This article discusses reasons why most of the candidates fail to make a great impression at the interview, and get rejected accordingly. If you know the reasons, you can avoid the mistakes, and greatly increase your chances of getting hired with just a little extra effort. So let’s see what this is about:

Not showing interest in the company

You should know what the company hopes to achieve with its business, and what brands or products it is known for. Showing knowledge and a genuine interest in the company is a requirement. Employers look for someone who can boost the reception of their products and help reach goals, not someone who’s just obviously there for a paycheck.

Cliché or unclear answers

Interviews are something that can be practiced at home with a friend, or even alone with a mirror. Practice often until you can give clear, concise answers that offer a side of your unique creativity. Don’t give cliché answers to a specific question. If the employer asks you what your weaknesses are, answer honestly with obvious intent to improve or eliminate the weakness, rather than saying something like “I have no weaknesses.” This is a huge warning to the employer that you either have some glaring and obvious issues, or you are completely oblivious to your own problems and are not interested in any self-evaluations.

While you don’t want to come off as unsure of your own abilities, make sure the employer sees you as a real person, and someone that can be an asset to the company while applying your strengths to their goals. Constructive behavior and answers are always a good way to draw the employer’s attention and make a good impression.

Unclear USP

A USP is your unique selling proposition. What is it that makes you the best asset to the company? How are you going to further their goals and increase sales? Why are you better than the other applicants? While embellishment is discouraged, expound upon your strengths and what you can give to the company. Show the employer why it would be worth his or her time and money to hire you and train you (if needed).

Make sure the employer knows exactly what it is that sets you apart. Practice a short speech with someone at home that can be delivered in the normal flow of an interview without seeming off-putting. Make it concise, clear, and effective. Remember that the ultimate purpose of an interview is to sell yourself, and make the employer choose you over every other candidate. The best things to focus on would be previous related achievements and any skills you obtained and perfected from a previous job.