Had a Job Interview? Why No Callback?

We’ve all had job interviews that seemed to go well but led nowhere. Why didn’t the phone ring? (Tweet it!) Writing in The New York Times Christopher Mele gathered some top tips on how to improve interview performance next time:
 

• Blow Your Own Horn, but Humbly: John Malloy, president of the recruiting firm Sanford Rose Associates in Santee, S.C., said job candidates should be able to quickly and precisely answer questions about their accomplishments.

• Be Authentic: Dan Cable, a professor at London Business School, says you can promote trust by also revealing vulnerabilities or discussing times when things did not go well.
• Know the Company Culture: Contact people in your network to learn more about what makes the organization tick, said Blair Decembreie, a career expert at LinkedIn.
• Practice Screen Presence: Some companies, e.g. start-ups, conduct first interviews via Skype. Preparing for them is crucial, says etiquette blogger April Masini. Practice in front of a mirror, choose a secure location to avoid having unexpected visitors—and be intentional about your background.
• Be Inquisitive: Ask about the company, the customers, the employees – but not about vacation time or benefits.

Above all, aim to develop rapport. Your goal in the initial interview is to give the interviewer no reason to exclude you from a second one.
 
Have you ever felt good about a first interview that did not pan out?  What do you think you could have done differently? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.

If you would like to read more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion

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