Many clients come to us saying they feel they have done well in their interviews, but yet they never get a job offer. Sound familiar? It could be that you aren't performing quite as well as you think.
Here are 21 common interview mistakes to avoid:
Dressing Unprofessionally - Make a good first impression by dressing professionally, even if the job will only require casual attire.
Showing Up Late - Don't waste the time of the interviewer by arriving to your interview late. This makes a poor first impression, and may also leave you feeling flustered. Plan for plenty of time to get to your interview, building in extra time in case you encounter construction or some other slowdown.
Using Slang - Be professional in your speech. Don't use slang, and don't curse. While some companies don't mind, it is generally not acceptable workplace behavior.
Lying - It is easy to determine if you are being truthful or not, so don't try to get away with lying or even stretching the truth to try to make yourself look better. Your integrity will come into question, and you will likely be passed by as a candidate.
Providing a Resume You Can't Support - Along the same lines, make sure you can support all of the details you have included on your resume. It should be an accurate representation of your skills and experiences. Don't bring a resume that is not factual or that stretches the facts.
Distracting Yourself with Your Cell Phone - It may seem difficult, but try to keep your cell phone "off and away" during the entire interview. You will distract yourself and the interviewer if you have it out. Take notes with pen and paper instead.
Fidgeting - It may be a natural impulse from nervousness, but try not to fidget too much during the interview. It can be distracting from your well-thought-out answers.
Chewing Gum - Along the same lines as fidgeting, chewing gum can make it difficult for the interviewer to focus on what you are saying.
Talking Negatively - You may be frustrated with your previous job, boss or co-workers, but it is not appropriate to "vent" during an interview. It will only reflect poorly on you. Keep any discussion about why you are seeking a new job concise and forward-focused.
Being Unprepared - Did you research the company and the position in advance? Demonstrate you are interested in the role and invested in the interview by doing a bit of preparation ahead of time.
Not Having Questions Ready - Yes, you should come to the interview with your own set of questions to ask! It is important to be engaged in the interview process and learn if the role is a good fit for you. Believe it or not, employers expect you to have questions.
Not Having Practiced Common Interview Questions - You will come across poorly if you are struggling to answer common interview questions. Again, this shows lack of preparation and lack of investment in the job search process. Take some time to practice the questions that are often asked at interviews.
Taking Over the Interview - Don't go off on a tangent. Answer the question that is being asked, and then politely wait for the next question. Stay on topic.
Rambling - In some cases, interviewees start rambling on and on when addressing a question. They may lose focus or provide unclear answers that take way too long. Often the interviewer has a list of questions they are trying to cover in a specific time frame. Keeping your answers concise is the best practice.
Mumbling - Try to speak loud enough to be clearly heard. This will give the impression of confidence (even if you are uncertain about your answer to a specific question).
Body Language that Shows Lack of Confidence - Provide a firm (but not crushing) handshake and sit up straight, making eye contact during the interview. These actions will make you appear more professional and confident.
Getting Too Comfortable - While you want to build a rapport with your interviewer, you are not going to become fast friends during the interview. Maintain professionalism throughout.
Indicating How Badly You Need this Job - You may really want to get this particular position. You may have bills to pay and landing this role will help you out immensely. But, it is not appropriate to bring these things up during an interview. You need to show that they need you, not the other way around.
Crying - Although interviews are stressful and it may be hard to control your emotions, you need to avoid crying during the interview. You must maintain your professionalism at all times.
Discussing Salary - We suggest you avoid discussing salary, if you can. It is best to wait for an offer and then look at the full package. If you give a number during the interview, it may put you out of the running. When you factor in benefits and vacation, it is possible you could accept something lower than the number you would provide on the spot.
Failing to Figure out the Follow-Up Plan - Before you leave the interview, find out when they will be making their decision and contacting you. This lets you know when it is OK to reach out and followup yourself...should you not hear from them.
Have a virtual interview? Consider these 3 additional potential interview errors:
Unprofessional Background - Religious and political views should not be visible during a virtual interview. Clutter can also appear unprofessional. Choose a plain wall for the best presentation.
Interruptions - Make sure family members and pets are kept out of the space where you will be conducting the interview. Interruptions can make the interview go off-track.
Unable to Use the Software - Practice using the program in advance, so you don't have to worry about set-up or troubleshooting. Make sure you are online on time, so you start the interview as scheduled.
Avoiding the above mistakes will increase the likelihood that you impress at the interview. For additional job interview tips check out these blogs.
Revision Resume is a Rochester area business, specializing in helping job seekers with their career documentation. We help applicants in Monroe County and beyond!
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