DiceTV: 'I'll Take Anything!'

The Script

You may feel desperate. In fact, you may very well be desperate. But blurt out, "I'll take anything!" at a job interview, and you may blow your chances of being offered a job. I'm Cat Miller, and this is DiceTV.

When an interviewer hears those three words - "I'll take anything" - it's a total red flag. It's the worst thing you could say. Why?

Because it implies "anything" will do for the time being - and that you'll be looking for the job you really want in the meantime.

Keep in mind employers are looking out for their best interest - not yours. The HR person or manager who's interviewing you is interested in meeting the company's needs. Your job is to demonstrate you've done some advance thinking about what they need, and how you can help them.

That calls for preparation. You have to show you're the one with the skill and passion for the job, the person who's taken the time to research the company, and given real thought to how they'll fit in. The more you know about the company and the job, the more attention you'll get.

You'll also score points by playing it cool. Candidates who are a little too excited can make managers nervous. But be careful - You want to appear cool and relaxed, not cool and aloof. Be sure to reply to phone calls, messages, and e-mails promptly. Otherwise, you'll be moved down the list for sure.

The bottom line? Be confident, not desperate. Interview to sell yourself and your skill set, and the company will remember you. Even if you don't get the job, they may invite you back later - for the position you really want.

I'm Cat Miller, this has been DiceTV, and we now return you to your regular desktop.

Posted at 07:00AM Sep 22, 2009 in DiceTV  |  Comments[16]