Avoid this common mistake in a job interview, says AT&T’s top HR exec

A job interview is a great opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer, but one lackluster response can make you less likely to get the job.

Angela Santone, senior vice president of human resources at AT&T, says there’s one phrase you should never say, especially in a job interview.

Santhorn, who has worked in HR for over 20 years and has interviewed hundreds of candidates, used the phrase in response to the common question, “Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and what you learned from it.” It seems that I often hear.

She explains that the worst reaction to that question is to not answer it at all.

“When I ask people that question, I’m always surprised when they say, ‘I have no idea,'” Santone said. “We’re all human and we all make mistakes. I want to show the interviewer that I’m comfortable talking about my failures and, more importantly, that I’ve learned and grown from the experience.” is.”

Even if you want to convince an interviewer that you’re the right person for the job, “there’s a fine line between arrogance and pride,” says Santone. “You have to be conscious of telling it like it’s real and authentic.”

Instead, be honest with your interviewer about the mistakes you made, and highlight how you used the experience to improve your work, demonstrating that you are self-aware and willing to learn. , says Santone.

Also, providing specific examples of how you work on a team or group project will make you appear more confident and competent in the interview.

She added that effective collaboration is a “lost art” and a key skill employers are looking for during interviews, especially as they continue to work in hybrid capacities.

If the interviewer describes how you are expected to work with others in the role, see if you can compare the details to your previous work experience. please.

“Returning what you’ve heard about success in the role shows that you’re actively listening and genuinely participating in the conversation,” says Santone. says. “It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference and set you apart from others.”

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