Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but with the right preparation and mindset, they can also be the stepping stone to landing your dream job. Problem is, many job seekers make common mistakes during the interview process (or leading up to it) that can cost them the opportunity to get hired. Let’s explore some of the most common job interview mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them!
- Lack of Preparation. One of the most common job interview mistakes is failing to prepare. Preparation is key to doing anything well. Giving a successful interview is no exception. It involves researching the company, understanding the job role and practicing answers to common (and uncommon) interview questions. Many job seekers make the mistake of going into an interview unprepared, which can lead to nervousness, a lack of confidence, and basically, bombing the interview!To avoid this mistake, start preparing well in advance of the interview. Research the company’s website, mission statement, and values to gain an understanding of their culture and goals. Review the job description to understand the requirements of the role and make sure you’re able to demonstrate the skills and experience you put on paper, in person. Finally, practice answering common interview questions with a friend or family member to build confidence. Remember, since you’ll hopefully be interviewing for more than one job, all of your practice and preparation will have a cumulative effect. Each interview will make you stronger for the next one.
- Dressing Inappropriately. Another common job interview mistake is dressing inappropriately. While it’s true that dress codes vary depending on the industry and company, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and dress in business attire. This shows the interviewer that you take the interview seriously and are professional. Dressing too casually can make you appear unprofessional and disinterested. If you can, try and get a sense of how people dress at the company you’re interviewing for. If you think the dress code is business casual, consider wearing a suit or dress pants and a blazer. It should go without saying that jeans and sweat pants are off limits, even in a Zoom interview. If it goes really well, you never know when the interviewer may ask you to stand up and take a bow!
- Arriving Late. Arriving late for an interview is another common (and fatal!) mistake that can cost you the opportunity to get hired. Being punctual shows that you are dependable and respectful of the interviewer’s time. Arriving late can create a very negative first impression and make you appear disorganized. To avoid this mistake, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for the interview. This gives you time to check in, use the restroom, relax and gather your thoughts — and relax! — before the interview.
- Failing to Research the Company. Before your interview, make sure you research the company and the position you are applying for in much more depth, especially if it’s a job you really want! This will show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the job and have taken the time to learn about the company’s culture, values, and goals. If it’s relevant, it can also be a good idea to research the industry and any competitors, so you can communicate with some confidence and know-how about the industry as a whole.
- Focusing Too Much on Money. While it’s important to negotiate a fair salary and benefits package, focusing too much on money during the interview can make you appear greedy and uninterested in the job itself. It’s important to remember that the interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and passion for the job, not just your desire for a paycheque. To avoid this mistake, wait until the later stages of the interview process to discuss salary and benefits. This shows the interviewer that you are primarily interested in the job itself and not just the financial compensation.
- Badmouthing Previous Employers. Speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues is another common job interview mistake. While it’s natural to have had negative experiences in the workplace, badmouthing previous employers can make you appear unprofessional and negative. It’s important to remember that the interviewer is looking for someone who can work well with others and is a team player. To avoid this mistake, focus on the positive experiences and skills you gained in previous roles, and avoid discussing negative experiences or coworkers in general. Be guarded! It can be easy to loosen up a little too much and be more forthcoming than you should.
- Lying About Your Qualifications. It’s tempting and even encouraged by some agencies and recruiters as a way to get your “foot in the door”. But lying about your qualifications or experience is a MAJOR mistake in a job interview (and on your resume!). Not only is it unethical, but it’s also likely to be uncovered during a background check, or even the interview itself. Remember, interviewers ask follow-up questions. So be honest about your qualifications and experience on your resume and during the interview. Instead of wasting mental energy on exaggerations and fabrications, focus on on highlighting your real strengths and achievements.
- Being Too Talkative or Not Talkative Enough. Communication is key in a job interview. You want to strike the right balance between being talkative and not talking too much. If you talk too much, you may come across as arrogant or self-absorbed. If you don’t talk enough, you may seem disinterested or unprepared. It can be a fine line. The best thing you can do is practice answering questions concisely and listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions.
- Failing to Ask Questions. Speaking of not being too talkative, at the end of the interview, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. Forgetting to ask questions can make you seem uninterested or unprepared. Prepare a list of questions ahead of time, such as questions about the company culture, the position’s responsibilities, or the interviewer’s own experiences working for the company.
- Neglecting to Follow Up. After your job interview, it’s important to follow-up with the interviewer to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. Neglecting to follow up can make you seem uninterested or unprofessional. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview, and if you don’t hear back within a week or so, consider sending a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your application.
If you’re able to steer clear of these common errors and omissions, you’ll be in a much better position than other applicants being considered. Remember, these are common mistakes because many people will make at least one of them. If you can avoid them all, you’ll be way ahead of the competition and well on your way to landing the job. Good luck!
