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Interview Mistakes: What Not To Do When You’re Interviewing for a Job

Interviewing for a job can be nerve-wracking, even for the most experienced job seeker. With so much on the line, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cost you the job. In this article, we’ll go over some common interview mistakes and how to avoid them.

Arriving late or not showing up

One of the biggest interview mistakes you can make is to arrive late or not show up at all. Punctuality and reliability are key qualities that employers look for in job candidates. Being late can give the impression that you’re disorganized, unprepared, or simply not interested in the job.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you plan ahead and arrive early for your interview. Check the route and traffic ahead of time and leave extra time for unexpected delays. If something does come up that prevents you from making it to the interview, be sure to let the employer know as soon as possible.

Poor preparation

Another common mistake is failing to prepare for the interview. This can take many forms, such as not researching the company or the role, not reviewing your resume or preparing answers to common questions, or not knowing what to expect during the interview.

To avoid this mistake, take the time to research the company and the role thoroughly. Review your resume and think about how your experience and skills align with the job requirements. Practice answering common interview questions and think about what questions you might ask the interviewer.

Inappropriate attire and appearance

The way you dress and present yourself during an interview can have a big impact on the interviewer’s perception of you. Dressing too casually or inappropriately can give the impression that you’re not taking the interview seriously, while poor personal hygiene can be a major turnoff for interviewers.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you dress professionally and appropriately for the job you’re applying for. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask the recruiter or hiring manager. Make sure you’re clean, well-groomed, and presentable.

Lack of enthusiasm or interest

Interviewers want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the role you’re interviewing for. If you come across as uninterested or unenthusiastic, it could be a major red flag.

To avoid this mistake, make sure you research the company and the role thoroughly, and come prepared with thoughtful questions for the interviewer. Show enthusiasm and passion for the job and be sure to express your interest in the company and what they do.

Bad body language

Your body language can say a lot about you, even before you say a word. Common body language mistakes during interviews include avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, slouching, or crossing your arms or legs.

To avoid this mistake, practice good body language during the interview. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, sit up straight, and keep your hands in your lap or on the table in front of you.

Oversharing or saying too little

Interviewers want to learn about your qualifications and experience, but they don’t want to hear your entire life story. Similarly, failing to provide enough information about your skills and experience can be a major mistake.

To avoid this mistake, strike the right balance between sharing enough information and not oversharing. Be concise and to the point and focus on your most relevant experience and qualifications.

Failing to follow up

After the interview, it’s important to follow up with a thank-you note or email. Failing to do so can be a major mistake, as it shows a lack of appreciation for the interviewer’s time and effort.

Not exactly sure how to follow-up? Check out our article, How to Write a Thank You Note After an Interview.

 

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