You have worked hard to get to this job interview – remember that your interviewer knows that you possess the relevant skills; either you’ve cleared an initial screening process or your CV has told him that.
What he now wants to find out is whether you possess the adaptability and passion to learn, which will make you an asset for the organisation? Do you fit well with the company’s culture?
Who doesn’t remember their first interview? Your first interview can be a stressful experience, more so if you are worried about making mistakes. Make sure you do not make these 6 common interview mistakes on your big day.
Arriving late for the interview
You have spent days preparing for your first big interview, reading, researching and what not. Did it occur to you that arriving late could be the one single factor that doesn’t get you the job? Your interviewer should feel that you are desperate about this job, so arriving late is a big NO! Unforeseen incidents can happen anytime and anywhere so it’s a good idea to visit the company a couple of days before-hand to be sure of the address and allow yourself extra travel time on the day of your interview.
Not enough homework done
Given that information is now available at the click of a mouse, it is imperative to be well informed about the company and its culture before an interview. Not only does research help you to know more about the company, but can help in answering questions well during the interview. This is a sure-shot winner. On the other hand, being uninformed can create a very negative impression. Remember, no one has the time for long rambling answers and for someone who is not curious to know more about the organization he is going to work for.
Watch your body language
Slouching, looking disinterested and lacking energy are all going to send out negative signals to your prospective employer! Bragging, displaying over confidence and gesturing superiority will not go down well. On the other hand a positive eagerness, maintaining eye contact, behaving courteous and appearing ‘happy and excited to be there’ would make the interviewer interested to talk to you as well.
Ignoring interviewer cues
Never lose focus of what the interviewer is telling you. Answers lie in the interviewer’s questions, at times, so it’s important to relax and listen to what he’s telling you. You never know what he’s trying to test you on. It might as well be your ability to focus!
Texting / taking calls on your cell phone
You, like many others have become so addicted to your cell phone that texting, taking calls has become your second nature. But in an interview, this will be labeled as very bad manners. Be sure to switch your cell phone off before you step in to the interview room to avoid any iota of distraction.
No questions to ask
Show your curiosity and passion to learn, to know more, to try and understand the organization that you are waiting to join. Your depth of information and knowledge will be indicated by the quality of questions that you will ask your interviewer. Also, it is important that you ask relevant questions. For this, you must do some background research and go prepared.
As a matter of fact, most interviewers know within the first 5-7 minutes of the interview whether they want to recruit the candidate or not. And after having read these common mistakes, do not step into the shoes of someone who’s already made them!
Go ahead and crack that interview!
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