Nobody likes awkward moments,
especially not in an interview…
The problem is, when you worry so
much about making sure every little thing goes right, it’s easy to forget about
the things that could go wrong. So how can you not sure that you have an
embarrassment free interview experience?
Here are these 12 things all
interviewees hope they don’t do on the big day, and how to avoid them:
1.
Be late
Let’s face it, turning up late to an interview is
never an option. It only leaves you looking unprofessional and unorganised.
And/or sweaty.
Use your trusty GPS device to plan your route in
advance, and always add an extra half an hour onto your expected journey time,
just in case. After all, the GPS has an extensive history of failing us…
2.
Have your phone on loud
You know how embarrassing it in when your phone goes
off in the cinema? Yeah, this is worse.
For your own interview safety, always remember to turn
everything off before you go in. At the very least, leave it on silent.
Especially if you have a questionable ringtone that could potentially cause
offence or embarrassment – we’re looking at you, Vanilla Ice.
Oh, and don’t attempt to check your messages or missed
calls on-the-fly either. Recruiters are understanding, but they’re not idiots.
3.
Use excessive slang
The formality of your speech is partly dependent on
the role you’re going for and the type of company they are. But as a general
rule, we’d avoid using slang.
Remember: although you should feel comfortable around
interviewers, they’re not your best friends just yet. Mate’s, bro’s and bae’s
are never appropriate.
Obvs.
4.
Be arrogant and over-confident
Being confident in your abilities and expressing why
you’re the right fit for a role is fine, but don’t overdo it. There’s a fine
line between wanting the job and seeming entitled to it.
It’s okay to talk about your previous achievements,
and ask about potential promotions within the role, but it’s not okay to tell
the interviewer that you want their job.
Because nobody likes a show-off…
5.
Dress inappropriately
Interview outfit etiquette isn’t exactly set in stone,
but there is one simple rule to remember: it’s always better to be overdressed
than underdressed.
Try your outfit on before hand, make sure everything
fits, sort out any accessories. After all, the last thing you want to do is
spend hours before an interview trying to find your other black sock or a pair
of tights without a rip in them.
Interview outfit tip: trackie bottoms are never
acceptable.
6.
Moan about your current employer
OK, so your favourite mug went missing and you’re
heartbroken.
We get it. But even if you’re 100% sure it was
probably Tim from Accounts who took it, an interview probably isn’t a good time
to start voicing all of the feels.
Avoid the temptation to express how much you dislike
your current boss, or complain about your colleagues, and be as positive as
possible. Sound like a team player, not someone who holds a grudge.
7.
Lie
Everyone tells little white lies and over-exaggerates
at interviews, right?
This might be true, but it’s risky business, and it
rarely works out for the best. You’ll only end up stumbling over yourself when
asked to elaborate your story, and there’ll be tell-tale signs from your body
language that could give it all away.
So be honest about your genuine achievements and
experience, and it will work in your favour. And if not? Get ready for the most
awkward first day ever when you eventually get the job and you have to reveal
that you can’t actually speak Portuguese.
8.
Slouch/yawn/fall asleep
Or anything else that implies boredom. You won’t be
taken seriously if you’re constantly yawning, sitting so low in your chair that
you’re practically on the floor, or generally looking like you’d rather be in
bed.
Be aware of your body language and stay focussed
throughout, listening politely to what the interviewer has to say and remaining
positive and enthusiastic. Oh, and conscious. That too.
9.
Forget to listen
It’s important to wait your turn to speak, and not
interrupt your interviewers mid-speech. It might seem like a good idea to
express your enthusiasm by constantly chatting, but only do this when the
ball’s in your court.
Sit patiently and listen to what they have to say. The
last thing you want is to go on to ask a question they’ve already answered, or
have absolutely no understanding of the role because you were too busy daydreaming
about what you’re going to have for dinner that evening.
10.
Focus on the money
You want the job because you need money, that’s a
given. It’s a life need. But you should also want it for other reasons like,
you know, you’d actually be good at and/or enjoy it. These are what will
impress the interviewer and make them more likely to consider you.
Personal financial issues aren’t an interview friendly
topic either, so keep it professional, and only mention the M word if your
prospective employer asks about salary expectations – and then, be sensible
with what you ask for.
11.
Apologise too much
Don’t apologise for a lack of experience or an
inability to answer a question straight away, especially if you’re saying
‘sorry’ repeatedly. This will indicate a lack of confidence and suggest you’re
unsure of your capabilities.
There are some things, however, that do need an
apology. N.B. accidently calling your interviewer Mum falls firmly within this
category.
12.
Fail to make eye contact
Wide-eyed enthusiasm is fine. Wide-eyed staring, not
so much.
If you do manage to settle on a non-threatening amount
of eye contact, embrace it. It can be a great way to show respect on both sides
and lets the interviewer knows you’re listening to them, and are confident in
what you have to say.
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