Your potential employer liked your resume and you’ve been called in for a face-to-face interview. This is an important, maybe even the MOST important, step in your job search, and it is your chance to make a good first impression on your potential employer!
It’s normal for you to feel nervous, but by knowing what some of the biggest mistakes that people frequently make in interviews are, you can reduce your stress level and aim to improve the way you act and speak, avoiding these errors.
Here are a few things that you shouldn’t do and some tips on how to avoid them!
1. Arriving late
Being late for a job interview not only shows your potential employer that you have bad time management skills, but it also shows a lack of respect for the company. If you have a habit of being late for your appointments, stop it!
Aim for arriving 15-30 minutes before your appointment time. If you’ve got time to spare, find a coffee shop nearby and wait. This gives you a chance to calm your nerves, fit in any last minute prep and most importantly, avoid arriving late!
2. Leaving your phone on
Make sure you turn your phone off during your job interview, or at least turn it on silent- although the vibration sound can often be just as loud as a ringtone!
Not only would it be very disruptive if your phone were to go off in your interview, it would also appear very unprofessional on your part and shows a lack of respect for your interviewers time.
3. Not knowing enough about the company
Sometimes the interviewer may test your knowledge about the company and ask you what you know about it or what attracted you to the opening. This is one of the easiest questions that allows you to impress the interviewer, IF you do your homework before your interview.
You can find most of the information about the company online, on the company’s official website, LinkedIn page, and even Facebook page. Familiarize yourself with your potential employer before you head to your interview, including what they do, their values and any current projects they’re working on if you can find this information.
4. Criticising your previous employer
Regardless of how unhappy you were with a previous employer, DO NOT criticise your ex-boss and coworkers. It’s a small world and you never know who your interviewer might know. He or she could be a personal friend of the boss you describe as an idiot! You want to give the interviewer the impression that you are a team player and can work well with others.
5. Talking too much
The interviewer doesn’t need to know your whole life story. When you are asked a question, focus on this question and provide a clear and concise answer. Don’t get sidetracked and ramble on and on about your personal life!
6. Zoning out
You should give your interviewer your full attention and be prepared to answer anything they may ask you. If you allow yourself to zone out and miss a question or have to get them to repeat themselves, they may doubt how interested or committed you actually are to the role.
To avoid this happening and to maintain your focus, make sure you have a good night sleep the night before – even if all your friends are hitting the town!
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