Interview Advice

Mastering Job Interviews: What to Say and What Not to Say

By Will Etheridge - 28 February 2023

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CV Wallet is the world's first career management app. Our suite of tools is built to make finding your dream job faster and easier.

Job interviews are a pivotal stepping-stone on the path to career progression. As your chance to impress potential employers and showcase your unique abilities, mastering this art can be the deciding factor in landing your dream role.

This comprehensive guide delves into the core elements of successful job interviews: what to say, what topics to discuss, and the pitfalls to avoid. Additionally, we'll explore how the revolutionary CV Wallet app can enhance your career search journey.

 

What to Say in a Job Interview 

When walking into an interview, it's vital to have a clear idea of the key messages you want to convey. Here are the essential elements to include:

  1. Showcasing Your Skills and Experience:
    Illustrate your relevant skills and experiences with concrete examples. If you're applying for a project management role, for instance, talk about a time when you led a team to complete a complex project on time and within budget.
  2. Expressing Enthusiasm for the Role and Company:
    Employers want to know that you're passionate about the position and the organisation. Express your interest in the company's work and how you see yourself contributing.
  3. Illustrating Your Value and Fit:
    Discuss what makes you unique and how you align with the company's values. Remember, it's not just about why you want the job, but why the company should want you.
  4. Asking Insightful Questions:
    Prepare thought-provoking questions that demonstrate your understanding of the industry, the role, and the company. This shows that you've done your homework and are serious about the opportunity.

 

What to Talk About in a Job Interview 

The dialogue in a job interview should be a two-way street. Here's what you should be keen to discuss:

  1. The Company’s Vision and Goals:
    Show that you're interested in the bigger picture. Discuss your understanding of the company's mission and how you can contribute to achieving their objectives.
  2. The Specific Role and Department:
    Engage in a conversation about the nuances of the role and how it fits into the department and the broader company. This shows that you're considering the role from a comprehensive perspective.
  3. Professional Development Opportunities:
    Talk about your career aspirations and ask about opportunities for growth within the company. This indicates that you're viewing the role as a long-term commitment.
  4. Company Culture and Work Environment:
    Display your enthusiasm for a positive work culture by discussing your ideal work environment. It's an opportunity to find out if the company's culture aligns with your personal values and work style.

 

What Not to Say in a Job Interview

Equally as important as knowing what to say, is understanding what to avoid. Here are some key points to remember:

  1. Negative Comments about Past Employers or Colleagues:
    No matter your experiences, keep the conversation professional and avoid disparaging comments about previous workplaces. It can reflect poorly on your character and question your loyalty.
  2. Salary and Benefits Too Early:
    While it's crucial to discuss remuneration, bringing it up too early can suggest your motivation is primarily monetary. Let the interviewer initiate this topic, or wait until later stages of the process.
  3. Exaggerations or Lies about Skills and Experience:
    Honesty is paramount. Don't overstate your abilities or experiences. Background checks and your performance, once hired, will reveal the truth, causing trust issues.
  4. Personal Issues or Oversharing:
    While it's important to be personable, sharing too much about your personal life can divert the focus. Keep the conversation focused on your professional value.

 

Utilising Tech for Interview Success: CV Wallet App 

Technology has transformed the job-seeking landscape. CV Wallet, the world's first career management app, puts cutting-edge tools in the hands of jobseekers. The platform streamlines job applications and tracks progress, sourcing opportunities from hundreds of job boards and thousands of career sites.

With blue tick verification backed by blockchain technology, your skills and qualifications are authenticated, increasing credibility. The AI-powered Careers Hub offers advice on interview preparation, application writing, and upskilling.

Your personal data is securely stored in a decentralised wallet, protecting your privacy. Plus, employers can discover your profile based on your skills, inviting you to apply for relevant jobs. All this, on a global platform that's free, forever.

 

Conclusion 

Mastering a job interview involves understanding what to say, the topics to discuss, and what to avoid. Each interaction is a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, demonstrate your passion, and illustrate your value to a potential employer.

By harnessing technology, like the CV Wallet app, you can streamline your job search and go into each interview more prepared and confident. Take your next career step with conviction and remember, every job interview, regardless of the outcome, is a chance to learn and develop as a professional. Good luck with your journey, and remember, CV Wallet is here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to take your career to the next level?

CV Wallet is the world's first career management app. Our suite of tools is built to make finding your dream job faster and easier.

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