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Survey results reveal interview pitfalls candidates should avoid, from preparation stage through to follow up.
Robert Half has surveyed 300 hiring managers across Australia, revealing tips for candidates who want to make the best first impression when interviewing for a new role.
The survey revealed leading errors made by interviewees as follows:
- 33 per cent: not researching the business prior to interview
- 29 per cent: arriving late
- 27 per cent: inappropriate attire
Robert Half also noted that 25 per cent of respondents cited candidates not posing questions as a mistake, with 21 per cent highlighting interviewees failing to turn off mobile phones.
Robert Half Australia’s director, Nicole Gorton, commented:
“Historically high job vacancy rates are giving candidates access to more job opportunities, but they should not mistake quantity for a lack of quality.”
She added: “With companies still very much focussed on finding the best candidates despite the tight talent pool, a perceived lack of effort or complacency during the interview process can say a lot about a candidate’s suitability for the company culture or ability to perform in a role.”
The survey also showed that 24 per cent thought that asking about job perks in the initial interview counted against a candidate, and 25 per cent said that talking badly about a former employer was likewise a no no.
Robert Half shared some tips with HR Leader for both candidates and interviewers on how to make the interview process a success.
Ms Gorton suggested:
“Although it can be tempting to squeeze a virtual job interview into your lunch hour to avoid raising suspicions with your current employer, this casual approach can appear as a lack of preparation. Allow yourself a window of time before every virtual interview to make yourself presentable, test your equipment, and run through your key messages. Remember to slow down and pace yourself throughout the call to ensure your message is being delivered clearly.”
She added:
“It may seem obvious, but in the midst of delivering an answer, it’s easy to forget that you are on camera. Avoid keeping notes offscreen or you run the risk of seeming distracted. Remember to smile and come across as warm and personable.”
For those responsible for interviewing candidates, Ms Gorton put forward:
“It’s a candidate’s market at the moment so employers need to ensure that every touchpoint the applicant is exposed to along the hiring journey sells their employee value proposition. Whether in-person or virtual, it is important to be prepared, professional and proactive during the hiring process.”
She continued:
“Where possible, we advise a hybrid approach to interviewing by conducting the first interview virtually in order to assess technical aptitude in an efficient manner, and then conducting secondary interviews in person to establish emotional buy-in. This can be the deal breaker necessary when faced with a counteroffer or competing role.”
Ms Gorton then reminded interviewers that:
“When conducting a virtual interview, the hiring manager is the ‘host’ so it is important to test the technology and audio to avoid wasted time during the call. Virtual convenience should not come at the expense of building rapport, however, so look directly into the camera, build in a few seconds before responding to avoid overlap and be sure to still laugh, smile or engage as you would in-person.”
Shandel McAuliffe
Shandel has recently returned to Australia after working in the UK for eight years. Shandel's experience in the UK included over three years at the CIPD in their marketing, marcomms and events teams, followed by two plus years with The Adecco Group UK&I in marketing, PR, internal comms and project management. Cementing Shandel's experience in the HR industry, she was the head of content for Cezanne HR, a full-lifecycle HR software solution, for the two years prior to her return to Australia.
Shandel has previous experience as a copy writer, proofreader and copy editor, and a keen interest in HR, leadership and psychology. She's excited to be at the helm of HR Leader as its editor, bringing new and innovative ideas to the publication's audience, drawing on her time overseas and learning from experts closer to home in Australia.
