Giving the right interview responses is always the desired goal. But to some candidates dreams are shattered before the panels when wrong answers are given. If you have been looking for closure as to why HR never got back to you, this article might be the answer.
The HR professionals have heard it all. They have seen the good and the bad. All candidates prepare for interviews, but some do not go the distance. It is easy to know what to do, but how about knowing what you should not do? This article gives you first-hand experience from selected HR professionals who share their worst interview responses from candidates. Even bad experiences teach, right?
Tell us about yourself
“The candidate only mentioned their names, we asked if they had anything more to say and they said no. He simply said, “that’s enough.”
This is so wrong, people do not understand that some jobs could really kickstart their careers or even change their lives, yet someone comes in for an interview without any preparation or guidance. It kills everything.
Your name and age are not really helping the recruiting team to know whether you can do the job or not. We want to know more about your experience, qualifications and skills.
If you do not want to fall a culprit of such a response, you might want to know how best to answer tell us about yourself question. - HR Specialist Faizil
What are your weaknesses?
“I dread writing reports and being serious all the time.” the candidate said boldly. I do not know who told job seekers that this is the kind of honesty they are looking for in interviews. Of course, he helped us make a wise decision regarding the final pick for the job, however, this response spoilt everything.”
Which job on planet earth doesn’t include making reports? One of the problems we face in the career world today is that employees want to do less but earn more, it does not add up at all. When an employer makes an investment in you, it is only right you return the favour through good work. I would want to think that the candidate was probably not prepared enough for the interview, but nevertheless, before you head for an interview, please prepare ahead of time. - HR Manager, Bemigisha Sharon
We know some interview questions like these tend to be hard to answer, but this guideline on how to answer such a question will be helpful.
How do your workmates describe you?
“Playful,” said the interview candidate.”
Even though it is okay to be playful, it is better to save this response for a more casual setting and not an interview. This is an important opportunity to describe yourself to the recruiter based on the value you bring to the table. Instead, I would advise interview candidates to opt for richer, more meaningful, and strength-based responses to such questions. For example, "My workmates always refer to me as the fixer. I tend to find immediate solutions to problems at the office". - HR Manager, Bemigisha Sharon
What is your salary expectation?
“Of course, it comes down to the money offer finally, it is all about the money.” said the candidate.
If you have never been short of words, this is the time. As recruiters, we are not looking for candidates to exploit, we just want to have a mutual ground when it comes to salary expectations. I never refuse candidates to give their honest answers, if you cannot do this, excuse yourself from the question. Salary expectation questions keep getting harder, but they always make it among the top 5 questions that recruiters ask. To save yourself the embarrassment, please prepare ahead of time on how to have the best interview response to your salary expectation. -Arthur, HR Officer
Do you have any more questions or is there something you would like us to know about you?
“I know I am the best candidate for this role, so when can I start?” the candidate asked the panel.
Now I know you have been taught to be confident, however, it all comes down to the time, place and context of the question you are asking. Sometimes such confidence will just burn your bridges to success. You cannot mark yourself as the best candidate. Let the recruiters and your results do that. If it is your turn to ask questions in the interview, do it the right way and you will become the recruiter's favourite.
When it comes to giving the best interview responses, preparation is key. We all learn from our mistakes, if you are the victim of sharing some of these responses, then it's time to change the narrative.
