The short answer is: No.
As one of the leading employment agencies in Southern New England, Stewart Staffing knows even if you hear of other candidates overstating their skills in a job interview, that doesn’t mean you should too. Why?
Hiring managers can typically tell when a candidate isn’t being direct. For instance, they’ll ask you for specifics about the skills you’re overselling…and you won’t be able to provide them. They’ll quickly see through your vague statements and lack of examples and as a result, you’ll be out of the running for the position.
If you do get hired, and weren’t able to perform the necessary tasks, then you’re going to make a bad impression on your new boss. You’ll either struggle and become unhappy, or get fired, which will be hard to explain to potential new employers.
Either way, there’s no upside for you. So why even go down that path?
Instead, here’s how to impress a hiring manager in your next job interview:
- Focus on those skills and abilities that are most relevant for the position. Be ready to back up your claims with specific examples of your accomplishments and results. When you do, not only will you make a positive impression on the hiring manager, but if you get the job, you can be confident that you’ll actually be able to perform it.
- Offer solutions. If the employer referenced certain challenges they’re facing – and looking to solve with a new hire, then offer solutions. Bring up how you’ve solved similar problems in the past and be sure to highlight the specific results you’ve achieved.
- Prepare sound bites. Choose a few examples of your past accomplishments and prepare sound bites for each. These should be concise and focused on the results you were able to achieve. For instance, “In my past position, I was able to cut supply costs by 12%.”
- Be aware of your body language. Interviewers aren’t only listening to what you’re saying, they’re going to watch for how you say it. For instance, if you’re fidgeting and visibly nervous, it’s going to undermine the message you’re trying to send – which is that you’re a confident and competent candidate.
- Be professional. Arrive on time, wear appropriate attire, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and focus on the positive. That means don’t talk negatively about your past positions or employers.
Overstating your abilities is a professional no-no. However, understating them can make you appear like a weak candidate. Instead, follow the tips above to strike the right balance – and stand out to the hiring manager.
If you need more help finding job leads and preparing for interviews, call Stewart Staffing. As one of the top employment agencies in Southern New England, we can work with you to get to know your background, personality, and career goals, and then match you with job opportunities that are a great fit for you!
Contact Stewart Staffing today to get started or search our Southern New England jobs now.