8 Interview Mistakes You Should Avoid
When you interview with a prospective
employer, you probably have 100 things running through your head, and
this may cause you much anxiety. However, if you can focus on the most
important items of the interview, then you will feel more relaxed and in
control of the message you wish to send. Many people find it helpful to
know what not to do in the interview in order to better understand what
they should do.
TOP 8 INTERVIEW MISTAKES TO AVOID
In order to best prepare yourself for
that all-important interview, make sure you avoid the following mistakes
that could prevent you from winning that position.
- Dressing inappropriately
Know the culture of the company. Don't dress in business casual if
many of the current employees wear more conservative clothing—you
want to look like you already fit the bill.
- Appearances that are loud,
bright, excessive, or extreme
Resist the temptation to wear perfume, bright colors, or loud nail
polish; cover up those tattoos. You want the interviewer to focus on
your skills and accomplishments, not your appearance.
- Being late to the interview
This mistake pretty much speaks for itself. This leaves a bad taste
in any prospective employer's mouth. If you can't be on time for the
interview, how dependable could you be as an employee? Arrive at
least ten minutes before the interview begins.
- Not asking questions
Do not sit like a bump on a log during your interview. Show interest
in the company by asking the employer what his or her biggest
challenges are; what the average work day for this position is like;
or what the next step is following the interview. The questions you
ask are indicative of your interest in the position. If you don't
ask questions, the interviewer will assume you won’t accept the job
offer if it is extended.
- Asking about salary and benefits
The appropriate time to discuss issues of compensation is when a
firm offer is on the table. Don't bring up the topic prematurely.
Take the time to learn about the company and the open position. In
the end, money isn't everything. Career satisfaction comes in many
forms (opportunity for growth, a collaborative team environment,
etc.). Most individuals are seeking positions due to issues other
than financial matters. So during the interview, concentrate on what
really matters—the responsibilities of the job at hand.
- Lack of resume or vita copies
Don't assume that the employer already has a copy of your resume.
Many employers now conduct group interviews, so you should always
bring extra copies of your resume to pass around. This will
demonstrate that you have foresight and consideration.
- Being unprepared for the
questions
Avoid going blank during the interview by preparing your answers in
advance to some of the most common interview questions. You will
appear poised and confident to the employer.
- Dishonesty
Never, ever lie to an employer to get the position. You undermine
your own strengths and abilities and the trust of the interviewer.
If you can’t get the position based on current and potential skills
and accomplishments, then you probably shouldn’t be applying for
that particular position.
MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION
Now that you are aware of the most
common interview mistakes, you can take proactive steps to ensure
that your interview is the best that it can be. Review the above
list before each interview and formulate your plan to make an
outstanding impression.