10 Things To Avoid During Your Interview


We’ve given you some “do’s” for your interview in a previous blog. Here are some things to steer clear of… Remember, the impression you make in your interview can either make or break your chances of landing that job.

  1. Not preparing for the interview – Don’t go to your interview without having done a bit of research on the company and the job. Preparation brings confidence and confidence brings success!
  2. Showing up late or too early – Naturally, showing up late creates a bad impression, but few people realise that showing up more than 10 minutes early also does not put the interviewee in a good light. It tells the employer that you have way too much time on your hands… Your time is as valuable as the interviewer’s, so just be on time.
  3. Poor handshake – People can tell a lot about your personality simply by your handshake. For example, a limp hand gives the impression of disinterest or weakness; only tips of the fingers shows lack of ability to engage and a strong arm pump shows that you are overly aggressive. Your handshake is your first opportunity to create a good first impression on your employer. Why not get your friends to judge yours, and make sure it’s great?
  4. Treating the receptionist rudely – The receptionist is the first person you will meet and the chances of the interviewer soliciting his/her opinion of you after you leave, is good.
  5. Talking too much – It creates the impression that you are nervous. To avoid over-talking, use role-playing to practice answering questions in a direct manner.
  6. Speaking negatively of current or past employers – The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your previous working conditions or boss were terrible, don’t speak about it. The interviewer will assume you will do the same to him/ her. If you need to talk about your challenges in your current or past job, practice putting a positive spin on it beforehand.
  7. Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary – Do not ask about the benefits, vacation time or salary during the first interview. Wait until you have won the employer over before beginning that discussion.
  8. Verbal ticks – We all use them from time to time, “words” like “umm,” “like,” “you know”, but excessive use of it indicates nervousness. You can avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response. You can also practice sharing your best success stories ahead of time, which will make you feel more relaxed during the real interview.
  9. Not enough/too much eye contact – Eye contact shows your confidence but can also have a negative impression. Not making enough eye contact will make you seem shifty, untruthful, or disinterested. Too much eye contact, on the other hand, can make you seem strange and make the interviewer uncomfortable. If you are worried about getting the balance right, practice an “interview-session” with a friend beforehand.
  10. Failure to match communication styles – Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of the conversation can vastly improve your chances of making a favourable impression. If the interviewer seems all business, then you must be behave business-like. If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests. If the interviewer asked a direct question, answer directly. You will convey the message that you are an effective communicator and employable…

Good luck with that interview!

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15 Responses

  1. Shelley Botha says:

    These little gems are incredibly useful. I am looking
    for a sales job, but feel interaction on a daily basis
    with my new and existing customers is like an interview and
    agree 100% with this article. Many other people may
    battle with each point and you brought that point
    across very easily 🙂

  2. brenda johns says:

    Great and useful tips!!! Thanks very much! Will definitely feel confident at next interview! Thanx again Job Mail

    • KHOSI says:

      thank you very much, we are so happy to have you, really are a great help to all of us as job seekers

  3. Tinyiko Voster Mahlaule says:

    I really appreciate all what you are doing to us…especially us who are new in the market,it is definitly useful.

  4. Buyelwa says:

    Thanks alot, i am definitely sure im going win the next interview because sum of ur tips i did from my previous interview but sum i didn’t such as confident. i was so nervous and i end up losing my communication skill.

  5. Lungowe says:

    Thanks for the assistance and tips. will definately use them in my next interview.

  6. Happison Muchanyangi says:

    Useful tips. Because speaking negative about my present employer in the interview, I couldn’t get the job. Though on practical & theory questions I was the best of the best.

  7. Philip says:

    Thank you Job Mail for these wonderful interview tips. Is it possible to post us answers to commonly asked questions?

  8. fran says:

    thanks Jobmail. very useful tips

  9. Tauseef Alam says:

    Hi Liezl

    Really helpful tips for candidate seeking a job. my personal experience says it becomes easier to crack an interview when we prepare for it in advance.

  10. Ursula says:

    Am also in the job market and find these tips very useful as I strugle everytime I go for an interview. Tx a lot and would appreciate answers to those standard interview questions.

  11. Sphiwe says:

    I did not know how much I have missed by not reading Jobmail blog. But now tha I have started I will read everyday. Like now after reading a few blogs I just felt tha I have learned something and I wiser even more. I was born with a brilliant brain, I see that I am killing my brain myself by starving it from its food which is reading and getting knowledge.

    Thanks for all the tips and encouraging wise words everyone has posted to sharpen our minds, and keeping us wiser and never to give up in hunting for success.

  12. koos dlamini says:

    Im Koos Dlamini ane im still looking for a job.
    Im passinate,reliable,trustworthy,quick leaner i have experience in driving,Ive child depending on me and a wife please help with a job

    • Henno Kruger says:

      Thank you for your feedback. If you have not registered your CV on Job Mail yet, then follow this link http://bit.ly/XYlihL (on your mobile phone). Then look for Jobs that you need at http://bit.ly/YN2hz9 (on your cell phone) or http://bit.ly/ZaJZra (on your PC) and apply for them. Search for “Gardener”, “Cashier” “Driver”, “Internship”, “Learnership” (or any other keyword) to find relevant jobs on Job Mail. Hope you find the job that you need soon. E-mail us via signmeup@jobmail.co.za

  13. Rohit Gupta says:

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