Job interviews can be daunting, but they also provide you with the opportunity to highlight your talents, skills and experience to a potential employer. But it doesn’t matter how qualified you are for the role as even experienced candidates can, unfortunately, make mistakes during the interview process. In this article we discuss some common mistakes to avoid during a job interview, giving you the best chance of securing your dream job.
Arriving late or underprepared.
It goes without saying that you should arrive at your interview on time and with everything you need, including a copy of your CV, examples of your previous related work, and any other materials asked for by the interviewer. Showing up unprepared for the interview or arriving late conveys a lack of regard for the interviewer’s time and gives the impression of a lack of dependability and punctuality. Being prepared and on time shows your professionalism and dedication to the job, which are traits that all employers look for in potential candidates they are looking to hire.
Not doing research on the business you are applying for a job with.
It is important to research the company you are applying for a job with for a number of reasons. Firstly, it enables you to align your interview responses with the mission, values, goods or services that the business offers. Highlighting any recent news or events relevant to the business is also a great way to show your potential employer that you are interested in the organisation and have given it some thought. This alone might set you apart from other candidates who might not have done the same. Additionally, by researching the business, you may be able to tailor certain responses to the particular needs and objectives of the business, demonstrating that you are aware of its priorities and have the ability to help it succeed in its goals.
Not taking care of your appearance.
First impressions are absolutely vital, so dressing accordingly and maintaining a neat and professional appearance is absolutely key to giving the right first impression. A smart appearance will leave a positive first impression and will undoubtedly help boost your confidence during the interview. How you present yourself is also a reflection of how you would represent the organisation if you were hired. Overall, making sure you look good for a job interview is respectful to your potential employer and is a way to show that you are organised and prepared.
Failing to pay attention to body language.
Body language can convey just as much information as words, so here are some tips for exuding the right energy without saying a word;
- Maintain eye contact – Conveys that you are self-assured, can stay focused, and that you are genuinely interested in the topic during a job interview. Additionally, it facilitates a relationship of mutual respect and trust between the interviewer and yourself.
- Present yourself with good seated posture – This is not only courteous and but it also shows that you are attentive and engaged. It presents a confident image of yourself when you are sat up straight on a chair and have your feet on the floor.
- Avoid fidgeting and tapping throughout the interview – This is a behaviour that you need to avoid during an interview as it might be seen as nervousness and a lack of confidence. It is crucial to maintain your composure during the interview, as these repetitive nervous ‘ticks’ can also be distracting, diverting the attention of the interviewer from what you are saying.
- Do not sit with your arms folded. – The use of open body language conveys that you are approachable, amiable, and open to discussion. These are all traits that employers are looking for in potential candidates and by simply keeping your hands visible and uncrossing your arms you will contribute to a more informal and welcoming energy.
- Smile. – Smiling is a powerful tool in your interview arsenal. A genuine smile will convey upbeat and welcoming energy and can also communicate to the interviewer that you are confident and enthusiastic. However ‘genuine’ is the operative word here and it is equally as important to avoid your smile coming across as forced, or overly enthusiastic.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to How Body Language Influences Interviewers
Not paying attention to the interviewer.
In order to demonstrate your communication skills, attention to detail, and quick thinking during a job interview, it is crucial to pay attention to the questions asked by your interviewer and respond wisely and succinctly. This is an opportunity to demonstrate to the interviewer that you are involved, interested, and able to comprehend and handle their concerns. By actively listening and thoughtfully replying to the questions put forward to you during the interview process, you can establish a professional and respectful demeanour.
Failing to ask any questions.
Asking questions during a job interview shows that you are engaged and proactive in finding out more about the company and the available position. This helps both you and the interviewer determine whether the job is a good fit for you. Meaningful and pertinent questions will help understand the expectations of the role and it also promotes a more fruitful and engaging conversation. It is a good idea to come to the interview with a list of questions that you have prepared in advance. Weaving them into the interview will demonstrate that you have done your research and are serious about the position.
Avoid being dishonest.
There is no point in lying in order to try and get a job because it will inevitably impact your credibility and reputation negatively when it catches up with you. It is crucial, to be honest about your credentials, competencies, and experience. Openly discussing what you feel you can and cannot achieve is a better conversation to have with any potential employer as it shows that you are eager to grow and learn and allows them to take an informed decision. Talking openly and honestly about your strengths and weaknesses also demonstrates sincerity and a commitment to being truthful in your professional dealings. Overall, being truthful is the best course of action during a job interview because it is a crucial component of professionalism and dependability.
Not following up after an interview.
It is good practice to send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview as it is an effective way of demonstrating that you are interested in the position and valued the opportunity given to you by the interviewer. You can read more about this in our article entitled ‘How to make the best impression when following up after an interview’.
In conclusion, these common mistakes made during a job interview might significantly lower your chances of getting the position you want. By dressing well to establish a good impression and being prepared, on time, honest, and attentive to your interviewer you will greatly improve your chances of being hired. You can improve your chances of success and get one step closer to realising your career goals by adhering to these recommendations. Hunterskill Recruitment is always on hand to help you with your job search and you can begin your journey by filling out our streamlined online registration form.