Ever been in a job interview where the interviewers didn't quite know what to ask? Here's how to help them out and land the job. Best-selling author Martin Yate, a career coach and former HR professional, takes your questions each week about how to further your career in HR. Contact him at the e-mail address at the end of this column.
I went to an interview recently and I knew I would be able to do the job really well. I was excited and I wanted the job, but the interviewer never asked me the questions that would have allowed me to show my enthusiasm or capabilities. In fact, he didn't ask many questions at all, and he did most of the talking. It was a really depressing experience, and I'm wondering if there is anything I could have done differently. ~ Anonymous
You are not alone! Almost everyone has come away from an interview thinking that they could do the job but that they hadn't been given the opportunity to showcase their skills and the great match they were for that employer's needs. What you experienced may happen again, so let's make sure you are ready to turn this to your advantage next time.
Success as a manager depends on getting work done through others, which makes employee selection critical. Nevertheless, there will always be interviewers who don't know how to interview*, and—worse for them and for the company—they don't know that they don't know how to interview. These tips will help you help them learn more about you.
Read more