Never Do These 8 Things in an Interview

 

Interviews are pivotal moments in your career journey. They’re opportunities to showcase your skills, personality, and fit for the job. However, making certain mistakes can derail your chances. Here are eight things you should never do in an interview if you want to leave a positive, lasting impression.

 

1. Arrive Late

Punctuality is a basic but critical aspect of professionalism. Arriving late to an interview can signal a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time and a lack of interest in the position. Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to give yourself time to settle in and show your punctuality.

 

2. Dress Inappropriately

I hope the beanie in the picture made you cringe. If not here’s your heads up to never wear a hat. First impressions matter, and your attire plays a big role in that. Dressing too casually or inappropriately can make you appear unprofessional. Research the company culture beforehand and choose an outfit that matches their dress code. When in doubt, err on the side of being more formal. This is a way of “thanking” them for the opportunity.

 

3. Badmouth Previous Employers

We get it..your last boss was a jerk and that is why you are looking for a new position. However, speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues can reflect poorly on you. It suggests that you might be difficult to work with or unprofessional. Instead, focus on what you learned from past experiences and how they’ve prepared you for the role you’re applying for.

 

4. Be Unprepared

Failing to research the company and the role you’re applying for can make you seem disinterested and unprepared. Understand the company’s mission, values, recent projects, and challenges. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, demonstrating your genuine interest and proactive mindset.

 

5. Overemphasize Salary and Benefits

While compensation is an important aspect of any job, bringing it up too early or focusing excessively on it can make it seem like you’re only interested in the paycheck. Wait until the employer brings up the topic or until you’re further along in the hiring process to discuss salary and benefits.

 

6. Use Your Phone

Your attention should be fully on the interview. Checking your phone, texting, or taking calls is highly disrespectful. Ensure your phone is turned off or set to silent mode before the interview starts, and keep it out of sight to avoid any temptation.

 

7. Fail to Showcase Your Achievements

Humility is a virtue, but an interview is not the place to downplay your accomplishments. Be ready to discuss your achievements confidently and provide concrete examples that highlight your skills and contributions. This helps the interviewer understand your potential value to the team.

 

8. Display Negative Body Language

Non-verbal communication can be just as important as what you say. Avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, or appearing disengaged. Maintain good eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight. These actions convey confidence, openness, and engagement. One technique for engagement is “mirroring” their stance. Or counterbalancing with a “lean in” when they seem disengaged.

 

 Conclusion

Avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly improve your interview performance. Remember, the goal is to present yourself as the best candidate for the job, which means being prepared, professional, and personable. Good luck with your next interview! We wish you gr8 success!