Employers often use interviews to assess a candidate's ability to handle challenges and perform well on the job. Therefore, it is important to avoid making any unnecessary errors or mistakes during the interview.
Receiving an invitation for a job interview does not guarantee your employment, as multiple candidates up for the same position.
This is why you should be aware of a few things that can sabotage your chances of making a good first impression on the hiring manager.
Avoid Making These Mistakes At Job Interviews
Being late
Arriving late for an interview can leave a bad impression on the interviewer. It shows the interviewer 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. It is always advisable to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early.
Dressing inappropriately
The saying “first impressions go a long way” applies to several aspects in life including, job interviews.
Dressing inappropriately can make you appear unprofessional and unprepared. 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.
Being Unprepared/ Not Doing Research
Not preparing for the interview can make you appear uninterested or unprepared. Review the job description and prepare answers to common interview questions.
It’s always 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.
Not researching the company can make you seem disinterested in the position. Make sure to research the company's history, mission, and values before the interview.
Speaking negatively about previous employers
Speaking negatively about previous employers can make you appear unprofessional and difficult to work with. It may also raise concerns about how you would handle conflicts or challenges in the workplace and raises doubts about your loyalty and discretion.
it is advisable to only focus on the positive aspects of your previous employment experiences during job interviews.
Lying
Lying during an interview can damage your reputation and cost you the job. Always be honest and truthful in your responses.
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.
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.
Eating or drinking during the interview
You should avoid eating during an interview, even if you're hungry. Eating or drinking can create distractions and interruptions during the interview. It may divert attention away from the conversation and make it difficult for both you and the interviewer to concentrate on the important discussion.
Make sure to eat a snack and have some water before you start the interview.
Interrupting the interviewer
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.
Interrupting the interviewer can make you appear disrespectful and difficult to work with. Wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before responding.
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.
Failing to ask questions
Arriving to 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.
Failing to ask questions can make you appear disinterested in the job and company. Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer to show your interest in the position.
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.
