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Seven reasons why people fail in interviews

Success does not always come at the first attempt. This applies to interviews also. It takes some time for people to understand and perform well during the interview. But, often one can see candidates complaining that they got rejected despite having done well.

There are many reasons, why a person fails in an interview, but let us see some of the common ones.

1. Lack of preparation

Of all the reasons, this is the foremost one. It includes carrying improper CV, inappropriate dress code, completely unaware of interview questions and positive answers etc. By improper CV I mean, a CV which is not aligned well, or handwritten.

Walking into interview room in casual wear is also one of the key reasons for people to get rejected.

Illustrations: Dominic Xavier

The article is an excerpt from the book A to Z about Interviews, authored by M B Sivaramakrishnan and published by Buzzing Stock Publishing House, Mumbai. The author is a Chennai-based HR consultant and a trainer on career development, soft skills & employability skills. He carries over eight years of professional experience in the industry. He can be contacted at mbsrk79@rediffmail.com.

2. Casualness

Let us cross the bridge when it comes' does not apply to interviews. One needs to be geared up 100 per cent before the interview.

I have seen few candidates saying 'I will learn everything by experience. I am confident that by 'Law of average, if I attend 10 interviews, I will crack at least one'.

This attitude could prove lucky for few initially, but not for everyone at all times. The interview preparation should be given due respect it deserves.

3. Failing to understand the job role

This is a typical problem with a few of the candidates. They are completely unaware of what the job requires one to do.

If a person does not understand his/ her role properly, he cannot justify his suitability for the job.

If you are going through a consultant or got an interview call from the company directly, get the job description completely. In the event of responding to walk-in ads in newspaper, if you are not sure about the job description, spend some time on the Internet to know about your role.

4. Lack of skills

I am sure most of you would have read reports published by NASSCOM, HR experts & corporate professionals that more than 70 per cent of the candidates lack in employability skills.

A good qualification alone is not sufficient, but host of other skills such as good communications, interpersonal skills, analytical abilities, personality etc. are also vital.

Unfortunately most of the candidates realise this very late

5. No proper focus

During the interview, some candidates lose out, because they are not able to convince the employer about their interest in the position applied for. If you are applying for a job in marketing, stay focused on it.

Some candidates even put fields of interest as marketing, administration and accounts. Therefore, in the event of you being open to any career, prepare different types of CVs for different fields.

6. Lack of subject knowledge

Irrespective of you being a fresher or an experienced professional, revisit your subject before going for the interview.

There are many chances that you will be asked questions from your subject, more particularly, if you are applying for a career related to the course you studied.

7. Lack of confidence

When the candidate uses too many negative words such as, 'I am not sure', 'May be I can', etc., it does portray lack of confidence to the employer.

The negative gestures or negative body language plays spoilsport in your selection. Instead use words such as 'Surely', 'I can do it', 'It's challenging but I can do it' etc.