Congratulations, you’ve landed an interview for your dream job! Now, it’s time to impress your potential employer and secure your position.
However, even the most qualified candidates can easily slip up by making common job interview mistakes.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of what not to do during your job interviews. So, buckle up and get ready for some examples of what not to do!
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Don’t Blow It: How to Avoid Common Interviewing Mistakes
- Not Doing Your Research
- Arriving Late
- Not Dressing Appropriately
- Doing a Weak Handshake
- Forgetting Your Manners
- Discussing Your Salary Expectations Too Soon
- Not Asking Questions
- Failing to Listen
- Rambling
- Not Conducting a Mock Interview
- Talking Too Much about Your Personal Life
- Answering a Question with “I Don’t Know”
- Not Making Eye Contact
- Having Poor Body Language
- Being Too Negative
- Badmouthing Previous Employer
- Holding Your Cell Phone
- Not Following Up
Not Doing Your Research
When you’re sitting in front of the hiring manager, the last thing you want to admit is that you don’t know what the company does. Show that you’ve done your research and you understand the company’s services and products.
Take a deep dive into the company’s history, goals, and culture before you even submit your resume. Use LinkedIn, Google, and other sources to read about their latest news, upcoming events, and employees.
By doing this, you’ll have an impressive amount of knowledge about the company that’ll help you stand out from other job seekers.
Arriving Late
Arriving late is a surefire way to make a bad impression. You may have the perfect resume and cover letter, but tardiness is potentially a deal-breaker.
Plan your commute beforehand so that you arrive at your destination about 10-15 minutes earlier than your scheduled interview time to give yourself a buffer period for any unexpected delays. If you’re running late, notify the interviewer immediately by calling or emailing them.
Not Dressing Appropriately
Dress code is important in the job interview process. It shows that you have respect for the company, and it also gives a sense of your personality.
Dress formally; no shorts or sandals! Make sure to wear clothes that are clean, wrinkle-free and appropriate for the job title you’re applying for.
If possible, ask around about the company’s dress code so that you don’t commit a fashion faux pas.
Doing a Weak Handshake
A weak handshake won’t do you any favors during the job interview. Make sure to give a strong and firm handshake when you greet your interviewer.
It’s also important to maintain eye contact while shaking hands. Doing this will show that you’re confident, assertive, and determined—all qualities that employers value in a potential employee!
Forgetting Your Manners
When you enter the company premises or the interviewer’s office, always remember to say “hello” with a smile on your face. Also, don’t forget to thank them for their time at the end of the interview.
Manners matter greatly in an interview setting; it shows respect for those who’ve taken time out of their day to meet with you.
Discussing Your Salary Expectations Too Soon
Don’t bring up salary expectations too early on in the interview process. Doing so will make it seem as if you’re only interested in money, and not the job itself.
Wait until your potential employer brings it up first or until an offer has been made before discussing compensation. This way, you can negotiate a higher salary without appearing too eager to get paid.
Not Asking Questions
At some points throughout the interview, your interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions for them. This is your opportunity to further showcase yourself as a potential fit for their team!
Make sure to come prepared with several thoughtful questions that show off your interests and enthusiasm.
Failing to Listen
An interview is a two-way street. Not only will you be talking about yourself and your accomplishments, but the interviewer will also be asking questions to get to know you better.
It’s helpful to have a list of talking points rehearsed before the interview, but don’t be so focused on what you’re going to say that you forget to listen to the interviewer.
Make sure to listen carefully to their questions and answer them in an articulate manner. Showing active listening skills is a valuable skill that employers appreciate!
Rambling
Answering questions with long-winded responses is a common interview mistake. Although you may think you’re providing valuable information, hiring managers can quickly lose interest if you go off on a tangent.
Aim to answer questions with a concise and focused response that gets straight to the point. Remember, the person interviewing you has a limited amount of time, so make it count!
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Not Conducting a Mock Interview
Practicing your answers is a great way to prepare for an interview. Pick out common questions you think the interviewer may ask, and practice responding in front of a mirror or with a friend.
Prepare answers and ask yourself questions as if you were the interviewer. This will help to make you feel confident and give you an idea of what to expect during the actual interview.
Talking Too Much about Your Personal Life
Your personal life is different than your professional life. Unless the interviewer asks you questions about your home life, don’t bring it up during the entire interview.
Don’t go off topic and get too personal. Keep the focus of the conversation on your professional qualifications and experiences, rather than discussing any hobbies or other personal details that may be unrelated to the job. Keep your answers succinct and to the point—this will show that you’re organized, professional, and a great communicator.
Answering a Question with “I Don’t Know”
Admitting that you don’t know something doesn’t make you look unprepared; it actually shows that you’re honest and open to learning new things. It’s ok to tell an interviewer that you aren’t sure about something or need more time to think about an answer.
However, if this happens often during an interview, it can make you appear indecisive or apathetic. Instead, emphasize the skills and knowledge you do possess and how they can help the company.
Not Making Eye Contact
Looking away from the interviewer can indicate that you’re disengaged, disinterested, or even intimidated. Make sure to maintain eye contact when responding to their questions.
Maintaining good eye contact shows confidence and respect for your potential employer and indicates that you’re truly listening to what they have to say.
Having Poor Body Language
Your body language during an interview speaks volumes. Negative body language such as slouching, crossing your arms, or leaning away from the interviewer can indicate that you’re not taking the process seriously.
Instead, sit up straight and lean in toward the interviewer when they’re talking to show that you are engaged and interested in what they have to say. Smiling and nodding are also a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job opportunity.
Being Too Negative
No one wants to hire someone who’s constantly complaining or has a negative outlook on life. Instead of discussing how difficult something was in your past job, focus on what you learned from it and how it’ll help you succeed at this potential new job.
Even if you had difficulties at a past job, try to frame them in a positive light by emphasizing what you learned from your past experience. When asked why you left your last position, don’t be too critical but also don’t lie—just explain why it wasn’t the right fit for you.
Badmouthing Previous Employer
Never speak ill about your past employers, even if you had a negative experience with them. If asked about it, try and put a positive spin on it.
Frame your answer to highlight the positives of what you learned from the experience and move on. Every experience, good or bad, is a learning opportunity.
Holding Your Cell Phone
Put your phone on silent and keep it in your pocket or bag throughout the duration of the interview. Checking your device is distracting and can make you appear unprofessional and disinterested.
If the interviewer needs to show you something on their laptop, politely ask them to do so instead of reaching for your device. Letting go of the distraction will help you stay focused on the conversation at hand.
Not Following Up
Now that you’ve aced the interview, what’s next?
Don’t forget to follow up with your interviewer. Send a thank-you email or a follow-up email reiterating your interest in the role and the main points you discussed during the interview.
It’s wise to reference something specific you discussed in the interview, so the interviewer recalls the conversation. This can make all the difference when it comes to you standing out from other job candidates.
Final Thoughts
While interviewing may not be an exact science, avoiding some of the most common mistakes will help you to stand out from the crowd. So do your research, dress appropriately, listen actively, and don’t forget to follow up afterward.
Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, so take the time to practice your interviewing skills. With preparation, a positive attitude, and a little bit of luck, you’ll be closer than ever to landing your dream job!
If you’re looking for a company that values your skills and experience, check out The Virtual Hub today! We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team!
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