What are the most common interview
mistakes? Unfortunately, most of us make job interview errors, blunders and
mistakes as a candidate for employment without any realizing it.
Here is good news for you, as I have
singled out some of the most common interview mistakes. What you need to do is
to get prepared beforehand not to stress and get upset because of the errors
quite after the interview.
1. Interview attire. When you are preparing
for an interview, make it sure you choose the right clothes to appear in the
company; you should look professional and polished. Depending on the position
you are applying for your choice of an interview attire may vary. You should
keep in mind that regardless of the nature of the company you should go to an
interview in a business casual attire. It’s important to dress well and put
together, no matter what the company.
2. Time Management. Introducing for an
interview later than the fixed time suggests poor time management skills, as
well as it’s a disrespect towards the company, the position you could occupy
and even the interviewer. Do your best to arrive on time, and even earlier.
3. Fuel before beginning the interview.
Drink your soda or coffee before entering the interview, as it will seem not
only unprofessional, but also, you will be more focused on things at hand and
not an interview. For example, you can miss a question while you are sipping
coffee, or you will not be able to maintain a good eye contact with the
interviewer.
4. Phone silence mode. It’s highly important
and recommended to silence your phone before going to your interview. Moreover,
texting during the interview will not only disturb the process, but will also
give your interviewer a pretty good message that the job is not your top
priority.
5. Company research. Be ready to be asked by
the interviewer “And what do you know about this company?” This may confuse you
as you had no idea that it’s a good thing to know about the company you are
going to be employed by. What you can do is to dig out some information from
their website, the “About US” section, print and read it before you enter the
interview.
6. Job application. Even if before getting
your interview invitation you have sent a resume, you may be asked to fill a
job application. Make sure that you remember all the necessary information about
your prior employment, graduation dates and the employer contacts.
7. Staying focused. You should not zone out while
the interview, as missing out a question will not look right from your part. Your distraction during the interview
will make your interviewer doubt on your being focused on job during the day.
However, if you still feel that your attention is slipping away, make an effort
to stay engaged. Make a good eye contact with your interviewer and try to lean
forward and try to listen effectively.
8. Talk shortly. You need simply to focus on
the question by giving to-the-point answers. Avoid talking on and on, as the
interviewer does not need to know all your life. Your personal life is the
least that may interest your interviewer, so that miss out the topics on your
children, spouse, your home life, etc.