Job Interviews Advice: Things Employers Don’t Want You To Know

By Dorcas Karuana,
Job seekers unable to find employment may assume their poor luck is due to the large number of people currently looking for work.
However, this may not always be the case. You just could be making the wrong impression on an employer which makes them reject you as the ideal candidate for a job.
Your future employment depends learning the art of making the right impression on an employer. Here are things you should know to improve chances of finding a job that employers will never tell you as candidate.
1. They are not looking for most qualified applicant – While qualifications certainly matter, the job does not always go to the person who is the most qualified. Employers also value personality; they will frequently hire someone who is slightly less qualified but who fits into the office culture a little better. Even the most qualified candidate who has plenty of knowledge and experience can be passed over if he or she gives off the wrong vibe.
2. Connections matter - Employers know that an applicant’s references may not always be credible and may leave out important details to cast the applicant in the best light. When an applicant is able to give a reputable reference such as someone the employer knows or someone who is highly respected in the field, however, the employer can take the reference’s referral more seriously.
3. Looks matter – Aim to portray professionalism. Employers turn down those who show up to the interview looking sloppy, too sexy or too trendy, as it looks unprofessional. Also, those with visible piercings or tattoos or who are wearing chains or spikes. An attractive person is more likely to be offered a job, however, as attractive people can sometimes bring in more sales.
4. Applicants are rejected over very minor details - Where there are many qualified candidates, employers often start rejecting candidates for minor details in order to shrink their list of potential hires. Things like: chewing gum, strong perfumes or even mumbling words such as “like” too many times.
5. Employers do not want to hire the unemployed – Most employers would rather hire people who are already employed elsewhere. They assume that people who have been let go from their past jobs were not valuable enough for the company to keep or that the employees are “job hoppers” who waste a company’s time and resources by not staying at a job very long.
6. Employers have plan B - Even after receiving a job offer, you are not completely assured of employment. There is a second and third choice candidate ready in case something happens with employer’s first choice. Therefore, act as professional as though you are still being interviewed until contracts are signed, and you have the job.
7. Salary is negotiable – Yes every employer is in business to make money. If they can hire a candidate for less than what s/he is worth, they will. Often they start salary discussions by giving a low figure and expect you to negotiate for more. If you accept the initial low figure, however, employers are happy paying less than they would if the applicant had negotiated.
Dorcas is a Human Resource Consultant at Corporate Staffing Services. Email:dorcas@corporatestaffing.co.ke Website: www.corporatestaffing.co.ke