Successful job interviews are about making a good impression. So we are sharing 5 job interview mistakes you should be mindful of to ace your next job interview.
Job interviews are like blind dates. You have no idea what you are getting yourself into. You might get an open and bubbly interviewer or a serious, soft-spoken one. What if you say the wrong thing? What about the awkward moments in between the questions? Will they notice that you may have over-embellished your soft skills? What if they ask about the three years you stayed out of work because you were laid off?
Whatever your fears, here are 5 job interview mistakes you should take note of so you are not remembered for the wrong reasons.
1. Arriving too early or too late
We all know time management is key for great impressions but 15 - 20 minutes is the earliest you should show up. Anything over 20 minutes may seem like you are desperate. In case you find yourself running late, you can call the number that scheduled you and inform them of your delay stating the reason. It shows good communication on your part.
If you run late but do not communicate, people may perceive you as nonchalant or not enthusiastic enough for the role. Also, be flexible in case of any rescheduling from the interviewer’s end. Additionally, ensure you do these 10 things to prepare well for your interview.
2. Checking your phone often
Outside job interviews, we find ourselves constantly checking our phones to see our social media likes and comments or simply out of boredom. Asurion’s research shows that Americans are checking their phones up to 96 times a day - that is every 10 minutes. On average, any job interview lasts 45 minutes to an hour, meaning you may compulsively check your phone 4-6 times. And, the interviewer/recruiter might perceive you as unproductive, distracted, or uninterested in the job.
How do you break this habit for the sake of your job interview? Put your phone away, for example, leave it in your bag or pocket or even in another room. If you have it on you, ensure it is in silent mode. Place it on the table with the screen facing down. Notifications are a big reason why we compulsively check our phones.
3. Unprofessional behaviour such as being rude, shouting, swearing, and chewing gum.
Work environments require courtesy, emotional intelligence, and compliance with the work culture. The job interview mistakes mentioned above could be funny and awkward stories to recall after the interview. However, within the moment, they will make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Here is what you can do about it.
If you’ve ever been told that you were rude before, here is how you can become more approachable. Share a polite smile once you are on the premises or online for your interview and take the initiative to greet your interviewer first. If you’re someone who easily shouts or swears when triggered by a question, take deep breaths to calm down. This will help you think clearly about the appropriate answer. And as for chewing gum, you can always do away with it before going in for the job interview.
4. Neglecting hygiene or the proper dress code for an interview
Poor hygiene could be caused by negligence, pre-existing medical conditions, or mental health disorders like depression. However, it is a costly job interview mistake because as a job candidate you might be written off despite your ability to deliver on the job. Interviewers like anyone else will be irked by bad body odour or look unhygienic due to not cleaning up.
Managing this issue requires intentionality especially if the cause is related to mental health disorders or medical conditions. Take regular baths, brush your teeth, and use deodorant, especially on the day of your job interview. For sustainability, find the right medication, change your diet, or work with a doctor/psychologist to get the resources needed to take better care of yourself.
When it comes to basic dressing requirements for a job interview, make sure nothing is torn or mismatched. If you want to take it a notch higher, here are trendy office looks for men and women.
5. Cutting off the interviewer mid-speech
Since interviews are primarily conversations, different things may pop into your mind, especially during the questioning stage, and you might be tempted to say them mid-conversation. Be mindful to communicate when it is your turn. If you cut off the interviewer mid-speech, it might seem like you are passively listening, especially if you do it more than once. Practice active listening if you easily zone out or cut people off as they speak.
I hope these job interview mistakes will help you find effective solutions where you have been challenged previously. We are rooting for you so you can ace your career and grow as far as you desire to reach.
