After a job interview, candidates often feel left in the dark, unsure of what hiring managers truly think of their performance. The silence that follows can be confusing and misleading. To shed light on the hiring process, we’ve consulted career experts who are privy to the unspoken rules of job interviews. These are truths that every candidate should know.
Rule #1: Interviewers want a highlight reel, not a laundry list of your accomplishments. When asked to talk about yourself or express interest in the company, it’s crucial to be concise and engaging. Anyelis Cordero, founder of Propel on Purpose Coaching, explains that interviewers expect candidates to walk them through their career in a concise manner. Spending too much time on this answer can leave little room for other questions.
Other interview questions also carry hidden meanings and expectations. Gorick Ng, a career advisor at Harvard University, notes that questions such as “Tell us about a time when…?” are meant to gauge competence and good decision-making skills. Questions like “Do you have any questions for me?” test commitment and research. Understanding the subtext of these questions is important.
Rule #2: Tailor your questions and answers to the role of each interviewer. Daniel Space, a senior human resources business partner, advises candidates to modify their responses based on the role of the interviewer. Peers may be interested in collaboration skills, while managers focus on decision-making abilities. Knowing the differences is key to impressing each interviewer.
Additionally, it’s crucial to understand the roles of sourcers, recruiters, and hiring managers. Sharai Johnson, a sourcer, clarifies that while recruiters and sourcers can advocate for candidates, the final decision lies with the hiring manager. Knowing who to reach out to and direct questions to is vital.
Rule #3: Body language speaks volumes. Laura Hunting, CEO of Found By Inc., emphasizes that a candidate’s body language can have a significant impact on the interview. Keeping good posture, using facial cues, and making eye contact demonstrate active listening and engagement. These small gestures can greatly enhance a candidate’s success.
Rule #4: Have multiple career stories prepared. It’s important to tell the story of your career, but having more than one story is even better. Daniel Space recommends having three or four success stories that can be shared with different interviewers. Repeating the same story may count against a candidate and having a variety of stories demonstrates versatility.
Rule #5: Following up won’t speed up the offer process. It can be frustrating to hear nothing after an interview. However, sending constant follow-up emails won’t change the decision. Daniel Space advises candidates to understand that recruiters won’t forget about them because of a simple email. Instead, focus on moving forward and consider obtaining another job offer to increase leverage.
Rule #6: Thank-you notes are networking opportunities, not job guarantees. While thank-you notes can be a way to connect with interviewers, they rarely sway hiring decisions. Sending one is a nice gesture, but don’t rely solely on it to secure a job.
Understanding these unspoken rules can give candidates an edge during job interviews. By demonstrating conciseness, adapting to different interviewers, showcasing positive body language, having multiple career stories, and managing expectations, candidates can navigate the hiring process with confidence.
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