In a job interview knowing what not to do an interview is just as important as having a polished resume. An interview is not only about showing that you are the best for the job profile, it’s also about making a great impression in front of the interviewer in working professional. Interviews are formal interactions and people often make common mistakes that you should dodge to improve your chances of making a great impression. These mistakes are easy to make without even realizing you are making them. Take the time to prepare before your interview, so you don’t have to stress out about blunders after it. The following are the 10 common things to avoid during Job Interviews.
Things to avoid during Job Interview
- Arriving Late
- Wearing An Inappropriate Dress
- Insufficient Documents And Paperwork
- Lack Of Research
- Inappropriate Body Language
- Neglecting To Ask Questions
- Avoid Expressing Desperation Or Anger
- Avoid Using Your Cellphone
- Neglecting The Next-Step Questions
- Career & Job Switch Guidance
- FAQS About Things to avoid during Job Interview
Arriving Late
Not arriving on time for the interview can make a bad impression and implies that you are not serious about the interview. Arriving late shows a lack of time management skills and disrespect to the interviewer’s time. Reach the venue a couple of minutes before and make yourself comfortable and introduce yourself to the other staff still the time you are called for the interview.
Wearing An Inappropriate Dress
Showing up to your interview wearing an informal dress or with a dishevelled appearance can make a bad impression before you even get a chance to introduce yourself. Avoid giving a poor impression of yourself by wearing an inappropriate dress. Always wear formal, professional clothes or business-casual apparel in a job interview and adapt your clothing as per your workplace. You can also check certification course for workplace communication.
Insufficient Documents And Paperwork
Going to the interview with insufficient documents is a very common mistake people must avoid. Not having all the required documents and paperwork can lead to the termination of your interview in many companies. Always remember to bring your updated CV, Identity Proof, Proof of Address, Educational Documents and Certificates of Extracurricular Activities, Past Employment and Resignation Letter, Salary Slip, Experience Certificates and other necessary documents.
Lack Of Research
Attending an interview without any prior research can put you behind others. No matter how good are your academic qualifications, it is always important to do some research about the company, where you are applying and the owner, so you are ready to talk about how your skills are a good fit for the company. Not having knowledge about the company can make the interviewer feel that you are not interested to work in the company.
Inappropriate Body Language
Nothing is more negative than showing poor body language and can offend the interviewer. Having good body language shows your respect, manners, behaviour, personality and decency towards the company and the interviewer. Make eye contact while listening and speaking with the interviewer.
Sit with good posture, avoid looking bored or yawning during the interview and offer a firm handshake before leaving in working professional. Make sure you don’t channel your nervous energy into fidgeting.
Neglecting To Ask Questions
Not asking any questions during the interview can show a lack of interest and attention. Every interviewer asks whether the candidate has any queries or questions and not taking the advantage of this opportunity can be a mistake. Pay attention to what the interviewer has said during the interview and try to ask things you want to know about the job profile or the company.
Avoid Expressing Desperation Or Anger
It is important that you control your anger before starting off with the interview. Anger can make you say things that you don’t intend to and create a negative impact on your interview. If you are angry about something just take deep breaths, think about the opportunity that awaits you and put a smile on your face.
Avoid Using Your Cellphone
Looking at your phone to check time or messages, texting during your interview, answering your phone calls or stealing glances at your cellphone may seem rude and disruptive. It clearly implies that getting a job with the company is not your priority at that moment. It’s always better to put your phone on silent or stow your phone in your bag before starting off with the interview.
Neglecting The Next-Step Questions
At the end of your interview not asking about the next-step questions like who will be your post-interview contact, when and how to contact the information, what other documents are needed etc. demonstrates your lack of interest in the company and job. Ask for the email address or contact number for further queries or information.
Career & Job Switch Guidance
Job switching, commonly referred to as job hopping, is a tendency of changing employers frequently in search of better employment or pay opportunities. A person’s aspirations, rather than events like a layoff or a company closing, are typically what lead to a job change. After working somewhere for a while, changing jobs is common. The two most important factors for changing jobs across industries are believed to be growth and income.
It is difficult to leave a job, and there may be stressful situations in your professional life. However, there is always a good time to change jobs. There are numerous previous causes for it, like the fact that your current job isn’t challenging you, your employer is about to fail, your life has significantly altered, your coworkers foster a hostile work environment, etc. Know More Details on CAREER & JOB SWITCH GUIDANCE.
FAQS About Things to avoid during Job Interview
Q. Is it okay to interrupt the interviewer during the interview?
A. No, it’s important to listen attentively and allow the interviewer to complete their thoughts or questions before responding. Interrupting the interviewer can be seen as disrespectful and may give the impression that you are not a good listener or lack patience.
Q. Should I avoid asking about salary or benefits during the initial interview?
A. Generally, it’s best to avoid discussing salary and benefits during the initial interview unless the interviewer brings up the topic. The focus of the initial interview is usually to assess your qualifications, skills, and fit for the role. Save discussions about compensation and benefits for a later stage in the hiring process, such as during salary negotiations or when an offer is extended.
Q. Should I avoid speaking negatively about my previous employer or colleagues?
A. Yes, it’s crucial to refrain from speaking negatively about your previous employer or colleagues during a job interview. Even if you had a negative experience, it’s important to remain professional and focus on the positive aspects of your previous roles.
Q. Is it okay to be unprepared for common interview questions?
A. No, it’s essential to be prepared for common interview questions. Failing to prepare can give the impression that you are not serious about the position or that you lack attention to detail. Take the time to research the company, review the job description, and practice your responses to common interview questions to increase your chances of success.