Over the past 20 years we’ve talked with hundreds of candidates and have noticed five major interview myths that most candidates believe :
MYTH #1: It’s best to memorize your answers to common questions.
Perhaps the biggest thing to be aware of here is becoming robotic. Your interview board needs to see your passion for the job. If at any point you come across insincere they will no longer trust you. Memorizing your answers word for word holds the following challenges:
1. Once you sway slightly from your rehearsed answer you start to stubble while you try and get back on track.
2. When questions differ (and they will) from what you anticipated you get caught off guard.
Instead, you must have a bank of information prepared and be able to apply it to any question they ask. The TopScoreinterview system teaches you how to build this bank of information and use it properly.
MYTH #2: The interview board will ask questions to get all the information they want.
In most cases, all candidates are asked the same questions. Meaning the questions are not uniquely formulated based on your history and skills. Regardless, the interview board is relying on your answers to uncover who you are, your work ethic, your character, etc. The board expects the questions to be a starting point; from there you need to dig deep and share your top qualities. We call these your Marketing Priorities. In the next post we’ll share a quick exercise you can do to make sure you’re up for the challenge.
MYTH #3: Your answers are the most significant and most important factor in your interview.
Your answers are critical; however, if your posture, the tone of your voice, eye contact, and reputation don’t earn their trust, then it doesn’t matter how good your answers are, you won’t get the job. You must have your nonverbal signs dialed in. Do not neglect to practice these things.
MYTH #4: The interview board will hire the candidate with the most skills and experience.
Candidates with zero experience get hired every day over candidates with years of experience simply because the board believes they will complement the department better. If you have past fire experience that’s great. You should highlight it but, don’t rely on it to get you the job. Many departments will require you to go through their training no matter what experience you have. In this case, they are confident in their ability to teach you what you need to know. It’s your job to convince them you are capable of learning it and will fit well with the culture of the department. Learn how to be the most convincing candidate here.
If the department you’re interviewing for does not conduct an academy, then experience will be a more significant factor. You must study your department and understand their needs.
MYTH #5: The interview panel holds all of the power and therefore dictates what you’re able to share.
This is not true. You should have a list of items (character qualities, experience, etc.) identified before your interview that you are committed to sharing regardless of what questions they ask. Taking your interview to this level is what will set you apart from your competition. But, it takes training and practice to do it right.
In our next post we’ll address each myth again and provide a few tips about what to do instead.
We encourage you to join the conversation in a Facebook group created specifically for you as you pursue your career as a firefighter. https://www.facebook.com/groups/firefighterinterview
Mike and Rob,
TopScore Interview Coaches
Interview911.com
P.S. If you want a simple yet powerful system to ensure you’re ready for your interview we’ve got you covered. Learn more here.