Job interviews can be extremely nerve-wracking and making mistakes in an interview is easy to do. However, being aware of certain problem areas beforehand can help you prevent them.
Receiving an invitation to an interview shows that the recruiters and HR managers have positively evaluated your written application but it still does not guarantee your employment.
This can often be entirely dependent on how well the job interview goes. Therefore, it is important to avoid making any unnecessary errors or mistakes during the interview. When it comes to job interviews, first impressions really do matter, so it is important to make a good one.
You should be aware of a few things that can sabotage your chances of making a good first impression on the hiring manager.
Here are 10 mistakes to avoid making during an interview:
- Checking your phone – Answering your phone, scrolling social media, or responding to text messages during an interview should absolutely be avoided. Instead, turn your phone off or put it on do not disturb for the course of the interview.
- Not being prepared – It would help if you avoided approaching your interview with a “wing-it” attitude. To make a good impression on the interviewer, you can prepare for your interview a few days before the appointment.
- Dressing inappropriately – Always avoid dressing casually for a job interview, unless the hiring manager informs you what the dress code is at the workplace, use that as your guide for your interview outfit.
- Don’t be late – Arriving late to your job interview shows that you don’t manage your time well and don’t have a great sense of priorities. Make sure to plan ahead and take traffic into consideration.
- Eating or drinking during the interview – You should avoid eating during an interview, even if you’re hungry. Make sure to eat a snack and have some water before you start the interview.
- Knowing nothing about the company – It’s encouraged to do some research about the company before any interview, not only will this show interest, but it will also help you answer certain questions.
- Lying on your CV/ during the interview – It might be tempting to amend some of the bullet points on your CV, but this proves dishonesty, so it is highly important to avoid lying on your CV during the interview.
- Acting rudely – Being disrespectful towards the hiring manager or any other member of the staff will reflect poorly on you as a candidate and as a person.
- Losing focus during the interview – During a job interview, it’s important to stay fully engaged in the conversation, so avoid losing focus and make a point to show interest.
- Not asking any questions – Arriving at the interview with no questions shows the hiring manager that you have done little to no research or don’t care to learn about the position or company. It is important to prepare a few questions before your interview.
It is always advisable to be well-prepared if you have a job interview coming up. Being prepared for anything will make you feel more confident about your answers and actions during an interview.
Doing your research, practicing interview questions, and getting a good night’s rest are great ways to get ready for any job interview.