Jobstreet put together the top 6 blunders to avoid during job interviews. These include being totally unprepared or not arriving with your best foot forward. Read on below for more details
1. Be unprepared. Going to the meeting knowing nothing about the
company but its name or having only a vague idea of what the position
entails predisposes you to a hasty, unceremonious exit. What’s there to
talk about, anyway? Do some background checking before showing up. Being
ready also means planning for any contingency. Bring along extra
resumes, your portfolio, your references’ contact numbers and your
social security or tax number in case you need to fill out an
application form.
2. Dress unprofessionally. First impressions can make or break
you, so always meet company representatives in your professional suit.
Remember this rule even if the employees themselves wear casual outfits.
You can follow prevailing in-house fashion after you’ve been hired. You
needn’t look like a glossy magazine pinup boy either, but do look neat
and clean. Avoid in particular chunky jewelry, loud prints and
overpowering cologne.
3. Act uncool. You may be drooling for that job, but do you have
to show it? Employers will quickly lose interest in someone who appears
desperate for work. It’s also so uncalled for to be self-deprecating or
self-apologetic. After all, the employer won’t bother to get in touch
with you if you’re not qualified. The best approach: Strive to appear
calm and in control, even as you convey warmth and enthusiasm. Smile,
maintain eye contact, sit up straight and answer slowly and clearly.
Don’t fidget, chew gum or make other nervous movements.
4. Rambling on and on and on. Employers have a hearty dislike for
those who over-talk during the interview. They get the impression that
you either can’t organize your thoughts, are stalling for time, or are
glossing over some inadequacy. The solution: Practice your answers to
frequently asked questions and role-play the interview scenario with a
friend.
5. Talk money too soon. If it’s your first interview, resist the
urge to ask how much you might earn. It shows you’re primarily
interested in the salary, not the work. If you prove yourself capable,
you’ll get an offer and the chance to negotiate the salary you desire.
But while you shouldn’t ask just yet, you must already have a fair idea
of what the position should be worth. Include salary matters when you do
pre-interview research so that you can haggle well if you do receive
that offer.
6. Be too honest. You can be completely candid in the
confessional and you’ll feel good afterward. But being totally honest
during the interview is courting disaster. For instance, if you’re asked
why you left your previous employer, you shouldn’t say that you
resigned because your boss is a pain in the neck or the company is the
pits. Remember that you’re selling yourself: Couch your replies with
care, being mindful to project a professional image at all times.
