UAE: Got the interview, not the job? 5 tips to land it next time

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Question: I’m currently job hunting but struggling to progress beyond the interview stage. What could I be doing wrong?

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Answer: Congratulations! Landing interviews repeatedly means you're clearly doing something right, especially given today's competitive market. But if you consistently get the call-back without the offer, let’s pause for an honest reflection.

Reality check: Does your CV match your story?

Start at the foundation, your CV. Does it genuinely reflect your experience, or did you sprinkle in a bit of extra "VAT" (Value Added Truth)?

While a bit of embellishment might seem harmless initially, overselling yourself could set you up for failure. Interviewers are likely to be highly attuned to inconsistencies and exaggerations, quickly transforming positive first impressions into doubts about credibility. Once trust is compromised, your chance of securing the role drops dramatically. Stay authentic — your genuine achievements will always speak louder than inflated claims.

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Did you do your homework?

Research matters, especially today when information is abundant. Skimming a company’s website or LinkedIn isn’t enough. Dig deeper. Podcasts, for instance, are becoming gold mines of insights into company culture, strategy, and even the interviewer’s personality.

I recently heard from someone who aced their interview by referencing a remark the interviewer made on the company’s podcast. The interviewer was instantly impressed, and rapport quickly followed. That candidate became memorable, standing apart from those who only skimmed surface details.

Now that you've honestly reflected, here's how to convert interviews into offers…

1. Structure your responses with STAR

Ever left an interview feeling your responses fell flat? Use the classic STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result — to frame your stories clearly and memorably. As Harvard Business Review recently highlighted, STAR turns vague answers into structured stories, helping you confidently articulate your achievements.

2. GenAI is great, but authenticity wins

A recent MIT Sloan article showed candidates who prepared with Generative AI (GenAI) significantly outperformed their peers. Yet, interviewers are quickly becoming savvy at distinguishing memorised GenAI-generated responses from genuinely thoughtful answers.

The trick? Use GenAI as your coach, not your ghostwriter. Ensure every response actually reflects your experiences, ideas, and personality. Authenticity shines through, and interviewers value originality over rehearsed lines every time.

3. Master your body language

Your non-verbal cues often speak louder than words. Maintaining steady eye contact, adopting open body posture, and using confident gestures convey assurance and credibility. Practice these subtle cues during mock interviews, in front of a mirror, with a friend, or record yourself to notice areas for improvement.

4. Manage interview anxiety

It’s natural to feel nervous, but excessive anxiety can hinder performance. Techniques like deep breathing, visualising a successful interview, and thorough preparation can dramatically reduce stress. Studies show that positive self-talk significantly reduces anxiety and improves performance under pressure.

Practicing your STAR responses out loud or recording them to hear your own voice can significantly decrease anxiety. According to research, auditory feedback and familiarity with your own voice can reduce cognitive load and calm your stress response, helping boost your overall confidence.

5. Future-proof your skills

Finally, think strategically about how you stand out. What about upskilling? The World Economic Forum recently highlighted critical future skills, like AI and big data, analytical thinking, and creative thinking. Assess where you stand and consider where you could invest in your growth.

Your next move

You're already getting interviews - that’s a significant achievement! Fine-tune your authenticity, deepen your research, structure your stories clearly, leverage GenAI carefully, and proactively invest in future skills.

Although it may feel like more candidates are flooding the market, I truly believe there's still a war on talent. Genuine experts and exceptional candidates remain rare. Make sure you're one of them.

Roujin Ghamsari is an accomplished HR practitioner and fellow of the CIPD, a professional body for HR and people development. Named among the 'Most Influential HR Practitioners 2023', she excels at collaborating with C-Suite leadership to craft and implement robust people plans, enabling organisations to deliver their strategic objectives.