Why Qualified Candidates Fail Job Interviews

October 29, 2015
By BioSpace.com

Your resume may get you the interview, but impressing the hiring manager is the only way to land the job. Oftentimes, highly qualified candidates fail their job interviews without even knowing it. To be considered as the top candidate, hiring managers are not only looking to see if you can do the job, but they are also looking for punctuality, politeness, honesty, your genuine interest in the position and a show of gratitude. If you convey these skills during your interview, you will certainly impress the hiring manager.

1. Be early.
Showing up early to an interview shows initiative and dedication. If the hiring manager isn't there when you arrive, take the time to review your resume and rehearse the interview to yourself. According to Work Smart California, you should practice your interview before arriving as well. Be polite to the receptionist or front desk person who directs you to the waiting area to be seated. Your conduct while waiting may trickle down to the hiring manager after you leave the interview.

2. Be accurate.
One thing that could cost you the position is discrepancies or inconsistencies on your resume. Although you are asked to bring a copy of your resume and to write this information on an application, you will still be asked about your employment and educational history. If you give any answers that are not consistent with your application or resume, this could send up a flag. Be sure to avoid this by taking a good look at your resume and going over it to yourself several times before going to the interview.

With that being said, remember to make the best impression with a well-polished resume. An effective resume contains:

* Resume headline (resume title) that allows the hiring manager to quickly see what makes you right for the job. Match your headline to the employer’s job advertisement.
* Career summary of accomplishments that relates to the advertised position for which you are applying.
* Employment history that relates to the advertised position. Omit jobs that are irrelevant.
* Education section that lists the schools you attended and the degrees and certifications you attained.

3. Be honest about negative work experiences.
During your interview, the hiring manager will ask if you’ve had any negative experiences in your past employment. Be honest about this information and use it as a strong point in your interview. If you had a particularly hard time working with an ex-employee, share the situation and the solution you used to overcome it. This showcases your ability as a problem solver and displays your honesty.

4. Ask questions about the company.
This is one of the often overlooked brownie points in an interview. Asking the hiring manager for background information about the facility shows that you're really interested in becoming part of the team. Also, use this time to engage in conversation about the company by throwing in your two cents. This is where researching the company before your interview becomes important.

5. Follow-up with a thank you letter.
Send a thank you letter after the job interview. If you originally applied for the position by email, simply send a letter to the same contact email address. However, to score extra brownie points, handwritten letters offer a degree of warmth. Send this letter within two business days of your interview. The purpose of this letter is to remind the employer about your application and to show that you appreciate their interest in you.

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