Top 10 Interview Mistakes
Top 10 Interview Mistakes
What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are the top ten interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make.
No.1 Arriving Late
Don't give a weak first impression even before the start of the interview. Lateness shows lack of respect and poor time management skills. Make sure to show up 10-15 minutes in advance and notify a receptionist upon your arrival. Getting to your interview early will allow you to familiarize yourself with a foreign environment, and if you’re lucky, the waiting room may even have magazines from this decade.
No.2 Lying
Although it's tempting, it doesn't work. Be yourself and be honest! Don't pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you don't. The interviewer will pick up on this. If you don't know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself.
No.3 Dress Wrong
Candidates make an impression on the interviewer literally within seconds after meeting him/her. You want to be sure that you make the best impression possible. Make sure your hair is cleaned, combed and worn in a professional manner. Your teeth should be brushed, and you should wear a deodorant with a mild scent. Arrive several minutes early for the interview, so you can take time to check your appearance in the restroom before the interview.
No.4 Criticising your past boss or coworkers
Even if you can’t stand your former boss, a job interview is not the time to "trash talk" or complain about your former employer. Avoid any negative references to your former boss. If you were laid off or fired from a previous position, be prepared to give a simple explanation that puts a positive spin on what happened.
Interviewers are interested more in how you overcome these challenges. If there is something you need to express that is negative, say it in positive way.
No.5 Not being prepared
There is no excuse with today’s technology to go into an interview without doing basic research on the company interviewing you, their executives, products, customers, and competitors.
Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You'd be surprised how many people can't remember what they wrote on their CV. You also should prepare answers on the most common interview questions such as, “What are you strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in ten years? What can you bring to the company that nobody else can? What brought you to this part of your career?” You will be more than likely asked these questions.
No.6 Asking about Salary too early
Don’t ask about salary at a job interview. Wait for the interviewer to bring up these issues. The interviewer will inevitably tell you what salary and benefits come with the job. There are so many people looking for jobs, so if the company sees you as someone who just wants the money and does not necessarily care about the job, it will work against you in the long run.
No.7 Saying Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question.
Although your interviewer will be interested in hearing about your past accomplishments and aspirations, they probably don’t need to hear about your bearded lady fetish or the fact that you experience a burning sensation every time you pee.
No.8 Checking the time
Be careful not to glance at your watch or the wall clock in the middle of your interview. Perhaps you should take off your watch prior to the interview so that you have no chance of accidentally looking at your wrist.
No.9 Not asking meaningful questions
Interviewers are unimpressed when they ask the candidate if they have any questions and the candidate does not! Prepare at least 3 or 4 questions in advance to ask the interviewer. Interviews are an exchange of information, and having no questions indicates that you are not sufficiently interested and have not thought much about the position.
The more research you have done about the company, the more relevant your questions will be.
No.10 Not following up after the interview
Calling or sending a note after the interview is your way of showing your appreciation. It is a direct way of telling the company that you are truly motivated and want this job.
