The Most Common Reasons People Fail Job Interviews

I am often asked by workshop participants how they can boost their confidence before an important event to improve their chances of success. But, even as a former business owner, it is not so easy for me to tell them what they need to do to make an impact because we’re all unique individuals. Instead, I have found it more beneficial to mention the most common reasons people fail interviews, for example, which allows them to assess for themselves which ones might be of particular value and take some action to improve them. They would also be boosting their confidence in the long-term instead of just to suit the moment.

According to research, you have only 7 seconds in a job interview to make a good first impression, and you are likely to need 4 or 5 interviews before landing your job, so competition is likely to be fierce. Basically, there are 6 aspects to address before your interview, though you have little control over the 6th element except to keep an open mind.

1. The first common reason for failure is: A lack of SELF-BELIEF. If you don't believe you will get the job, then stop right there. Pointless going to the interview. It's like having a big sign on your chest saying, "Don't hire me. I am useless!" When you lack self-belief, you lack faith and determination as well, so why should someone choose you above another person who clearly thinks they are best for the job? If you don't think you are suitable, that you are just what they are seeking, they won't believe that either, because it will be reflected in your approach (whether timid or confident), your body language (whether comfortable or awkward) and your responses (whether relevant or vague). It's like asking the company to accept what you have already rejected: namely yourself!

YOU have to start with faith in yourself, if you wish someone put their faith in you, . You need to genuinely believe you can add something to that organisation and show what it is. If you cannot do that, you would be wrong for the position as you would only end up feeling overwhelmed, taking from the company but giving very little back.

In simple terms, self-belief generates the CONFIDENCE to put yourself across, because without that, you start at a disadvantage. A simple way to boost self-belief is to LIST up to 5 things you can offer that job, how you could make a real difference to whatever your specific role might be. It is very empowering seeing it in print and you would also be ready with your answers when you are quizzed.

2. SEEKING APPROVAL. We underestimate how much we seek approval when we go to interviews. We are so desperate to be liked, and to be given a job, we will say anything to an employer, hoping that is what they want to hear, never mind that it doesn't really match with our personality or aspirations! When you can go to an interview and genuinely don't care whether you get the job or not, you will be half way to getting what you really want, because you will say only what matters to you, and demonstrate what you truly value. In this way, you will shine above the rest because you are simply being you. And by being you, the employer will be able to make a clearer choice as to whether you share anything with them, and will fit into their environment, or not.

3. Not doing your HOMEWORK. According to legaljob.io, 47% of the candidates failed their job interview because they didn’t have enough information on the company they applied to. What is the point of being interviewed by a business or service that you know nothing about? How will you decide how you can fulfil its requirements, or what you will gain from it? The minute you are asked to attend an interview, you need to research the organisation's history, service, products, top team, ethos, reputation and potential. Identify the areas in which you could make a difference and where you would be most comfortable. Highlight the things you definitely align with and what you don't, so you can test your levels of comfort working for them. What will YOU get from them, and how? At least when they reach this crucial part: Do you have any questions for us? You'll be ready with a file full of queries to show your understanding of their objectives and agenda.

4. Choosing the WRONG EMPLOYER. Often, because we are so desperately seeking a job, we come to believe that any job will do. But when we are doing something for spurious or superficial reasons it will soon be out. It can be spotted a mile by the interviewers. For example, what is the point of applying for a job in the military, just because they give a cash advance, if you hate taking orders from anyone. Sooner or later you will come unstuck.

You can always change your career field, but only attend interviews for the jobs you really care about and are sure you can do. You will then prepare for it to the best of your ability and you're more likely to be successful. You will be able to show that, despite your lack of experience, you could offer a lot more to the role than expected. So don't be afraid of going after any job in the world. Just be SURE that's the one you want when you make the time to attend the interview, and you have the self-belief to succeed at it.

5. Not taking the INTERVIEW seriously enough. Sometimes we become punch-drunk with interviewing, especially if we have been on too many, we are using one employer to judge another, or we become demoralised by not being selected. Either way, it can tempt us to just go through the motions. That is not advisable. You cannot please everyone so don't go into too much soul searching after every interview, especially if the top five of these elements are in place. Just keep reminding yourself that the right job for you will come along. As long as you are prepared emotionally and physically, and do your best, it will happen. However the moment you become resigned or lose that self-belief, you are put yourself at a disadvantage. Try to keep your spirits up by going on training courses, talking to friends, taking encouragement from those who matter to you. And just keep at it. You do get there in the end, if you have that faith, patience and determination to succeed.

6. A mismatch of EXPECTATIONS. This is the element that you can least remedy beforehand because we all have our own expectations in such situations, but if they do not converge in the interview situation, that’s where you are likely to lose out. For example, it is natural for the interviewee to expect that their qualifications and experience would be rated most highly by the interviewer. However, research has shown that is is actually your FACE and your VOICE that are the employer’s top priority. Quite simply, whether your face (that is your looks, approach and your knowledge) will fit their organisation, a factor that works against minorities and women, in particular, when being interviewed by White males with the power. Unfortunately, you won’t have any say in that when the decision is being made!

Whoever we are, when it comes to depending on others for our livelihood and personal development, we can only believe in ourselves, do our best, improve our knowledge and hope for the best when we finally get that interview!

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