The Talent Division
Recruitment insights, career advice, and industry news from our team.
Not getting the job can really sting. You've prepared. You've had the interview. You've imagined yourself doing the job. And then you get the email or phone call saying: "Unfortunately, on this occasion..." It's disappointing. Of course it is. But after nearly 30 years in recruitment, there's one thing I'd really like candidates to remember: Not getting the job doesn't mean you weren't good enough.
As your interview comes to an end, you'll almost always hear the same question. "Do you have any questions for us?" Please don't say... "No, I think you've covered everything." An interview should be a two-way conversation. The questions you ask demonstrate curiosity, preparation and genuine interest. More importantly, they help you decide whether the role is actually right for you.
It sounds like the easiest question in an interview. Yet for many candidates, it's the one that causes the most panic. "Tell me about yourself." Where do you start? How much detail do you give? Should you talk about your personal life? Should you simply read through your CV? The short answer? No.
One conversation I've had countless times over the years starts with the same sentence. "I'd love that job... but I don't think I'm qualified enough." Sometimes the candidate doesn't have one of the qualifications listed. Sometimes they've never worked in that particular industry. Sometimes they're simply lacking confidence. My answer is often the same. Apply anyway.
Your CV doesn't need to tell your entire life story. Its job is much simpler than that. It needs to make someone want to have a conversation with you. After nearly 30 years in recruitment, here are five mistakes I still see time and time again.
Interviews can be nerve-racking. I've interviewed thousands of people over the years, and one thing I've learnt is this: The candidates who perform best aren't always the most experienced. They're usually the ones who arrive feeling prepared, confident and ready to have a genuine conversation.
