An interview is all about making a good impression and nothing says that more than telling the interviewer how much you know about the company or the person interviewing you. Look at their website and find out information about the company from how they got started to where they are now.
They say first impression is everything and that definitely rings true for job interviews. So you’ve received the call that you’ve been anxiously waiting for, you’ve been shortlisted (out of hundreds of candidates) for an interview. Your skills on paper have impressed your potential employer and now comes the time to impress them in person. Unfortunately, there are some job mistakes that one may make during the interview. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Criticize Your Previous Employer:
More likely than not, you will be asked why you are leaving your current employer or why you left your last job. If you left or are leaving on bad terms, do not take this moment to vent to the interviewer. Use this time to say positive things about your previous employer otherwise it will show that you have bad judgement. Use this time to focus on highlighting the skills and experience that you received from your previous employer.
2. Not Doing Your Research Beforehand:
An interview is all about making a good impression and nothing says that more than telling the interviewer how much you know about the company or the person interviewing you. Look at their website and find out information about the company from how they got started to where they are now. Additionally, if you know the name of the person who is going to interview you, search for their profile on LinkedIn and find out information such as which school they went to. If you attended the same schools, bring that up in the interview. It’s a great conversation starter!
3. Not Carrying A Copy Of Your CV
Not being prepared with a few copies of your CV in hand will show the interviewers that you are unprepared. Never assume that they will have copies of your CV before you walk into the room, it’s always good to have a few copies in hand just in case.
4. Being Late
The saying ‘better late than never’ will not work to your advantage in this case. It’s always best to ensure that you show up to the interview at least 10 minutes early. Do your research about the office location beforehand. If you will be on the road during rush hour, find out how long the commute will take. There’s nothing that makes a bad impression more than keeping an interviewer waiting.
5. No Questions At The End Of The Interview
The interviewer has asked you all the questions that they have and now comes the time where they ask you if you have any question for them. Saying no, will show them that you are uninterested in the position that you applied for. Ask them questions such as where they see the company in 5 years or how they would describe their company’s culture. Questions such as these will definitely have a lasting impression on the interviewer.
What other job interview mistakes do you think one can make? Let us know in the comments below!
