You might believe that senior IT leaders are masters of the job-hunting process. After all, that’s a big part of how they got to where they are, right? But you’d be mistaken. According to executive recruiters, CIOs, vice presidents, and directors all make the same errors when looking for a new job. The two most fatal—and common—mistakes are talking too much in interviews and submitting resumes that are either overly boastful or endless.
Here is a look at some common errors job seekers, including seasoned IT leaders, make while trying to find new positions.
- Failing to back up claims.
Keep your CV to a manageable length and include particular accomplishments in it. Doesn’t it signify anything to someone looking to learn more about your credentials to say, “I am a visionary innovator.” (What inventions did you make? What was visionary about that? Instead, describe the results your team achieved and how they enabled your business to develop a new product, save money or time, generate income, or enter a new market. The show doesn’t simply tell how you’ve overcome particular tactical or strategic difficulties.
- Choosing ‘me’ over ‘we.’
Too many IT leaders need to recognize that team successes are frequently measured more by team successes than individual honors. During interviews and on your resume, recruiters stress the importance of putting the “we” before the “me.” Nobody wants to hire someone who depletes the room’s oxygen or doesn’t get along with others. Don’t disparage any organization or person you’ve worked for, and be sure to distribute the praise among your team members.
- Misunderstanding what makes a good interview.
Answer the questions during the interview as briefly as you can. Remember that the interviewer is the one driving here, not you. So, first, learn to listen. Make sure there is conversation; pay attention and respond.
- Overlooking the power of practice.
If you’re working with an executive recruiter, their company will conduct at least one practice interview with you and record the whole thing. To witness yourself in motion can be a depressing experience. Because he or she will be compensated by the company that posted the job if you are hired, the recruiter will give you advice on how to strengthen your CV and interviewing techniques. You should heed their recommendations.
Additionally, you don’t get the job after the first interview. In that case, you may gain feedback from the recruiter that you wouldn’t normally be able to get from the hiring manager due to alleged or actual legal restrictions.
Ask a classmate or trusted friend to conduct a mock interview and record it, even if you’re job hunting alone. Ensure you express your enthusiasm for the position without going overboard and provide clear, concise responses to the questions.
- Not honoring the job description.
It can be tempting—and occasionally acceptable—to disregard some of the requirements on a job description’s checklist that don’t apply. But even if you have a lot of experience, don’t count on getting an interview if you apply for a job that requires at least a bachelor’s degree from an advanced college and you just have a bachelor’s.
Additionally, confirm that the task is something you can handle. For example, if the organization wants an implementer, you’ve been largely a strategist. Additionally, if you don’t accurately calculate the crucial variables of position, company, pay, and location, you could “throw off the entire equation.
