For most people, navigating a job interview can be incredibly nerve-wracking. Hence, it’s a good idea to be aware of exactly what you shouldn’t do in order to boost your chances of success. This article will share a few of the biggest mistakes people make in job interviews so that you can avoid them!
Not Doing Research
You have to go to interviews prepared, having done at least basic research on the company you’re applying for. Failing to understand the company’s mission and market position, or seeming uninterested or under-informed about the industry itself, is almost a guarantee that you won’t get the position.
Arriving Late
First impressions do matter, especially in professional settings. So, be sure to arrive on time—or, better yet, a little early. Being late shows a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time and that you aren’t able to manage your own time well. It could also mean the interview has to be rushed, which can go against you.
Dressing Inappropriately
Showing up in non-professional clothing can come across as though you’re not serious about a job. As per Forbes, “Over 40% of job interviewers admitted that a formally-dressed candidate made a better impression than an informally-dressed one.” Even if the company promotes a casual work attire environment, it’s better to come slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Fidgeting
Stop twirling that pen or tapping on your coffee mug. Excessive fidgeting distracts both you and the interviewer, plus it can appear unprofessional. Fidgeting may be your response to stress, but do your best to avoid it, as it can suggest nervousness or a lack of preparation.
Poor Body Language
As nervous as you may be, avoiding eye contact or having a weak handshake may signal to the interviewer that you have a lack of confidence. Slumping in your seat or making excessive hand gestures can also be distracting—and not in a good way.
Unclear Answering and Rambling
Again, this likely comes down to nerves, but try to avoid giving unclear answers and rambling on. Both of these things can confuse the interviewer and suggest that you’re either nervous or unsure about what to say. Instead, prepare answers to common questions in advance and try to be concise.
Speaking Negatively About Current or Previous Employers
According to business recruiter Martha Reynolds on LinkedIn, bashing your old (or current) boss can reflect poorly on you in several ways: it paints you as a complainer, the interviewer may know your boss, it can show a lack of accountability, and it creates a negative atmosphere. You should instead shift focus to what you’ve learned and how you wish to progress.
Lying on Your Resume
Most people are guilty of spicing up their resumes a little, but the truth is that dishonesty can be easily uncovered and ruin your professional reputation. Even if you’re lucky and lying lands you a position, it can all unravel when it turns out you’re a poor fit for the role because you can’t do everything you said.
Getting Too Personal or Familiar
You may want to relate to the interviewer or even charm them, but be careful. Oversharing personal details can make them uncomfortable. It’s best to maintain professional boundaries, focus on your qualifications and work history, and avoid overly casual language.
Not Bringing Enough Copies of Your Resume
When it comes to job interviews, you always want to seem well-prepared. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to bring multiple copies of your resume in case you end up speaking with multiple interviewers. Showing up with just one copy—or none at all—can show a lack of foresight and organizational skills.
Sitting Down Before Being Invited
Sitting down without being invited can make you seem too casual or impolite. It’s best to wait for the interviewer to sit or ask you to sit if you want to make a good impression and appear as respectful as possible.
Discussing Salary or Benefits Too Early
Something else you should avoid in an interview is bringing up the compensation too early on in the conversation. In fact, it’s best to wait for the interviewer to bring up these topics. As shared by Harvard Business Review, it’s also important that you’ve done your research and know what you want from a salary beforehand.
Using Profanity or Slang
Whatever you do, whatever the role, don’t ever go into an interview using slang words or cussing. This, naturally, indicates a lack of professionalism and respect for the workplace, as well as for the person interviewing you. Show the interviewer that you’re able to communicate effectively and politely.
Answering With “I Don’t Know”
As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to always prepare answers to common questions and do sufficient research on the company and industry. If you do so, you should never be left struggling to answer a question. If you are truly stumped, however, then use strategies to thoughtfully bridge any knowledge gaps. You can also practice this in advance.
Reading Responses from Notes
Let’s keep it real. In general, it’s best not to take any notes with you into an interview, but if you feel you need them, then ensure you’re not just reading off answers from the page. Memorized answers can really seem inauthentic and robotic. Indeed says, “To ensure that you remain engaged with your interviewer, look at your notes and then speak rather than read from your notes.”
Saying “My Greatest Weakness Is Perfection”
It’s not uncommon to be asked about your weaknesses during a job interview, but don’t use the cliché “perfection” response as your answer. It’s overused and offers little insight into your real challenges. Instead, we recommend you show self-awareness of your real weaknesses and a desire to improve.
Indicating You Have Other Interviews
If you’re asked, then don’t lie—but you also shouldn’t offer up the information. Telling an interviewer that you’ve got lots of other interviews lined up implies a lack of commitment or enthusiasm for the current opportunity. If asked directly, try to focus on why the role at hand is the most attractive to you.
Not Following Up
Technically, this takes place after the interview, but it’s still important not to do this. Not following up means you miss out on the opportunity to reinforce your interest in the role and why your qualifications are the best fit. A thank you note or email can also distinguish you from other candidates and make you memorable.
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