t have to take “dentist appointment” days off. But I never get past the screening interview. I feel like I knock it out of the park. I feel good after I have met with any interviewer, whether using zoom or in their establishment. It is frustrating. I am not sure what I am asking. Other than how am I failing?

A: I would give you an A for persistence. The job market is favorable for job hunters and candidates can be a bit more selective. However, the type of role, the industry, the level of a role, the location and a number of other factors can impact a job search.

Failing is a strong word. I would instead view your experience differently. Very few of us have a 100% batting average when it comes to interviewing, me included. Instead focus on ways to improve.

Sometimes landing an interview indicates that your resume is likely impressive. Candidates who have not been invited to interview with a company sometimes have presented a resume that is suboptimal.

Interviews can be challenging and nerve wracking. Remember the interview is a two-way street. An employer is trying to better assess you as a candidate. Not only is the interviewer evaluating your skills and abilities, but they are also assessing how you will complement the department/team, whether your workstyle will be a good cultural fit, and how you may be able to add value to the company. An interview is also an opportunity for you to learn about the company, the role, and the team on which you would work, as well as how you might work with the hiring manager. If a company expects you to arrive at 7am, is that OK for you? If a company does not offer competitive benefits, is that a deal breaker? If a hiring manager works remotely 100% of the time, does that not work for you? There are many reasons why a job might not be a good fit for your expectations.

Smart candidates research the company well before any interview, whether the interview is conducted via Zoom or on site. You can learn quite a bit from their website. You can better understand company size, their product or service, their industry or niche, and may be even their strategy. LinkedIn is a useful tool to research the company, their leadership, and their employees. Perhaps you have a contact there. Having a contact with a prospective employer can be helpful. Any internal contact can give you additional information about the company, the culture and maybe even the team or the hiring manager.

A couple of interview pointers:

Here are a few tips for a Zoom/Video interview:

• Be prepared. Log on early and work out any technical snafus before the interview start time.
• Ensure a distraction-free environment.
• Make sure your lighting is acceptable.
• Have a copy of your resume readily available.
• Dress as if you were interviewing face-to face.

For an onsite interview:

• Arrive a few minutes early.
• Offer a firm handshake.
• Map out a route beforehand if you have the slightest concern about how to get to your interview destination. Build in extra time if you are concerned about commute.
• Bring an extra hard copy of your resume.
• Dress the part. It is always better to be a bit overdressed than underdressed. I often suggest reviewing their website. How are people dressed on their website? This information will guide you on what is acceptable.
• At the end of an in-person interview, thank those who met you. Again, offer a firm handshake.

For any type of interview:

• Be prepared to respond to the most common interview questions. Provide examples to support your answers.
• Maintain good eye contact and appropriate body language.
• Avoid talking negatively about your former colleagues or employers. This is a turnoff.
• Send thank you emails to all interviewers. Follow up in a persistent but professional way.

Lastly, like any skill, if you practice, you will become more proficient. And remember this is not failure. You have identified the problem, now it is time to brainstorm solutions.