Debunking Stupid Interview Advice: Honesty, Notepads, and Asking "How Did I Do?"

The Importance of Honesty in Job Applications

• 💡 The truth is the only good answer when explaining why you're leaving a job, even if you were fired.
• ⚠️ Lying or covering up being fired is significantly worse than the firing itself, as it suggests a lack of integrity.
• 📈 Past behavior is a predictor of future behavior; dishonesty in an interview can lead a hiring manager to imagine negative future scenarios.
• ✅ Being honest feels better and avoids the stress and fear associated with hiding information, aligning with the principle that if you never lie, you never have to remember.
• 🗣️ Many companies only provide dates of employment and job titles for references due to legal concerns, but this doesn't guarantee your past issues won't be discovered.

Why Bringing a Notepad to an Interview is Bad Advice

• 🚫 Bringing a notepad to take notes during an interview is considered out of the norm and can make a candidate seem weird.
• 📝 The only acceptable reason to bring a notepad is to refer to pre-prepared questions you have for the interviewer.
• ❓ Asking too many questions or presenting a long list can be overwhelming and is generally discouraged, as interviewers want to focus on the candidate.
• 🙅‍♂️ Pretending to take notes does not make you look smarter; it makes you appear more peculiar and is not advisable during a high-stakes job search.

The Pitfalls of Asking "How Did I Do?"

• ⚠️ Asking an interviewer for feedback on your performance or if you've given them reason to doubt your fit is not recommended.
• ❌ Interviewers are often reluctant to give direct feedback due to low hiring standards, gut feelings, or fear of arguments, and may not have clear reasons for their decisions.
• 🙅‍♂️ Proving you are smarter than the interviewer or trying to convince them by arguing your points will not help you get the job.
• 💡 The purpose of an interview is for the hiring manager to assess you, not for you to solicit feedback or try to re-argue your case.
• 🎯 Instead of asking for feedback, focus on being truthful and persuasive throughout the interview process.

Seeking Reliable Career Advice

• 🔍 Be cautious of advice from random people on the internet, especially if they lack relevant experience.
• 🏢 Seek advice from individuals with direct experience in hiring within your target industry.
• 📚 Consider purchasing specialized resources, like interview series podcasts, or utilizing free resources provided by experienced professionals.