Entry-level Interviewing Myths

Regardless of field or company that you are interviewing with, many entry-level job seekers, in one way or another, have come to believe certain falsehoods when it comes to their job search and, subsequent interviews. Adhering to these thoughts gives you, the entry-level job seeker, a great disadvantage throughout your first career search and, usually lands will land you in a position that you are overqualified for and unchallenged in. Here are some common interview misconceptions believed by many young professionals and career hunting tips for the common entry-level job seeker.

You Have to Answer Every Question Be Upfront About Your Knowledge
If you don't know the question to a particular answer, say so. A simple "I don't know," is a lot better than an answer that appears unknowledgeable and an answer that probably does not directly answer the question asked in the first place. If you don't know the answer to the question, confidently say the following:

"I don't want to answer because I'm not 100% on that, however could I do some research after the interview and email you what I've found?"

The second benefit of saying the aforementioned sentence is that the interviewer is now going to be on the lookout for your email. You now have an advantage over your competition. Unlike many others, he or she now has you on their radar which is much more of a positive outcome rather than attempting to answer a question you didn't know in the first place. When I sit in on interviews for positions paying $200,000 or more, the phrase, "I don't know," or "I can't answer that," is used frequently.

You Can't Close a Deal, the Power is in the Interviewer's Hands
When you interview somewhere, go for broke. When interviewing for a job, there are three possible outcomes. The first is that you come across as an absolute all-star, the second is that you fail miserably and the third is that appear to be just another interview to fill just another entry-level job slot.

Every time you set foot in an interview, go for broke. If you're going to mess-up, mess-up big. At least you took a chance. Eventually, these calculated risk taking and putting yourself "out there" methods will land you a great job. Certain questions you can ask to attempt to close an interview could include the following:

Remember, be direct and to the point.

"I want this job. What can I do to convince you that I will succeed?"

"I know that this is the type of atmosphere in which I can execute. What are the steps necessary to convince you of this?"

Then, sit and wait for answer. Don't lose eye contact. You just hit a 110 serve right in the box, wait for the opposing player to return ball. This is interview deal closing 101. The interviewer will probably never get this type of straightforward questioning from another entry-level interviewer; you will put them out of their comfort zone and make them show their cards. Trust me, they'll remember you for life. They'll remember you as someone who had the you know what to step in the ring.

This is a heck of a lot better than the closing, "When do you think you'll make a decision?"