Myths and truth: what really determines success in a job interview?
The job search is often shrouded in various myths – that it's only worth applying if you meet all the requirements, that extensive experience is the most important factor, and that in a job interview, you need to present yourself as the perfect candidate.
Such beliefs often hinder students and recent graduates from successfully launching their careers.
Inga Alimovienė and Rasa Vėgelė, project managers at the Organization Development Group of the Vilnius City Municipality Administration (VMSA), discuss the most common myths and what you should know before attending a job or internship interview.
First myth: If you don't meet 100% of the requirements, it's not even worth applying.
This myth might only hold true in cases of recruitment for a position strictly regulated by law.
"For example, if we are looking for someone for a position in public procurement, legal audit, or other legally defined roles, the selection process follows government-established rules. Therefore, we are obliged to invite all candidates who meet one hundred percent of the requirements," explains I. Alimovienė.
In such instances, the selection is rigidly regulated, and employers have little flexibility in evaluating a candidate's experience or education.
"It's a different story when we're hiring for positions that aren't so strictly regulated, where we can be more flexible in looking at a person's experience and education. In these cases, the job descriptions themselves are not as rigid – a degree in a specific field isn't necessarily a must. Moreover, the job posting might even state that experience is not required, as we will provide all the necessary training," she adds.
Meanwhile, R. Vėgelė emphasizes that it is worth applying for such positions even if you don't meet all the requirements, especially for young people just starting their careers. According to her, during the job interview, recruitment specialists help assess a candidate's suitability for a specific role. It also provides an opportunity for the candidate to better understand if they would find the job interesting.
"It's important to remember that the job interview itself is a valuable experience. Every such meeting allows you to get to know yourself better, gain more confidence, and prepare for future opportunities," she says.
Second myth: If you haven't worked in a position for X number of years, you don't stand a chance.
In this regard, the VMSA representatives assert that a candidate's accumulated experience is far more important than the number of years worked. There are cases where individuals have never worked in their field of study but possess a wealth of knowledge gained through long-term practice in another area they are applying for.
"Specific requirements are more common for managerial, advisory, and other strictly regulated positions. For more junior roles, we recommend listing projects, working groups, and other activities you have participated in. We particularly stress this to students at career fairs – their experience, even from high school activities or student representation, reveals a lot about the functions they have performed, their interests, their proactiveness, and showcases their communication and other skills," says R. Vėgelė.
Even experiences that seem minor at first glance can become a significant advantage on your resume – what matters is how you present them. Even brief entries can highlight important skills if they are described clearly, emphasizing the key aspects.
"You need to be able to self-assess – that experience, even if it seems insignificant to you, can be very revealing when presented correctly. For example, a student participated in an Erasmus exchange. This could be described in a single, simple line. But if they write that during the exchange they learned to collaborate with different cultures and teams, and improved their foreign language skills – this can already demonstrate certain advantages," explains I. Alimovienė.
Third myth: In a job interview, you need to act out the best possible version of yourself.
Closely related to this myth is another: that there are right and wrong answers.
"This is a particularly misleading myth," assures R. Vėgelė. Often, candidates trying to present themselves in the best possible light are eventually found out. She urges candidates to never lie and to be as open as possible.
"It's very obvious when a candidate is lying. If you ask the same questions in different ways, they eventually get tangled up in their answers. Recruitment specialists can also sense when something is amiss. This becomes especially apparent when, for example, the first interview is remote and the second is in person. That's when the truth really comes out," she shares.
Trial tasks also reveal the truth about a candidate. There are instances where a person praises themselves during the interview but performs poorly on the task. Or, conversely, they excel at the task but, when asked during the interview, are unable to explain how they did it.
Nervousness during a job interview is natural and can hinder a good performance. However, according to R. Vėgelė, recruitment specialists understand and notice this and often try to help the candidate relax.
"Another example is lying about work experience. For instance, a candidate's CV might state they are currently employed, but during the interview, it slips out that they are not. Or it might indicate they have been a manager for five years, when it later turns out they were promoted only six months or even a month ago. In such a case, it's better to outline the career path, showing their growth from a specialist to a manager," says I. Alimovienė.
Fourth myth: It's impolite to talk about salary.
The topic of money is still largely considered taboo in Lithuania. Even in a job interview, candidates often shy away from clearly stating their desired salary. The specialists encourage applicants not to be afraid to name a figure, as everyone understands the need to cover rent or a mortgage, buy food and other necessities, and have some leisure. While not all companies may be flexible with negotiations, it is always worth trying after assessing your experience and potential.
"When applying, it's important to pay attention to the salary range indicated in the job advertisement. If it aligns with your needs and experience, feel free to submit your CV. However, we definitely see cases where a person with no experience comes in and asks for the top of the salary range, which is typically earned by a specialist who has been in that position for several years. So, a realistic self-assessment is necessary," says I. Alimovienė.
What else should you know when looking for a job?
"When it comes to your CV, the golden rule is to tailor it to the position you're applying for. Don't write that you're looking for an accounting or administrative job if you're applying for something in a completely different field. Also, be sure to double-check that your contact information is correct. We've had cases where people make a mistake in their phone number or email and then wonder why they haven't received any calls after sending out a hundred CVs," recounts I. Alimovienė.
If a cover letter is requested along with the CV, opt for a brief but sincere text tailored to the specific position, rather than a generic template sent to all companies. It is also crucial to carefully check who the letter is addressed to and ensure there are no careless errors.
When sending your CV and cover letter via email, clearly state which position, or at least which department, you are applying to. Companies are often hiring for multiple roles simultaneously, and it's not always obvious from the resume alone.
"It's also important to pay attention to your email address – one composed of your first and last name looks much more professional than an informal one created in your teens, like 'strawberry123'," says I. Alimovienė.
When going to a job interview, one of the most important things is to save the job advertisement. If you didn't, it's worth contacting the employer to ask for it – this demonstrates your interest and preparation. It's also essential to research the company's activities to facilitate conversation about the position and the organization during the interview.
Additionally, it's beneficial to look into the company's reputation by checking reviews, publicly available information, and employee posts on LinkedIn. It is equally important to assess whether the company's values align with your personal expectations.
"For example, if a company's value is collaboration, but an individual is unwilling to share their knowledge and train a colleague," explains R. Vėgelė.
During the interview, it's important for the candidate to ask about the job position, future responsibilities, and functions to ensure they have a correct understanding, and to ask for examples. You should also inquire about other important aspects like work flexibility, hours, remote work options, etc. If you forget, it's worth following up with a call or an email, advise the VMSA specialists.
VILNIUS TECH invites young creators of the future to participate in the GRAVITY Career Day on April 16th. The event annually attracts over 10,000 students and high schoolers, and more than 100 organization representatives. It is an educational initiative that provides young people with real opportunities to explore professions, meet employers, and strategically plan their careers. This year's theme is social connections. You can find more information about the event here.
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