Thank you for your interest in our company, BUT...
Ugh, 2nd place again!! As a candidate in a job interview this is not the desired outcome. Every completed job interview process produces a 2nd place. The old saying “always a bridesmaid, never the bride” may ring in your ears. This can be a real gut blow after you have invested time, energy and frankly envisioned yourself working at the new company. So after the appropriate amount of time “licking your wounds”, recognize this as an opportunity to learn and apply your learning to the next interview. Coming in second is not the end of the world if you can analyze what was said and not said, then reset yourself to make the next job interview even better.
So let’s get real with a very blunt question. Did you more or less “wing it” during that last interview? Did your preparation just skim the surface and you did what you always do in interview? Yeah, you winged it and competed against someone who prepared much much better than you did. When you wing it, your language may not be as precise, your stories not as clear. You aren’t bringing that “it” factor that will make you memorable to a hiring manager. If you have relied on the stories you have always used in the past, then these stories need some refreshing. Honestly speaking, when you wing it, you are not taking the process as seriously as you should. This leaves you vulnerable to getting that dreaded email, “We are going in a different direction”. Don’t get caught in the winging it trap. These tips may help.
Verbalize your stories to another adult. Most candidates will mentally review what they plan to say in the interview. No other person has heard their responses. To help you make your answers more clear, concise and persuasive, have a friend or significant other ask you some interview questions. Now it may smart a bit but have them give you honest feedback. Having them relay what you actually said may shock you or confirm you are on the correct path. It may also help to practice in front of a mirror so that you can actually see your mannerisms and posture. Remember, no choppy hand motions and no pointing!
Use the computer that is in your pocket! Over 75% of all Americans have a smart phone. Most if not all smart phones have a video camera so use it to record yourself giving answers to interview questions. Video the questions and answers, then watch it back. Evaluate yourself! This is an excellent tool to see and hear you as the hiring manager will see and hear you!
If you practiced first with you friend while sitting in one room then change the setting. Literally sit in a different area of your house. In the interview process you will be confronted with different environments so prior exposure will help you be more comfortable in the actual interview.
Do a complete dress rehearsal. Would you want to go to a Broadway play knowing that the cast and crew never rehearsed? Put your interview outfit on, bring your brag book and have someone ask you different interview questions. This may sound silly but doing a dress rehearsal will increase your confidence more than you realize and get you in the mindset for success.
Get an outside, objective, authentic observation. Hire an interview coach. This is an investment in your future. It can help you be fully prepared for the interview process and then you can also use the skills learned from the interview coach in your new position.
It can be very difficult to simply get an interview. Please don’t wing it! Committing the proper time in prior preparation for an interview will positively affect how you stand out to a hiring manager. No one wants to get that dreaded “we are moving in another direction” email or be the bridesmaid again!