Jobseekers are talking themselves out of billions of pounds a year in potential pay rises through lack of interview skills, according to research by www.jobsite.co.uk.

The study of 5,000 candidates found that jobseekers’ inability to sell themselves in interviews means that they are losing more than £2.3bn a year in missed pay increases.

Although the average amount missed out on is £750, 43% have lost more than £1,000, and 28% more than £2,000.
The research found that one in three jobseekers failed to receive a single job offer in the past year – 10% of the working population. Poor interview technique was the single biggest reason for failure (11%), with falling victim to nerves (11%) or being out of interview practice (9%) other major factors.

The research highlights the widespread lack of interview preparation among candidates. Only 13% practise interview questions with friends and family, despite 33% saying that knowing how to turn their experience into answers would make them more successful.
Instead, many candidates look to prepare by buying a new suit (16%) or having a haircut (7%).

Keith Potts, chief executive of Jobsite.co.uk, says: "Our candidates tell us that it’s one thing to find a job that matches your skills and experience, but quite another to be able to sell yourself in an interview chair."

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