THE KISS OF DEATH IN AN INTERVIEW
August 22nd, 2006
This topic is so simple and yet so important!
The phrase, or answer to any question should NEVER be “I’M WILLING TO LEARN!”
It is one of the most commonly made mistakes during the interviewing process.
This phrase translates into “I DON’T HAVE THE SKILLS YOU NEED, WILL YOU TRAIN ME?”
People often feel that it is better to let their prospective employer know that they are trainable and willing to do whatever it takes, to secure the job. The problem lies in the interpretation of the hiring authority. It is their job to make sure that they hire an individual who has the skill sets necessary to do the job they have open. The truth is that they don’t want to “TRAIN” someone, they want to hire the individual that already HAS the ability to “hit the ground running” with all of the skills they need! (unless the position title is something like Management Trainee!)
KISS AWAY THE PHRASE “WILLING TO LEARN” and replace it with a confident “YES” or an honest “NO”…both are more direct and appreciated by the person who may be representing your dream job!
Also, DO NOT list a skill on your resumes unless you are proficient and know you are able to pass a test if one is administered. If you are tested and do not posses the required skill, you have wasted your time and the interviewer’s time. Your application and resume will be “tagged” and you will never have another chance to be considered for future positions with that company, because they will feel you were dishonest in the interviewing process.
In the interviewing process, it is important to put everything on the table that will convince this person to hire you as opposed to your competition! Remember this is an “audition”, which means it’s your chance to have this hiring authority view you as the person for the job.
Good luck in your job search….. Nancy J. Phillips, CPC