You know the drill with job interviews. You want to make a killer first impression so you spend days preparing. Unfortunately even with all that preparation, some people still manage to trip up on the basics and make mistakes that cost them their new career.
So, here are fifteen things recruiters say you should avoid when you’re in the hot seat.
Arriving Late
Walking into an interview late is only ever awkward & disappointing. It tells the interviewer that you’re terrible at managing your time and let’s be honest, no one wants to hear that excuse.
You should always try to be there a little early. It gives you a moment to breathe and shows you’re a reliable person.
Dressing Inappropriately
You wouldn’t show up at a beach party in a tuxedo or a black-tie event in flip-flops so why do the same for a job interview? Do a little snooping around the company’s vibe and dress accordingly.
You should also remember that the goal is to fit in, but also stand out the right amount so that they remember you. When in doubt, ask the HR representative what the company culture is.
Not Doing Your Homework on the Company
There’s no good reason you should go to an interview without knowing what the company does. It makes you seem lazy, or worse, not actually interested.
A quick look at their website so you can understand their mission and know a few of their recent achievements can make you look like you actually care about being there.
Talking Trash About Your Ex-Job
Badmouthing your previous job comes across as though you’re airing your dirty laundry in public, which is certainly not a good look.
It makes people wonder if you’ll say the same about them someday. As such, you should spin your past experiences positively by focusing on what you’ve learned rather than the drama.
Not Asking Questions
Don’t forget to ask some questions when you’re in the interview, too. Why? Because not doing so might make the interviewer think you’re not interested & as though you weren’t paying attention to them.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should ask any question. Stick to the insightful ones to show you’re engaged & already picturing yourself in the role.
Jargon Overload
Talking to someone who uses big, fancy words to sound smart often makes things more confusing. And that’s exactly what overusing jargon in an interview does.
Keep it simple, clear and to the point. After all, you’re trying to make a connection with the interviewer, not win a vocabulary contest.
Forgetting Your Resume
While your interviewers will have your resume already, you should always bring a copy of it to the interview. Having it on hand tells them that you’re prepared.
It also makes it easier to walk them through what makes you such a talented person and why you’d be the perfect fit for the job.
Glued to Your Phone
It sounds ridiculous but some people think it’s acceptable to check their phones during an interview. Breaking news: it’s not.
In fact, it’s both rude and distracting because it suggests to the interviewer that you’d rather be somewhere else. Unless it’s an absolute emergency, put your phone away.
Exaggerating Your Abilities
Of course, slightly exaggerating things is okay in an interview but telling tall tales about what you can do? Definitely not.
Interviews can tell when you’re trying to pull the wool over their eyes so you should be honest about what you bring to the table. After all, it’s better to be genuine than to get caught in a lie.
Avoiding Eye Contact
Not making eye contact during an interview suggests you’re disinterested or too nervous. Even if you do feel anxious, you don’t want the interviewers to know that.
Instead, lock eyes with them to show that you’re confident. They’ll understand that you’re willing to fully participate in the conversation.
Talking Too Much or Too Little
There’s a fine balance to strike with how much you talk. Dominating the conversation or barely saying two words can be as bad as each other and you need to find the sweet spot between them.
It’s one where you’re sharing enough so they understand you but also listening enough so you can understand them.
Forgetting to Follow Up
You should never skip writing a thank-you email after an interview, even if you didn’t get the position. It’s just good manners.
Write them a quick note that expresses your gratitude and reiterates your interest in the position. It doesn’t have to be anything too extensive; just a few lines will do.
Unprepared for Common Questions
In an interview, there are some questions that you can guarantee they’ll ask you, like “Tell me about yourself” or “Describe your greatest achievements.”
As such, there’s no reason to stumble over your answers. Doing a little rehearsal will make you come across as polished and professional, not like a deer in the headlights.
Being Too Casual
Treating an interview like a casual chat with a friend tends to backfire more than it leads to success. It’s important to strike a balance between being personable and professional with the interviewers.
You’re not at a backyard BBQ after all, so why treat it like one? Keep things appropriate.
Not Clarifying Questions
If you don’t understand a question, you shouldn’t pretend that you do and ramble off an answer. The interviewer will see right through you.
Instead, just remember that it’s okay to ask for clarification because it shows you care. They’ll understand that you want to give them a thoughtful response.
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