Topics to Avoid in Interviews: Must Read for Cracking an Interview with the best Result
As anyone who has been in a job search for a while knows, being invited to a job interview is not something easily achieved. Becoming one of the few “job candidates” rather than being part of the usually gigantic crowd of “job applicants” is a major victory.
Remember that you are selling your skills and yourself, so improve constantly your skills and knowledge, both for the work itself as those to interact with other people, do your best to convince the interviewers that you are perfect for that job and try to stay calm and relaxed.
Unfortunately, too many job candidates blow their interview opportunities, wasting all that time and effort. Don’t be one of those candidates. Never assume that the job offer is “in the bag” simply because you were invited for an interview!
So here are 10 things you must avoid to crack an Interview.
- Poor personal Appearance:
Usually, the best bet is to wear a business suit, but this is not a rule, according to the company you are applying to you can choose other types of clothing, anyway, if you do not use a suit you can use elegant sports clothing. Take special care of your personal appearance. Remember the first impression is important. - Turning up late:
Arriving late will instantly give a bad impression that will be difficult to overcome, if you are unavailable to attend the interview then ring and give your apologies as soon as possible. Do not make up a fantastical excuse as to why you were late or unable to attend. Whilst some companies will be willing to reschedule others may not have the time or be willing to. - Being inauthentic:
In a world where our workspace can often demand that you’re “putting on a face,” you can set yourself apart with one unique quality, and that’s authenticity. In fact, hiring managers want to see the real you in a job interview to gauge how you would fit into the company dynamic. - Being disrespectful:
Nobody will hire a disrespectful applicant, think before what you say and never be disrespectful with your interviewers, doesn’t matter if you don’t agree with them. Even if your last employer was an idiot, speaking ill of them will not come across well to a prospective employer. - Negative body language:
If you never smile, have a limp handshake, and don’t make eye contact with the people you meet at the employer’s location, and especially with the interviewer, you’ll come across as too shy or too strange or simply not interested. Show your interest and enthusiasm. If you are naturally very shy or an introvert, express your enthusiasm - Failing to ask poignant questions:
It’s critical to ask questions. Not asking questions can give the impression that you’re not interested, that you haven’t prepared, or even that you’re not intelligent. There are a couple of winning questions that always demonstrate engagement, and, more importantly, a focus on results. - Be desperate for the job:
Even if you are, do not let know the interviewer that you are desperate for the job, you need to show yourself as somebody who can solve problems and that can be useful for the company, not like someone who needs money. - Having no plans or goals for your career:
It is important that you have ambitions for your career, interviewers like people that are continuously improving and fighting for their goals. - Not showing why you are the best for the job:
Before the interview, familiarize yourself with the spot you are interviewing for, that way you can take a while to think about how your strengths and skills are perfect for the job. Some interviewers want to know why they should hire you, so let them know. - Not sending a thank you note or e-mail:
It is a good manner to send a thank you note or e-mail to the interviewer or company after being interviewed, you can send it between the next 24 hours after the interview. Remember this is a demonstration of the quality of your work as an employee. To stand out in the crowd of job candidates, which usually number four or five, immediately send your thank you note to each person who interviewed you. Also send a thank you to the external recruiter, if one was involved, or the employee or networking contact who referred you for the opportunity, if you were referred.
Everyone makes mistakes, and, often, the mistakes are not fatal for your job search. But, do your best to avoid these errors, and you should have a short job search.