Why You Should Never Blag It in a Job Interview: Top Tips from a Marketing Recruitment Agency
- August 01, 2024
Why You Should Never Just Blag It in an Interview (and What to Do Instead)
Here at Stonor, we’ve seen it all when it comes to job interviews. And trust us, there’s one golden rule you should never break: Never, ever, ever blag it in an interview! We know it might be tempting to put on your best poker face when faced with a tricky question, but honesty truly is the best policy. Here’s why.
Blagging It: A Recipe for Disaster
Picture this: you’re in the hot seat, and the interviewer asks about a skill or experience you’re not familiar with. Your heart races, and you think, “I’ll just wing it!” But here’s the thing: interviewers can smell a bluff a mile away. They’ve been around the block and can spot when you’re not being genuine. Instead of impressing them, you risk coming off as unprepared or, worse, dishonest. That’s not the first impression you want to make!
The Power of Owning Up
So, what should you do when you don’t know the answer? Own up to it! It’s perfectly okay to admit you’re not familiar with a particular aspect of the job. In fact, honesty can be a breath of fresh air in an interview setting. Simply say something like, “I haven’t had the opportunity to work with X/Y, but I’m eager to learn and would appreciate any training on this.” This shows you’re honest, self-aware, and willing to grow – all qualities employers love.
Preparation: Your Secret Weapon
Now, let’s talk about preparation. Going into an interview without doing your homework is like showing up to a marathon in flip-flops. Sure, you might get through it, but it won’t be pretty. Here’s how to prepare like a pro:
1. Research the Company
Know their products, services, and industry trends. Check out their social media, blog, and recent news articles. Know their clients.
2. Understand the Role
Read the job description thoroughly. Highlight the skills and experiences they’re looking for and think about how your background matches up.
3. Practice Common Questions
There are always a few usual suspects in interviews. Prepare your answers to questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want to work here?”
Leverage Your Recruiter
Here’s a little secret: if you’re working with a recruiter, you’ve got a backstage pass to insider knowledge. At Stonor, we’re not just matchmakers; we’re your personal interview coaches. We know what employers are looking for and can guide you on how to answer specific questions.
Fun Tips for Interview Prep
To make your prep more fun (because we’re all about keeping things lively!), try these tips:
Role Play: Grab a friend and take turns being the interviewer and interviewee. It’s a great way to practice and get feedback.
Flashcards: Write down key points and questions on flashcards and quiz yourself.
Mock Interviews: Record yourself answering questions. It might feel awkward, but it helps you see where you can improve.
In Conclusion
Blagging it in an interview might seem like a quick fix, but honesty and preparation are your best bets for success. Admitting when you need training shows integrity and a willingness to learn, while thorough preparation demonstrates your commitment to the role.
So, next time you’re gearing up for an interview, remember: no blagging allowed! Do your research, practice your answers, and lean on your recruiter for support.
For more tips and tricks on landing your dream marketing or sales job, check out our other blogs especially this one 9 Tips For Face to Face Interviews.