Critiquing 6 Common Job Interview Tips

In light of the upcoming WiHL Mock Interview Workshop (February 6th), I thought it would be helpful to write a piece about some of the most common job interview tips. In November 2014, Harvard Business Review asked two experts to weigh in on advice their readers and editors’ often receive for job interviews. Below is a summary of their responses and recommendations. 

1. “Always wear a suit”

• Be aware of the culture of the office’s culture. Assuming dress must be super formal may send the message you don’t understand the company’s culture. John Sullivan, an HR expert and professor of management at San Francisco State University, suggests assessing the formality of a company by looking at its website or sites such as Glassdoor or Vault. Sullivan also recommends calling the company’s receptionist or intern to inquire about dress. Alternatively, bring a few clothing options and ask the receptionist, “Is this going to embarrass me?” If he says yes, go with your other outfit. 

2. “Be yourself”

• Sullivan asserts this tip is pretty useless. But that’s not to say you should not be authentic. Focus on learning what the hiring manager is looking for and tell a descriptive story that shows how and why you possess those requirements. Write down these answers and practice them. You may even want to videotape yourself to get a sense of how you come across. 
  

3. “They’re not just interviewing you, you’re also interviewing them"

• For the most part, Sullivan considers this a poor piece of advice explaining it can cause interviewees to come across as passive and apathetic. He explains sometimes candidates can ask employers “Why should I play for your team” but cautions that this approach should only be used in certain settings. Interviewees should focus on articulating why they would be an asset to the company. 
  

4. "When asked about your greatest weakness, give one that is really a strength”

• Sullivan urges interviewees to steer clear of cliche answers like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I’m too passionate.” Instead, he suggests providing an answer with this logic: “I, like everyone else, have weaknesses. But unlike everyone else, I find them, recognize them, and fix them.” You may also want to come up with a few specific examples of when you have conscientiously worked to improve this quality at work. 
  

5. "Don’t talk about money until you have an offer in hand” 

• Avoid discussing compensation until the time is right. Nonetheless, John Lees, a UK-based career strategist, says candidates should be prepared to discussed salary if prompted. He suggests candidates mention their requirements are negotiable and if pushed should say something along the lines of, “this is roughly what I’m currently making but the job you’re interviewing me for is obviously different.” 
  

6. "Don’t ever admit you’ve been fired” 

• If you were fired or laid off, Sullivan advises dropping the “f-bomb” if you can. He recommends responses on this topic to be short, uncomplicated, and as positive and possible. For example, “I didn’t expect to be there forever” or “I learned a lot on that job and then I moved on to the next opportunity. Whatever you do, do NOT bad mouth your previous employer! That will reflect poorly on you. 
  

Visit this link to read the Harvard Business Review article in full.

Post by Ava Phisuthikul, a second-year Master of Public Health student in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education Department