13 Common Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
IN THE SELECTION PROCESS, having prior knowledge of activities not to be done in an interview is just as critical as having a well-drafted resume and strong references.
Job Interviews can be as subjective as other interpersonal interactions. Yet, experts have spotted repeated interview mistakes that an individual should avoid to enhance your chances of making a great impression.
Dodge these common — Deadly — Interview Mistakes to get the Job
Your behavior and activities done at the time of the job interview are considered as a “specimen” of your work. Keep in mind that all your activities are judged because they don’t know you.
Exhibit that you would be a good hire. Try not to make the below mentioned mistakes:
- Mistake: Appearing Uninterested
Employers always have a choice in terms of having more applicants than they actually want. If you are unable to demonstrate your interest in the organization and the job, your chances of selection become bleak.
To Avoid: Display your interest in the organization and the job. Have knowledge about the job you have applied for and why you are keen on getting the job. Be attentive and focused on the interview and avoid the usage of the phone.
Ask sensible questions that indicate you have done some research, but DON’T question just for the sake of questioning.
- Mistake: Sharing too much Information
People while appearing for an interview are overwhelmed and tend to speak a lot. So to create an impression they speak a lot and share irrelevant information which may not do any benefits but harm their prospects. This information is “Not smart or useful!”
It is always advised not to bore the interviewer with too much information. If the interviewer is interested in details, they will ask.
To Avoid: Try to respond to their question, in a crisp and short manner and avoid sharing stories.
- Mistake: Having Negative body language
If you don’t have positive body language like no smile, have a limp handshake, and avoid maintaining eye contact with the people you meet at the employer’s location, and especially with the interviewer, you will be considered as strange or simply not interested.
To Avoid: If you are naturally very shy or an introvert, express your zeal to work, smile and look at the interviewer’s eye, and shake hands as though you really are happy to meet that person.
If you are comfortable with people around just smile and say hello, avoid getting too personal.
- Mistake: Arriving late at the venue.
Reaching late in the venue is something like committing a crime; It doesn’t create a good impression on the interviewer. This factor is directly linked with how responsible you are and how important is the value of time for you.
To Avoid: Preplan your travel and try to keep the day for the interview keeping all other work aside. Leave early from home so that you have ample time if you are stuck in traffic jams, if you are getting late because of genuine reason keep your interviewer informed about it.
- Mistake: Dressing inappropriately for the interview.
Your way of dressing defines you as it creates a first impression on the interviewer. If you are dressed in a shabby informal way for an interview it does not give good signals about your personality.
To Avoid: Spend time on grooming and dressing as per the role, try to be neat and clean, good hairdo and light makeup. Formal attire will work for a corporate job and business casual is best for many non-office jobs.
- Mistake: Being rude to company staff.
Carrying a rude or condescending attitude towards any staff member is unacceptable, unprofessional, and could cost you the job offer.
To Avoid: Try not to overfriendly and be polite and respectful to everyone you meet. Have basic courtesy with everyone.
- Mistake: Giving inaccurate information on a resume.
A resume is the written document of your education and professional experience, don’t fake the details you mention in it. If the employer finds inaccuracies on your resume you will not be hired.
To Avoid: Try to be honest about your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments, and double-check all the details for accuracy. Mention the details which you can justify with written documents.
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- Mistake: Using a casual or unprofessional tone.
People who are extroverts tend to commit this mistake as they go with the flow and use a casual tone. This tone sometimes leads that individual is unacquainted with business etiquette.
To Avoid: Adapt your behavior as per the social behavior and culture which suits the settings. If the interviewer seems to be formal and reserved, try to be formal with them on the contrary if the interviewer has laid back approach, you can be less formal while still maintaining a professional attitude.
- Mistake: Being inattentive to the interviewer.
If the interviewer finds you inattentive and sees if your focus is not in an interview then it is an issue. They might not hire you considering that you might not focus on your work.
To Avoid: Ensure you take a lot of rest before appearing for an interview. Be well prepared, make eye contact, listen carefully, and speak clearly.
- Mistake: Answering the phone during the interview.
Answering phone calls and messages is a big NO. It portrays that you are rude and disrespectful, and do not value their time or the goals of the company.
To Avoid: It is advised to consider your interview as a priority. Put your phone on silent mode, and avoid responding to the messages unless and until it is really important.
- Mistake: Not researching the company beforehand.
If you lack on your research about the company it gives a bad Impression. Be prepared to answer the questions about their company and the job you are interviewed for.
To Avoid: Try to collect as much relevant information about the company from the company website, social media accounts, and other online content. If possible increase your network and get connected to people in LinkedIn from the company and get the details from them.
- Mistake: Badmouthing past employers.
Badmouthing the previous employers in an interview is considered unprofessional. Employers will think before hiring you considering the possibility of same hostile treatment in the future.
To Avoid: Share all your positive experiences and achievements rather than discussing your negative experience and blaming your previous employees for impacting your growth.
- Mistake: Mentioning salary and benefits early-on
If you discuss salary and money at the initial stage of an interview, It gives the feeling that you are more interested in money rather than in understanding the job responsibilities.
To Avoid: Do not initiate the topic always wait for the interviewer to discuss the topic. If they don’t and ask, wait for a while maybe they would discuss in the second round.
Moving On
Everyone makes mistakes, and, often, the mistakes are not “fatal” for your job search. But, do your best to avoid these errors and you should have a short job search.
These were 13 Common Interview Mistakes Do to Avoid Them and Crack Interviews easily.
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