Completing your STEM education is one thing, but landing a job in your field is another. The only thing standing in your way is a successful interview. This article will guide you in overcoming failures and mistakes in STEM interviews. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive right into it and take you through the common mistakes and how to overcome them.
The Importance of Interviews
Interviews are a crucial part of the recruitment process, and you cannot land a job without a successful interview. The interview is an essential opportunity for employers and potential employees to get to know each other. This is also your chance to learn about the company and see if you are the right fit. Thus, make sure you are prepared, ask questions, and get clarity.
Common Failures and Mistakes in STEM Interviews
Arriving late
Timing plays a big role in the first impression you make on your potential employer. Arriving late is the worst thing you can do. Punctuality is a key trait used to judge an employee, and tardiness during an interview reflects poorly on you.
To avoid this in the future, you need to plan and prepare for your journey. Take all possible delays into account to avoid reaching the location late. Check your mode of transportation to ensure it is in good condition to avoid any unexpected delays on the day of the interview.
Dressing Casually
How you dress for an interview is very important. A company is unlikely to hire you if you appear for an interview in a casual t-shirt and jeans. You need to dress for the part you want to play. Do not make the mistake of dressing casually for an interview.
Pick out your best clothes well-suited for the interview, iron them, ensure they don’t have any stains, and then go for the interview in full confidence. Half the confidence stems from your appearance.
Your Resume Matters
What you include in your resume will be crucial. Avoid including anything deceitful, and make sure it is created in a presentable manner. There are plenty of appealing resume formats that you can use. Ensure everything in the resume is clearly defined and provides value. Here, you can include extra-curricular degrees and any other additional qualifications.
Avoid Disturbances
In an interview, your full focus should be on the interviewer. It is courteous to switch off your smartphone devices when you enter an interview. This will ensure there are no distractions during the interview. It is proof of your etiquette and professionalism.
Get Your Rest
Make sure you get the necessary rest before the interview. You don’t want to be caught dozing off or yawning in the middle of the interview. Also, you need to get your rest to be mentally sharp and physically active.
Know the Company
You will be asked questions about the company, but people often make the mistake of not researching about the company and its working culture. This leads to problems in the future and early resignation when you realize your values and goals don’t align with the company’s. It is a waste of time for everyone involved, including the employer and employee.
Eating or Drinking During the Interview
You are present to give an interview, not to have some grub with your potential employer. Maintain professionalism and avoid eating or drinking during the interview. It is not only disruptive but also unprofessional.
Being Negative of the Previous Company
No one likes to hang around people who bring negative energy. You need to keep a positive and optimistic attitude. It might seem convenient to be pessimistic about the previous company, but it doesn’t give a good impression. You are at the interview to discuss your capabilities as opposed to the previous company.
Failure to Ask Questions
An interview is like a conversation; it is a two-way street. You are expected to answer questions, but you are also expected to ask some questions. It shows that you are interested and have an understanding of the job role.
Talking Too Much
The interview is your chance to showcase your knowledge and skills. Some people have a habit of talking too much in such situations, which could leave a negative impression on their employers. You can blurt out the wrong answer, so think before you speak.
Guidance on Overcoming Failures and Mistakes
Textbook Responses
Here is some guidance on overcoming failures and mistakes: avoid textbook responses. During the recruitment process, hundreds of employees are screened, and they all respond the same way. If you want the job, you need to stand out from others. Avoiding the textbook response and sharing your insight into the topic is important.
Body Language
Interviewers are trained to observe body language to identify how an individual feels – are they comfortable? Are they confident? Learn to use your body language to show confidence and curiosity.
Forgetting Details on Your Resume
People write their resumes once and forget the details they included. Remember to review your resume and cover letter before heading in for the interview. This will ensure you aren’t caught off guard.
Follow up
Candidates never follow up on their interviews when it could be a good way to stand out from the crowd. It shows that you are genuinely interested in this job opportunity and leaves a positive impression on the hiring manager.
Concluding Thoughts
You are bound to get nervous about your interview. That’s normal, even good, because it means you care and are ready to go the extra mile to ace it. If you need help, grab Jeffrey Harvey’s guidebook STEM Secrets for Interviewing. The book provides insights into some of the essential mindsets to conquer interviews and answers the common questions asked in STEM interviews.
Grab your copy today and stand out from other candidates.
