Interviews,
it may be the single toughest part of any individual’s job search, and yet, job
seekers often compound their interview nervousness with lack of preparation and
frequent mistakes. Interview mistakes can be avoided. The 10 biggest interview
mistakes and how to avoid them are as follows:
1.
Don’t Lie.
If the conversation drifts to a topic you're not
knowledgeable about, admit you don't know the answer and then explain how you
would go about finding a solution. Displaying your problem-solving skills is
better than telling lies about something you don't understand.
2.
Do Your Research
You are expected to fully research every company
prior to every interview. It is essential that you do some research on the
business, industry and market before every interview. It is essential for two
reasons a) to demonstrate your interest in the business and b) more
importantly, to ensure that the business is right for you!
3.
Winging It
This is never a good idea. Trying to formulate an
off-the-cuff answer to even simple questions in a high-stakes interview is
sometimes harder than it appears, and doing so can be a recipe for disaster.
4.
Turning Up Late
Before the interview work out exactly where you’re
going and how you’re going to get there. On the day allow yourself 30 minutes
for traffic problems or any other delays – if you’re too early you can always
grab a cup of tea nearby and go over your CV. If for some reason you are
running late, call your interviewer to let them know.
5.
Don’t Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing
someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to
know your whole life story. Keep your answers short, to-the-point and focused
and don't ramble - simply answer the question.
6.
Not Talking Enough
It's really hard to
communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. When you
fail to communicate with the interviewer, you may destroy your chances of being
hired by the company. Make eye contact and be confident with your answers. So,
even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully
answer the question as best you can.
7. Dress Appropriately
Turn up to an interview
in ripped shorts, an old t-shirt and some flip-flops and you’ll probably find
yourself back out the door before you know it. Dress appropriately for the type
of job interview. Always dress in more conservatively than you would normally.
Make sure that you are not wearing outlandish colours, showing too much skin,
or wearing too much jewellery (man or woman).
8. Badmouthing Past Employers
It’s fine to talk about
what you would like to achieve career-wise and how this may not be possible in
your current job, but never bad-mouth a current or previous employer. It could
give your interviewer the impression you’re difficult to work with.
9. Close The Interview
Everything you say or do
is being judged very closely in an interview. Make a mistake in one of your
responses and your chances of getting the job are diminished. However stressful
an interview may be, if you can end the interview by closing for the position,
you will earn tremendous respect and show an example of your closing skills.
10. Not Asking Questions
Asking questions towards
the end of the interview shows you’re confident, thoughtful and are seriously
interested in the position. If you can’t think of anything, good ones to fall
back on are what career opportunities are available and what kind of training
do you offer.
Written by Liam Oakes
Liam is the Candidate Manager at
Aaron Wallis and has been with the company for 2 years after having a career
with the RAF; Liam has helped hundreds of Sales Professionals secure a new
Sales role and ensures that Aaron Wallis runs smoothly.
