Hiring Advice; Professional Growth
Finding a New Job, Professional Growth

It’s Time to Chat About Your Upcoming Interview

Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve interviewed for a job in the supply chain distribution. Maybe you’re new to the process. Either way, it’s a good idea to keep a few things in mind before you start the process.

Every year, a national career site surveys hiring managers and compiles a list of the worst interview mistakes. The top five most common and damaging interview mistakes a candidate can make are:

1. Dressing inappropriately.

2. Badmouthing a former boss.

3. Appearing disinterested in the job or arrogant.

4. Giving insufficient answers.

5. Not asking good questions.

How can you avoid showing up on next year’s list?

  • Dress appropriately. What this means for you will depend on the company with which you’ll be interviewing, as well as the geographic location and time of year. You can do a little research on the Internet or you can call the company’s HR department and ask what they recommend you wear. Whatever outfit you choose, make sure it is clean and ironed. And don’t overdo accessories or cologne or perfume.
  • Avoid bashing former employers or colleagues. If you complain about a former boss or co-worker, your interviewer is going to peg you as being difficult and unable to work effectively on a team. If your boss or former coworkers were the reason you left a job, find a way to express this that’s more neutral.
  • Don’t curb your enthusiasm. One of the most important goals of an interview is convincing the hiring manager that you really want the job. Interviewers want candidates who want them. If you seem aloof or disinterested, they’ll worry about your level of commitment or your ability to interact with customers.
  • Be ready to provide complete but concise answers. Before you go to the interview, prepare examples of work experiences that illustrate your skills, strengths and accomplishments. You can bring a notebook with notes to help you remember the points you’re trying to get across.
  • Be ready when it’s your turn to ask questions. You know by now that you have to do your homework about a company before going to an interview. In your notebook, make sure you have three to five questions about the position or the company that will prove you’ve put some thought into what you’re doing there.

Finally, know that there are certain topics that you should avoid altogether. In this age of constant sharing via social media, it’s easy to forget that you shouldn’t discuss certain things at certain times. You need to steer clear of the following subjects:

  • Politics
  • Religion
  • Racist or Sexist Comments

Do you feel ready? Do you know how to present yourself and your supply chain skills and experience to the best of your ability? If not, give the team at ZDA Supply Chain Recruiting a call. We’ll help you strengthen your interview skills and increase your value in the supply chain job market.

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