I have recently been helping an organisation interview for an exciting and challenging role. The candidates being interviewed have been bright interesting people who bring significant experience in their fields. Unfortunately this recent experience brought back to me one of the all too common terms that people use when prefacing an interview response – “I guess”.
While it may seem I am being petty, when you start an answer with “I guess” it basically negates whatever proceeds this, as when interviewing you are looking for definite responses, not “I guess”, particularly when people are talking about specific experiences, how they solved problems and so on. While you may well have done all you said you did, the “I guess” at the start does not leave the interviewer feeling very confident in your reply. Doubt creeps in and that is not what you want. Instead take the time you need to gather your thoughts (as sometimes people say I guess to bide time) and then launch into your response.
Next to all of us do and say things in an interview which are out of character as the nerves set in. However the key is to debrief and reflect on the interview, ask the interviewer for feedback and/ or run practise interviews with a friend or a professional to ensure that you come across as the best candidate for the job.
A Career Strategist & Coach can help you overcome any interview challenges you may have.
Alternatively see The DIY Job Search & Career Change Program electronic works, including ‘Interviewing, Negotiating & Landing Your Next Job’
