I've been pondering a couple of quotes this week: "A wise man learns from the mistakes of others" and "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive." - Elbert Hubbard In this spirit, I'm shaking things up this morning and sharing a blooper reel of interview mistakes I've seen over the years (anonymously, of course!). Just grab a coffee, sit back, and get ready for some hilarious tales of interview disasters. You’ll get a good laugh, and hopefully, a good lesson from these face-palm moments! 1. The "Jill-of-All-Trades" A brilliant operations manager found herself in an interview where she overstated her skill set. Before she knew what was coming out of her mouth, she was claiming expertise in a software program she barely knew! She came away dreading an offer, because she knew she'd look a fool the first day on the job. A word of wisdom: it's okay not to know everything. Honesty and a willingness to learn go a long way. 2. Spinning the Yarn on "Tell Me About Yourself" A recent client turned the "tell me about yourself" question into a lengthy autobiography that started from kindergarten and ended at what she had for lunch that day. Moral of the story? Keep it crisp, relatable, and relevant to the role. And remember, no one is that interested in hearing about your cat's latest shenanigans. 3. The "Boss From Hell" Story We've all dealt with difficult bosses, but venting about them in an interview? Big no-no. One of my clients did this and instantly turned the interview mood stormy. The message here? You stay classy San Diego, and concentrate on what you've learned from those tough times. 4. Giving the Silent Treatment to "Any Questions?" When it was his turn to ask questions, this client was as quiet as a mouse. Mike-drop moment, interview over! Asking smart questions shows you're interested and helps you assess the company's fit. So make sure you have a few prepared. 5. Playing the Waiting Game Post-Interview It amazes me how many people reply "nothing" when I ask what they did to follow up their interview. What a missed opportunity! Sending a thank you note can keep you fresh in their minds. So, quit staring at your phone, get on the front foot and drop a friendly email reaffirming your interest in the role. Yes, interviews can feel like navigating a minefield, but remember, you've got backup. My interview prep sessions are designed to turn those "oops" moments into "nailed it!" experiences. That's all for this week. Here's to more laughter and less facepalming in your interviews! Remember - your dream job is possible, and we're here to help you achieve it. Have a wonderful weekend, Trinity (on behalf of myself and Andrea) Views Professional Development www.viewspd.com.au
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