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The Realities of Job Interviews
Job interviews are still a key part in the process of selecting a new member of staff.
While there may well be other things that are taken into account, how the interview goes will be a big factor on who gets the job offer and who gets rejected.
Of course the reliability of job interviews is not always great.
Nevertheless there are some realities to be aware of if you want to achieve better results in job interviews.
Reality 1: It’s Tough For The Interviewer Too
These days if you go along for an interview for an accounting job, chances are the person you will meet is your potential boss.
They like you are an accountant. Now if they have been trained they might be good interviewers.
The sad reality is few do it often enough to become really good.
As a result it’s tough for them to make the right decision.
What this means for you as the candidate is that you need to provide continual assurance that you are the right person for the job.
Reality 2: The Most Qualified and Knowledgeable Person Doesn’t Always Get The Job
You can be the smartest accountant around.
But still not get the job.
Why?
Because ultimately you have to sell yourself as the ideal choice.
Easy to say but not always easy to do.
Reality 3: Some Things You Can Influence and Some Things You Can’t
You can do all the right things to prepare well.
You can give it your all in the job interview and work to build rapport.
These are two things you can influence.
What you can’t influence is the judgments the interviewer makes about you.
So focus on what you can influence.
Reality 4: You Will Get Rejected
It might be nice to think that you will always get an offer.
In reality you will get rejected.
The more senior the role the more likely it is going to happen.
Whenever you get rejected following an interview get feedback, consider what you can do differently but most importantly stay positive.
Reality 5: You Don’t Know Much About The Team Ahead of The Job Interview
If you are lucky you may well be able to get some insights but this can be difficult.
Often decisions between two candidates come down to who is going to be the best fit for the team.
This is particularly true in those situations where either candidate could be appointed.
In truth job interviews can be a bit of a mystery. Going in with your eyes open and with a sense of reality can help you to overcome some of the challenges.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.