9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Better Interview Experience
Many individuals have had at least one job interview where they said or did something that they regretted later, or even immediately. These conversations can be stressful, and mistakes may happen once in a while. However, some common errors go beyond a stammered word or an ill-timed joke. It’s better to learn about these goof-ups to prevent them rather than try and recover from them. Thus, here are nine behaviors to avoid in an interview.
9 errors to stay away from when being interviewed:
Going with the wrong dress code
Each office has a different work culture. Some prefer following a semi-formal dress code, while others prefer formal attire. Understanding this can help one dress appropriately for the interview. If you are unsure of what to wear, speak to the hiring manager and ask them for the dress code before you walk in for the interview.
Getting there too early
While being on time for an interview is good, one should avoid getting in too early. Reaching the venue much before the time may annoy the hiring manager. That’s because the person may not be ready to meet you at that time. Ensure you reach the office at least ten minutes before the interview to give yourself enough time to catch your breath and give a good impression to the interviewer.
Munching or drinking in the interview room
Interviews can go on from a few minutes to a few hours based on the position you apply for. It is advisable to have a proper meal before leaving the house, and if that is not possible, grab a snack before you get there so that you don’t develop hunger pangs until the discussion with the hiring manager is complete. As for water, have a sip or two and put the bottle away before and during the interview.
Reaching late
The interviewer may think that the candidate cannot manage their time well or prioritize tasks when they show up late. So once the interview time has been determined, account for the traffic and other variables, and leave your home or place of residence accordingly.
Answering the phone mid-interview
The hiring manager takes time out of their busy day to conduct the interview, and you are likely to be one of many candidates. Therefore, you must never needlessly delay them and take up extra time by answering personal calls or using your phone for personal reasons during the interview. We recommend turning off the device or putting it on “DND” throughout the meeting.
Poor company research
Most candidates have no answer when asked about the company and the job they applied for. So, ensure you look up the company and the position before sitting down for an interview. Being well-versed with information on the company can help you answer questions about your professional desires from an employer. Furthermore, being knowledgeable can even help you come up with a set of questions about the company or the profile. This will show the employer that you are capable of self-direction and resourcefulness.
Initiating extensive personal conversations
An interview is a professional setting so remember that when it comes to personal conversations, light information about family or hobbies is admirable. However, talking about personal topics such as problems in one’s life and other aspects can affect the outcome of an interview.
Poor hygiene
The hygiene level an individual maintains during the interview is crucial. If you turn up for the interview with messy hair or a crumpled shirt, it may set a negative impression. Ensure you comb your hair, trim your nails, and dress appropriately for the meeting. Also, account for bad weather so that your attire is not ruined before turning up for the interview.
Presenting an inaccurate resume
The worst mistake made during the interview is submitting a resume with inaccurate information. While it might be a silly mistake, a hiring manager may raise red flags when they come across wrong information. To avoid this, check the resume thoroughly before you present it. You must also avoid lying during the interview as it is likely to adversely affect your prospects in the company in the long run, if not sooner.