WHAT ARE THE SIX RED FLAGS TO BE AWARE OF AT INTERVIEW?
Even at the most senior levels, interviews can be fraught with challenges. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review identified six red flags that are commonly raised in face-to-face interviews for senior executive positions.
What are the six red flags to be aware of at interview? And what can you do as a candidate to avoid raising them in the first place?
The six red flags may seem obvious, but the fact that they’ve been singled out in research suggests they merit close attention.
The six red flags
- Poor self-awareness
- Lack of preparation
- Poor manners/lack of professionalism
- Excessive self-interest
- Problematic relationships with past/present employers
- A history of job-hopping
The three Cs
The solution to avoiding red flags – for both candidates and employers – comes neatly packaged as the three Cs: clarity, courtesy and coherence.
Here are some ways candidates at all levels can use the three Cs to enhance their chances of success at interview.
Build a greater understanding of yourself.
Think about what strengths you bring to a role, where you work best and with who. It’s also important to reflect on the aspects of a role that are best suited to others in your team and why.
Find out about the role you’re going for.
Do some research into the organisation you’ve applied to, and the specific role. There should be plenty of places to look for information, including corporate websites, social media pages and professional contacts. If you’re going for a senior position, you’ll also need a solid understanding of the industry sector the organisation operates in. As you work your way through, think about what questions you’d like to ask your potential employer.
Present well at interview.
There are so many little things you can do to show your best self at interview. From getting a steer on the right dress code, planning your route to arrive ahead of time, and using breathing techniques to control your nerves. It should go without saying that being polite and respectful in all your interactions is crucial.
Don’t ask for too much too soon.
Focus on impressing your interviewer/s before asking what’s in it for you. Discussions about salary may be best left until later in the selection process.
Avoid negative talk about previous employers.
This is a classic red flag – telling a potential employer how awful your previous employer was. Try to find a way of reframing the experience, perhaps in terms of progressing your career elsewhere, or mutually agreeing to go your separate ways.
Know your career story
If you’ve moved jobs multiple times in your career, it’s important to be able to explain why, and what these different experiences have brought you. And why things will be different if you secure the role you’re applying for this time around.
The three Cs aren’t rocket science. They are simple, effective qualities to guide you to success as you reflect on yourself, your career, your fit for a role, and how you can perform well at interview.
If you’re a high performer looking for your next role, contact the professional team at Optimal Recruitment today on info@optimalrecruitment.com.au or 02 8416 4181.
