You applied to the job and you got invited to a job interview.
Now all that remains is that you get through that interview with the best impression possible.
That is not going to be difficult if you avoid the common mistakes listed below. Let's begin:
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1. Arriving Late or Too Early
If you're arriving late, you might as well skip the whole interview. Punctuality is very important. On the other hand, arriving too early will make you look desperate. It is best to arrive on time.
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2. Dressed Up Wrongly
Appearance is important, let us not fool ourselves. You need to dress up appropriately for the position you are applying to.
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3. Not Knowing Anything About the Company
Having absolutely no idea about the company's products and services shows lack of interest. Interviewers want candidates who have researched the company as it shows enthusiasm.
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4. Talk Too Much or Too Little
There is nothing worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on... Keep your answers brief and direct to the point and don't interrupt the interviewer. On the other hand, answering everything by just "Yes" or "No" is not good enough. Use complete sentences to answer.
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5. Failure to Connect Yourself to the Job
You are a rocket scientist who recently lost his job and now you are applying for a job at McDonalds. The employer is not interested in your ability to fly shuttles around the moon. You need to explain how your experience helps you complete the requested tasks successfully.
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6. Not Asking Questions or Asking Too Many
In the interview you are the one who should be answering not the other way around. Keep your questions to a reasonable level and make sure that they directly relate to the position. It is always good to ask at least one question.
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7. Asking About Salary Too Early
You don't want to sound too materialistic. The salary issue will come eventually. Wait for the interviewer to bring it up. Focus on presenting yourself as the best person for the job.
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8. Attacking Past Employers
The world is small and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including your previous idiot boss. Keep your disagreements with your past manager to yourself.
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9. Being Too Modest or Too Flashy
The interview is your chance to shine and highlight your abilities. Modesty is great but not during a job interview. Make sure to showcase your accomplishments and qualifications as best as you can without sounding arrogant.
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10. Excessive Perfumes
That can be so annoying sometimes. It is a job interview, not a wedding.
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11. Forgetting What You Wrote on Your CV
Interviewer: "So, when did you graduate?". You: "1985". Interviewer: "It says 1986 on your resume". You: "It does?!". Ouch! Get out of there while you still have some dignity.
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12. Complaining about anything!
Nobody wants to hire someone who is easily irritated. You have plenty of time later to suggest changes but for now stay cooperative and smile.
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13. Looking desperate.
Even if you are, don't show it. It will make your position week. You will not be able to negotiate salary and benefits later.
