Top 10 Interviewing Mistakes to Avoid
10 RepliesJump to last post
For those of you who are considering interviewing for a broker position, I thought I would list a few deal killing mistakes I have experienced from some of my own candidates over the years when interviewing for the position.
Of course I now share these stories so that they can avoid them...
10. Showing up to the interview and not pronouncing the name of the company correctly. (I had a candidate who kept pronouncing Legg Mason as Legg Masahn even though I repeatedly told him how to pronounce it)
9. Showing up to the interview in semi-casual clothing.
8. Showing up to the interview with a five o-clock shadow.
7. Showing up to the interview without a coat and tie and ADMITTING that he didn't own a coat and tie.
6. Showing up to the interview and telling the manager that he was lucky to have him there to interview for his company.
5. Being at the final interview after a five interview process and treating it like it was still the first interview. In other words, if you get that far along in the process, close the sale! Answering the question is good. Rambling on and on about your credentials and experience in an interview that's supposed to be your last one will cause you to lose a position that is yours to lose, and she did.
4. Telling the manager that you don't need to take their silly tests because you have already proven yourself elsewhere.
3. Telling the manager that "when" you are hired, you would plan to do this and that, and everything else. In other words, never assume you have the position until it's spelled out for you in a formal offer.
2. Presenting a resume that is not accurate. If you don't already know this, these companies are very thorough in their background check. They confirm EVERYTHING.
And the number one example of how to guarantee that you don't get hired is...
Telling the manager that you are so confident in your abilities to be a top producer that you see yourself sitting in his seat in just a couple of years!
[quote=RecruitingAce]
For those of you who are considering interviewing for a broker position, I thought I would list a few deal killing mistakes I have experienced from some of my own candidates over the years when interviewing for the position.
Of course I now share these stories so that they can avoid them...
10. Showing up to the interview and not pronouncing the name of the company correctly. (I had a candidate who kept pronouncing Legg Mason as Legg Masahn even though I repeatedly told him how to pronounce it)
9. Showing up to the interview in semi-casual clothing.
8. Showing up to the interview with a five o-clock shadow.
7. Showing up to the interview without a coat and tie and ADMITTING that he didn't own a coat and tie.
6. Showing up to the interview and telling the manager that he was lucky to have him there to interview for his company.
5. Being at the final interview after a five interview process and treating it like it was still the first interview. In other words, if you get that far along in the process, close the sale! Answering the question is good. Rambling on and on about your credentials and experience in an interview that's supposed to be your last one will cause you to lose a position that is yours to lose, and she did.
4. Telling the manager that you don't need to take their silly tests because you have already proven yourself elsewhere.
3. Telling the manager that "when" you are hired, you would plan to do this and that, and everything else. In other words, never assume you have the position until it's spelled out for you in a formal offer.
2. Presenting a resume that is not accurate. If you don't already know this, these companies are very thorough in their background check. They confirm EVERYTHING.
And the number one example of how to guarantee that you don't get hired is...
Telling the manager that you are so confident in your abilities to be a top producer that you see yourself sitting in his seat in just a couple of years!
[/quote]
An excellent list. Dealing with number two, allow me to elaborate.
I have seen U-4s come to a screeching halt because the applicant entered a residence as January 1, 2000 to March 30, 2003 I lived on Elm Street and from April 1, 2003 till now I have lived on Oak Street where I live now.
The NASD sent the U-4 back because March has 31 days and the applicant had not accounted for where they were on March 31st.
Nonsensical? You bet, but in case you are not old enough to have dealt with this stuff it happens everywhere you go. Try to get somebody at the property tax office to believe you don't have a swimming pool in your back yard if they come to believe you do.
Good post, Ace.
One year, I interviewed prospects for an internship. (A paid internship.) One applicant shows up in a t-shirt, jean shorts, with his skateboard under one arm.
Get a clue!
Here's my top 10 list (heavily plagiarized):<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Don't insist on speaking only in a "robot voice" Don't reply to everything the sales manager says with "that's what YOU think." Don't make beeping noises when the manager backs up. Don't finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy." Don't copy the manager's actions and everything they say. Don't tell the manager they have bad breath. 4. Don't frown and sniff suspiciously, then ask the manager if he or she farted. Don't comment on how much you like the manager's spouse’s picture, then take it and put it in your briefcase. Don’t pick your nose and wipe contents underneath the lip of the manager’s desk. Don't ask the manager their gender.[/quote]
Nonsensical? You bet, but in case you are not old enough to have dealt with this stuff it happens everywhere you go. Try to get somebody at the property tax office to believe you don't have a swimming pool in your back yard if they come to believe you do.
[/quote]
Newbie,
Just tell them that you'll deflate that $300 above ground swimming pool, and maybe they'll listen then!
No wait, I've got a solution! Just deduct the depreciation off your trailer on your income taxes! Maybe that will ofset the property tax hike of your swimming pool.
Douche bag.
Nothing like a guy who can’t figure out how to respond to a post in this environment.
[quote=BankFC]
Douche bag.
[/quote]
Hey Indy One--I need a ruling. Is that an insult?
[quote=NASD Newbie][quote=BankFC]
Douche bag.
[/quote]
Hey Indy One--I need a ruling. Is that an insult?
[/quote]
I guess if it's accurate then it's not an insult, it's just a fact.
[quote=NASD Newbie][quote=BankFC]
Douche bag.
[/quote]
Hey Indy One--I need a ruling. Is that an insult?[/quote]
...I think it's official..."douche bag" is hereby declared an insulting term that should only be used when there is compelling evidence that the target is, indeed, a douche bag...
[quote=NASD Newbie][quote=BankFC]
Douche bag.
[/quote]
Hey Indy One--I need a ruling. Is that an insult?
[/quote]I decree that insults are only allowed when they are at least vaguely funny.....in a saracstic way....'Douche bag' is far too simple and juvenile to qualify under that condition!!!
(insert excessive emoticons here)