As recruitment experts, Peoplelink knows interviews are stressful, plain and simple. But some people seem to handle them much more gracefully than others.
So what do they know that you may not? To start, they know to avoid these common interviewing mistakes:
Not preparing.
Would you go on a talk show in front of a studio audience without a clue as to what the show is about? Probably not.
So then why are you going to job interviews without knowing anything about the company and the position, or having any questions prepared?
An interviewer can spot an unprepared candidate from a mile away. So don’t let lack of prep hinder your ability to get the job. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be during the job interview.
Not matching the interviewer’s tone.
Sure, you might be a more relaxed, jovial kind of person. But if it’s clear the interviewer is far more serious and simply wants to stick to business, then don’t try to make jokes or small talk. Instead, let your interviewer set the tone for the interview and match their style, whether it’s formal or laid back.
Talking too much.
Interviews are nerve-wracking experiences. And, as a result, many job candidates wind up talking too much during them, eventually revealing less than savory information.
But be on guard! Don’t let your nerves get the best of you and allow you to babble on. Instead, answer questions as clearly and succinctly as you can and don’t let an interviewer’s pause in conversation make you feel like you need to keep talking. In fact, that’s often a tactic they use to get candidate’s to say more than they planned to.
Speaking out against your old boss.
You may have had the worst boss ever. But that old boss could be your interviewer’s former colleague or cousin. It’s a small world out there and in order to avoid any awkward situations, you need to avoid any negative talk about past employers, bosses and co-workers.
Displaying unprofessional behavior.
This encompasses many things, including showing up late to an interview, wearing inappropriate attire, answering your phone during an interview, or being rude to the receptionist. A job interview is one of those times you need to be on your best behavior, from the time you park your car to the time you get back into it.
Giving vague answers.
Hiring managers are looking for facts, figures and statistics. They want to know how you helped the bottom line at your past employers. So when you give vague or fuzzy answers about duties and achievements, you’re sending them the message that a) you’re not confident and b) you could be lying, as well. Not good either way.
The hard part’s over. You got your resume in front of the right person and landed an interview. Don’t mess it up by making any of the mistakes above. If you prepare properly and act professionally, you should be able to impress the hiring manager and land the job you want.
And if you need more help with the job search process, let Peoplelink know. As recruitment experts, we’ll act as your career advisor, locating jobs that are the best fit for your skills and interests – jobs you won’t find advertised elsewhere!
