Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
An interesting survey I read was that I think comes from the international search company Korn-Ferry. The main reason people were rejected in interviews was not because of lack of skill, but because they were rejected 40% because they talked too much. About 20% of people are rejected because they act arrogantly during interviews.
So, how should this be for you to perform in the interview?
Keep answers to questions
Keep the answers on a length of 30 – 45 seconds where possible. For in-depth questions, you can say a minute.
One thing you need to do when answering questions is to focus on the rapport with the interviewer. If you feel like you are “losing them”, ask a question to introduce them.
Always remember that when interviewing, your voice and body language are sales tools. You want to show confidence in answering questions, but don’t be arrogant.
Listening carefully to what you are asking for and what you are asking for may not be much. If absence is critical to the answer, politely ask them if they want you to extend the answer to it.
If you are in a technical discipline and ask a question that can give a technical answer or an overview (pure English) answer, ask which one they like. . . Or if they want mixed answers. (You want me to give you an overview, detailed introduction or blend my answer?)
Talk to the person you are interviewing as if they are a problematic person and they are trying to figure out if you have the ability to solve it. Never “talk” to them.
Following these seven suggestions will greatly avoid rejecting arrogance and excessive conversation.
ⓒMajor Game Hunter Company, Asheville, North Carolina 2006
