Uh - Oh! That Did Not Go Well

Gave that interview your all, but being ghosted by HR? Consider these the six deadly sins to avoid when you’re next in the hot seat.

- Aoife Stuart-Madge

The butterflies start the night before. You’ve done your research. You’ve stalked whoever you’re meeting on every online platform possible. You’ve tried on every conceivable outfit in your wardrobe (and a lot of inconceivable ones too), and rehearsed your most winning smile more times than your mirror feels comfortable with. And here’s what follows: the meeting goes well – you think. But then – after weeks of anticipated excitement and hope – nothing. This is the annual slog-cum-scrum that is the New Year job market. Want to make sure that you’re always the one who gets the call back? Then it’s probably best to avoid this little lot…

YOU READ FROM A SCRIPT While it’s tempting to memorise information that you can recite, beware – no one wants to hire a robot. As well as your professional experience, talking about your life outside work gives employers a good idea of the type of person they’d be hiring. Emma Codd, managing partner for talent at Deloitte UK, says, “Employers want people from various backgrounds, not corporate cutouts,” adding that, “Everyone’s life experiences are different; yours make you who you are. We want to hire people who can bring a range of perspectives and experiences to our firm.”

NEXT TIME: Think of things you can shout about that have nothing to do with work, but give a portal into what you’re like as a person. Marathon runner? You’re tough, with stamina. Upcycling obsessive? You’re creative, with imagination. Never lost a game of Hungry Hippos? OK, that’s more tricky, but we can definitely take some positives from it.