6 most common mistakes made during a job interview
Are you going to a job interview soon? There are interview mistakes, such as arriving late, that you should avoid at all costs. It’s also important to dress for success as the interview is your opportunity to make a good first impression. Avoid scruffy clothing and casual wear when you’re dressing for interviews. While some mistakes are obvious, others are easy to make without even realising your error.
1. Badmouthing past employers
Talking badly about past employers is one of those fatal interview mistakes that can happen without you even realising it. Your interviewer may know the person you’re badmouthing and take offence to your negative comments. Your interviewer is also likely to think that if you’re badmouthing your past employers, there is an increased likelihood that you’ll speak negatively about their company once you’re hired.
2. Incorrect dressing for interviews
Wearing the wrong outfit is a sure way to make a bad first impression on prospective employers. When you’re getting ready for an interview, make sure that you dress for success. While you should adjust your outfit according to the position you’re applying for, it’s important to look professional regardless of the job you’re interviewing for. Make sure that your outfit is neat and tidy. Good personal hygiene and a neat hairstyle are also important.
3. Failing to research the potential company
Not being able to respond to questions about the company, such as why you want to be employed by them in particular, is a bad start to your relationship with your prospective employer. It also gives your prospective employer the impression that you’re not that interested in working for them. Research the company thoroughly before you attend the job interview. It’s particularly important to read the company’s mission statement and to look at their values so that you can determine how you fit into the company culture.
4. Talking excessively
Waffling on during a job interview is likely to have a negative impact on your chances of being hired. Not only will it come across like you don’t know what you’re talking about, you’re also likely to lose the attention of your interviewer after a while. Give clear and concise answers when you respond to questions and make sure that you don’t go off topic. Avoid telling personal stories unless you are asked for specific information by your employer. In this instance, provide information that relates to the question and the role that you’re applying for. Remaining professional is key for a successful interview.
5. Mismanaging your time
Arriving late is one of those interview mistakes that are very difficult to recover from. Pitching up to the interview late is sure to annoy your prospective employer. Not only does it indicate that you’re likely to show up late for work, it also sends your prospective employer the message that the job isn’t a priority for you.
Avoid being late by looking up the venue and planning how you’re going to get there in advance. Plan to be there ten minutes early so that you have extra time if anything goes wrong along the way. Arriving far in advance can also impact negatively on your interview so look for a coffee shop or shopping centre where you can spend some time if you get to the venue way ahead of schedule.
Now that you know more about what interview mistakes to avoid, you can start looking for jobs on Job Mail. When you’re dressing for interviews make sure that you wear a professional outfit so that you make a good first impression. Proper preparation for the job interview goes a long way towards being hired successfully.
If you’re looking for a new challenge career-wise, visit Job Mail today!
