Navigating a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but former Google recruiter Nolan Church offers valuable insights to help candidates make a lasting impression. While it’s essential to showcase enthusiasm and confidence, Church emphasizes the importance of avoiding certain behaviours that could potentially hinder your chances of securing the position, CNBC reported.
One common pitfall to steer clear of is the temptation to respond to questions about areas for improvement with clichéd phrases like “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist.” According to Church, such responses can come across as disingenuous and may raise doubts about your authenticity. Instead, he advises candidates to embrace vulnerability by sharing genuine examples of past mistakes, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow.
Remember, “I’m not hiring you to be perfect. I’m hiring you to grow with us,” he said
Additionally, Church advises against speaking negatively about former colleagues, managers, or organizations. Blaming others for shortcomings reflects poorly on your character and may suggest a lack of accountability. Instead, take ownership of your actions and highlight how you’ve learned from past experiences, showcasing humility and a commitment to personal development.
“You want to work with people who have the self-awareness to know when they were wrong and to update their own mental models to fix it,” he said.
Furthermore, when faced with questions to which you don’t know the answer, Church advises against simply saying “I don’t know.” Instead, seize the opportunity to demonstrate problem-solving skills by offering hypothetical approaches to tackling the issue. This proactive attitude signals to employers that you’re resourceful and capable of overcoming challenges, even in unfamiliar situations.
Throughout the interview process, Church says it is better to maintain authenticity, humility, and problem-solving abilities. Candidates who can effectively convey these qualities are more likely to leave a positive impression on interviewers and increase their chances of securing the job at Google.
