10 Interview Awkward Moments
Whether you want a change of career or you are looking to get back to a professional route again, an interview is inevitable and you might find it difficult to step in the job hunting world again. However, if you prepare for the worst, you will easily restore confidence in yourself. So, here are the 10 interview awkward moments and their countermoves.
1. Silence
Regardless of how nervous people are at their interview, it still remains an official meeting where two possible partners discuss their professional compatibility. Time is limited, so the moments of silence are not only awkward but also potentially damaging as well. Candidates should take advantage of each second of their interview to prove they are worthy of the new opening.
Solution: You should prepare in advance answers to possible questions. Even though you know what you have accomplished and who you are as a professional, sometimes you can’t find your words due to pressure. So, do your homework and always come prepared for an interview.
2. Lack of Eye Contact
Today’s HR power might be represented by young employees, and it might get awkward to talk with someone when the age gap is too large. However, the company chose them as their representatives, and their judgment will decide the future of your career.
Solution: You should not be influenced by appearances and offer your full attention to your interviewer. Constant eye contact is an important communication factor that will facilitate a better dialogue and will convince them of your reliability and seriousness.
3. Handshakes
People will always be able to tell a lot from a handshake. If it’s too weak, your interviewer might perceive you as indifferent. If it lasts too long, your interviewer might find odd or off-putting.
Solution: Even though the handshake is the most important part of a professional introduction, a quick and firm one will suffice. This gesture will convey determination, ambition, and the drive to get directly to business.
4. Lack of Adaptability to the Modern Age
Today’s workplace relies a great deal on technology. The entire world has updated to the digital environment and companies adopted this trend too to remain relevant for their clients. So, when interviewers assess the skills of senior professionals, they start by making sure that they will be able to keep up with the tech part of their future responsibilities. Many companies are now requiring their staff to register an employee account. This portal has become the only information source for their paycheck, payroll, discounts, and a lot of other details regarding their workplace. Thus, their employees need to know how to log in and use this portal in the first place.
Solution: If your tech skills are a little rusty, there are many insightful tutorials and online courses out there ready to teach you. They can get you up to speed with the latest trends in technology in no time.
5. The Interviewer Is not Familiar with Your Expertise
If you have an extensive career, the chances are the interviewer might not be aware of some projects you’ve worked on or the technical notions you use. This might get a little awkward for the other part too, as they don’t know if these new concepts recommend you for their opening or not.
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Solution: Even though the interviewers didn’t do their job, it doesn’t mean that you should be condescending or continue throwing impressive-sounding terms at them. Instead, you should remain professional and explain what the concepts mean and how you can help the company based on this knowledge.
6. Too Personal Questions
Companies are interested in knowing the candidates a little too well sometimes. This intrusive curiosity can lead to awkward questions regarding your religious and political views, possible debts, or your personal plans for the future.
Solution: According to Forbes, these questions are not within legal limits, so you are not forced to answer them. Any reply can make the interviewer become biased and disregard you as a compatible candidate on the grounds of different political opinions for instance. So, to avoid any subjective penalties, you can redirect your answer gently to a professional subject.
7. Brief Answers
Even though your answers are on point, they may lack depth if there are too brief. Once again, the interviewer has a limited time to know you better, and they don’t know yet why you are perfect for the job.
Solution: When it comes to interviews, it is okay to be the person who speaks the most in the room. Don’t let your answers revolve around “yes” or “no,” but elaborate on your idea. For example, if they ask you “Are you satisfied with your career so far?” bring up examples of projects and accomplishments that can endorse your positive or negative answers.
8. Posture
When time is limited, appearances can speak volumes about a person. You may say one thing, but your posture can tell a different story about you. This is why your position means a lot during the interview. If you are not paying attention to this, you might not leave a pleasant impression behind you.
Solution: Don’t forget to be aware of your posture. You should sit up straight and a little bit forward to your interviewer. This small detail will send the message that you are engaged and interested in your conversation.
9. Attire
There is always the problem of appearing too formal or not good enough for an interview. It goes without saying that your clothes should be neat and clean, but the perfect style continues to remain controversial.
Solution: Dress for the job you want. A senior marketing or director should definitely dress up. However, being a machinist doesn’t require such a luxury. On the contrary, you might put yourself in an awkward position if you appear overdressed for a casual job.
10. Not Being Yourself
Trying to impersonate a perfect person that has nothing to do with you might make way for too many awkward situations. You might find yourself bursting in laughter if you aim to be too relaxed or touching the interviewer if you planned to be friendlier than you are. If you get away with it, you are in danger to become a square peg trying to fill a round hole.
Solution: It is best to remain yourself, not only to avoid such awkward moments but also for the sake of your future professional career. The company you apply for might not align with your morals and personality. So, if you receive the job, you will suffer consequences in the long run. So, it is best not to hide your weaknesses and describe your strengths exactly how they are. If they choose you for the job, you will know that you will fit in perfectly.
So, this is where our list of awkward moments at the interview ends. You should prepare your strategies to avoid them and get the dream job you want.
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his post was written by Marc Mendelman, a professional writer, and career advisor. He wants to share his knowledge in order to help people make the right decisions and follow a great career path. You can follow him on Twitter.
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