An interview is always a significant stress for a job seeker. That is why we are often too worried before the upcoming business meeting, forget about some important details and as a result make not the best impression.
Today we look at what 10 common mistakes an applicant makes during an interview, and how to avoid them.
10. Turnout with attendants
This behavior was noticed by young specialists who came to get a job in their first place. The applicant has no experience in interviews and even skills for a new job, he feels insecure and squeezed, and he is used to the fact that during school and university days he often could shift the responsibility for his decisions to parents and friends. Bringing such a “support group” for an interview is unacceptable - such a maneuver gives you an immature person who is not able to independently think and cope with his emotions. An interviewer, having only seen you with “witnesses” or “bodyguards”, will make the first and final impression in seconds.
9. Tardiness
Classics of the genre - being late for a responsible business meeting. Thus, from the first minutes you show the future employer that you do not value him or your own time. This will once again demonstrate to him that you are disorganized, undisciplined and impolite. It is necessary to agree in advance the schedule of the interview, clarify the routes and their timetables, take into account possible traffic jams, accurately fix the location of the office (if necessary, use electronic maps). Of course, in life there are a variety of force majeure - morning sickness, emergency traffic jams, a sharp deterioration in weather conditions. For such and only such cases, you have the opportunity to call the recruiter with a message about being late or reschedule the meeting.
8. Uncertain behavior
No matter how long before you had to go through the interviews, each new acquaintance is stressful. The new personnel officer will ask his tricky questions, may have a cold and strict appearance, a heavy character, etc. Nevertheless, one should not give out internal excitement, behave uncertainly and indecisively. At a minimum, you can smile in moderation, hold eye contact, monitor your posture, hands, and facial expressions during communication. Answer questions directly and truthfully, do not hesitate to focus on your skills, positive past work experience, achievements, etc.
7. Overstated conceit, arrogance, self-confidence
In contrast to the aforementioned, there is the other side - a person does not demonstrate interest in the proposed position, looks bored, self-confident and even proud. The candidate may well talk about past successful projects, mention the presence of honors and medals, offer to look at the portfolio of works, etc. But loud statements like “what would they do without me”, “my former company lost a valuable employee” or “thanks to me their business kept afloat ”the recruiter will cause healthy bewilderment, why did the previous director just let go of such a“ valuable ”shot. Name only those figures and facts that can be easily proved and verified. Let really good recommendations say better about your work.
6. Inadequate appearance
It doesn’t matter whether the dress code is absolutely respected in the company - you should come for an interview in business clothes with a neat appearance. According to the prevailing opinion of psychologists, the first impression of an interview is formed in just 17 seconds, when you have not yet had time to talk about your successes, but flaws in appearance have already caught the eye of the personnel officer. Everything in your appearance should be conservative, restrained and clean. Pre-tidy your hair (men do not forget about the beard), nails, use deodorant, but perfume is better not to abuse. Believe me, the interview is not the same reason where you need to show off your knowledge of fashion (unless you really came to hire a model).
5. Criticism of former bosses
In a romantic relationship, no one loves when your loved one talks about and criticizes former partners, and even more so compares them. The business sphere is no exception - employers have their own unwritten code, in which it is not customary to mention information about corporate nuances and management issues in a negative way. If at the interview you begin to blaspheme the former boss, then with a high degree of probability you failed to get a job. Even if the recruiter tries to fetch information from you and asks provocative questions, try to remain calm and unbiased, speak dryly and to the point. For example, “he left because the salary was not paid on time, and I could not plan the budget” instead of “oh imagine, the boss always delayed the salary - we left the half-office”.
4. The obsession with money
When asked what exactly you expect from working in a company, do not rush to mention the material aspect. List other important for your development and formation as a specialist quality, employment conditions. Show that you are interested in achieving the company's goals with the team, developing as a professional, serving the community. At the end of the interview, you can talk about the amount and procedure for paying salaries, but there should not be excessive interest and excitement in your question. To the employer's answer about what kind of salary you want, you must give a clear answer, having first assessed the market of your profession.
3. Lack of understanding of the candidate what kind of job he wants to find
The employers' favorite question is “what do you see yourself in 5, 10, etc. years?”. You must prepare in advance and build your strategic plans. Sound out to the employer those aspects in which the desired position will help you. Be sure to tell us why you came to engage in this particular company, what you expect from your duties, how you are going to reveal your creative potential, how the work will help you in personal implementation. The candidate’s incomprehension of why he needs this particular position (or motivation exclusively with money) sets up the recruiter negatively.
2. Explicit lie
Personnel managers of modern corporations are also quite good psychologists. A lot of job seekers passed through their offices, so a “chuyka” was already formed for the hypocritical and dishonest comrades. The recruiter will feel your open lie for a mile away, having read non-verbal signs during a conversation. Also, employers tend to double-check information received directly from the candidate, asking leading questions, testing or calling up with the previous bosses. Even if at some point you do not meet the stated requirements of the position, it is better to admit honestly, but in a positive way. For example, “I don’t own Photoshop, but in the team of professionals in your company I’ll definitely improve my skills.”
1. Lack of feedback
Remember that the interview is different from the interview. If in the first case the purpose of the interviewee is to correctly answer the questions posed, then during the interview the feedback should be more comprehensive. You must not only clearly and truthfully answer questions, but also be able to correctly “advertise” yourself, maintain a healthy dialogue with superiors, including asking counter-questions. The presence of the latter confirms the interest of the applicant in this particular position, his concern for the future in the company.
Recruiters note that before each new interview, a candidate for the position must be prepared. He should prepare answers to possible questions, decide what he wants from this particular position, what skills he can offer the new team. It is also important to properly present yourself, paying attention to appearance, speech, behavior and even non-verbal signs.