With companies conducting multiple rounds of interviews nowadays, getting through those first impressions can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, there are some easy steps you can take to nail down the best chance you'll get at your potential dream job.
We all make mistakes, but if there's one place you want to avoid them as much as possible, it's in a job interview. With the unemployment rate hitting 4.2% in September, the competition for even the most menial jobs is tough. Being able to confidently show up for those jobs and acing your interview will only help you in your job search.
On that note, we've curated some of the most common and costly mistakes you can make during an interview to help you avoid them altogether. Take these to heart, practice your interview, and you'll be exactly where you want to be before you know it.
1. Not Being Punctual
Being late to an interview almost always results in not getting the job. If you're obscenely late, the prospective employer may even refuse to interview you.
However, being too early can also be a check in the negative column. An employer does not want you loitering around the office or work building for an hour or two before work starts. The best policy is to aim for a five to ten-minute arrival window. The closer to five minutes early you can get, the better. It's early enough to show people you show up on time, but not so much that you'll be a nuisance to anyone else trying to do their job while you “hang out.”
2. Fishnet Stockings
One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is dressing appropriately for your interview. Jeans and a t-shirt are not a go-to combination for 99% of job interviews. Instead, choose a nice pair of dress pants and a crisp button-down shirt and sweater or tie, depending on the weather. If you're a woman going for an interview, a nice skirt and blouse, a knee-length dress, or a cute pantsuit should do the trick. And no matter who you are, be sure to pair your outfit with appropriate shoes.
Dressing well shows the interviewer that you are not only prepared for the interview but also care enough to take the time to put on attire that gives off a good impression. After all, would you hire you if you show up in ripped jeans and a T-shirt that looks like you dug it out of your dirty laundry?
3. Not Being Clean and Fresh
I get that not everyone is a “shower a day” sort of person. However, if you have an interview, please take the time to shower and scrub your teeth. Showing up to your interview like you crawled out of bed ten minutes before your interview and smelling of dragon breath will not set a good impression. No matter what you think about lasting impressions, this is not the time to make one that could cost you a good job.
Also, in most workplaces, hygiene is a must. Even in places where you get hot and sweaty, you'll usually find a place to shower afterward so you can change and go home in clean, dry clothes. It's not guaranteed, but you'll find acceptable accommodations in most places.
4. Uneducated
If you want to unofficially announce that you're not the right candidate for the job, show up to your interview with little to no knowledge of the company and job you're interviewing for. In today's competitive market, it's not enough to just have the skills for the job.
Companies today want to know that you've invested some time in getting to know their mission, what they do, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. A few minutes or hours of research will go a long way in proving to the person doing your interview that you are a great candidate for the job.
5. Not Turning Off Your Phone
One step you want to remember to do is to turn your phone off and silence any notifications before you head into your interview. Taking phone calls or replying to messages during an active interview is rude. It also sends the message to your interviewer that you're not really interested in being there or the job.
Excuse yourself if you have an emergency with a short explanation of the circumstances. If you need to exit the interview, politely apologize and ask if you can reschedule. Life happens, but if you're in an interview, be sure that the interruption is worth the possible loss of the job.
6. Not Being Honest
It shouldn't have to be said, but we cover all the bases in today's odd world. When filling out your resume, be honest. Don't put down fake education or work information, and don't mention skills that you don't possess. It will only backfire on you during your interview. And if you somehow manage to get the job anyway, it'll definitely show up during your first weeks of work.
Nothing irritates a hiring manager more than finding that they wasted time, resources, and energy on a candidate that was only great on paper. Be your real, authentic self and work toward the skills you need before interviewing for a job.
7. Not Bringing Your Resume
Along with not lying on your resume, it's also a good idea to bring a copy of your work and education history to your interview. Not only does this show that you're ready for the interview, but it also ensures that your interviewer can access a copy should they forget to grab the one you sent along with your application.
Bringing a copy of your resume will help you remember your strengths and give you conversation starts should you need them. You'll have your work and education experience at your fingertips. You can weave that into different areas of the interview as needed to demonstrate your ability to do the job you're interviewing for.
8. Negative Body Language
Try to remember that most communication happens through non-verbal body language. If you go into an interview tired, bored, and unenthusiastic, it will show in how you sit and interact with your interviewer. Make sure you get adequate sleep, grab your favorite pre-interview caffeine drink, and be ready to show your best self.
Body language accounts for a large portion of your initial impression, and if you can show the person conducting your interview that you know your stuff and are excited about the job and company, you'll be that much closer to landing the job.
9. Talking Too Much
It's natural for some people to want to talk a lot when they're nervous. If this is you, learn to be quiet. You'll learn a lotabout your interviewer and likely the company if you talk less. By listening, you can pick up on specifics that your interviewer may come back to. Paying close attention will allow you to be on top of your game and make an even better impression.
If you're one of only a handful who remembers certain specifics, it could help you stand out from the field of candidates and make it easier for you to get the job you've applied for.
10. Posting on Social Media
Right along with using your phone during an interview is actively posting on social media. If you're daydreaming or unfocused during your interview, you might as well stand up, shake the person's hand, and admit you don't want the job. When you turn your phone off, turn off the notifications, and set your mind to giving the best interview possible.
After all, if you're going through all the trouble to attend the interview in the first place, you should do your best. Otherwise, all you're doing is wasting your time and that of everyone else interviewing for that job.
11. Inappropriate Follow-Up
We all want to know whether we snapped up the job we interviewed for. We wait with bated breath for that email or phone call. However, knowing how and when to follow up is essential to ensure you don't lose your spot if the company you interviewed at hasn't made a hiring decision yet.
12. To Follow up Well:
- Write a short, concise email to the person you interviewed with.
- Express your thanks for being able to speak with them about the position at X company.
- Tell them you enjoyed learning more about the position and how the company integrates it to their advantage.
- Add in more details from the interview, express your anticipation of further interaction (if the interviewer scheduled a second interview), share more information on your expertise (if you have it), and close with your sincere interest and thanks.
- Don't Overshare
One time, when my husband and I were discussing life insurance with an agency rep, I got to talking with the woman. Before I knew it, I'd given them pertinent information about my husband that caused our quote to increase considerably.
I learned in that moment that oversharing can be just as damaging as not sharing enough. When it comes to your personal life, keep the details at a minimum. You should only share about your personal life if it directly shows a valuable skill set for the job you're interviewing for. Otherwise, mum's the word.
13. Not Asking Questions That Show Your Interest
Part of showing interest in a job is being active in the conversation. Asking questions about the job and the company can show that you're both interested and capable of doing the job you're interviewing for.
It also shows that you can interact with supervisors conversationally. Having a two-sided discussion and sharing opinions and facts on a subject can go a long way in helping you stand out at your interview. If you are one of only a few who show genuine interest, you'll likely be on the short list of desirable candidates.
14. Don't Talk Bad About Past Bosses
Regardless of your opinion of your former boss or colleagues, don't bad mouth them to the person doing your interview. It never looks good to speak negatively about a former boss or the people you used to work with. If nothing else, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Suppose your interviewer asks you a question about your past work experience. In that case, you can answer why you left your last job or another question related to your past work by saying you can say you had creative differences, needed to find a better work-life balance, or another statement that is true but doesn't damage your reputation by harshly criticizing your former work colleagues.
15. It's Not a Lunch Date
Your interview isn't a lunch date. You won't usually meet at a cafe, order your favorite latte, and chat. You're going to an interview, not a social gathering. Focus your attention on presenting your best self, not slurping your soda or polishing off your favorite burger. No one wants to watch someone eat while trying to conduct a serious candidate search.
Go in as your best self, nail down a great interview, then go out and celebrate with your favorite drink and burger combo from your preferred take-out joint.
16. Don't Just “Wing It”
Never go into an interview and think you can fly by the seat of your pants. This attitude will lead you and your interview right into the “do not return” pile and cause you more work and more headaches down the road when you have to do yet another interview.
Instead of trying to toss together an average interview, come prepared with great answers to tough questions, show that you're a problem solver, pay attention, and give your interviewer something great to remember you for. Find a way to stand out from all the other applicants who also interviewed for the same job as you.
