Every interviewee makes mistakes. We make mistakes because we are human. “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing” – John Powell.
However, there are a number of errors we can avoid making in interviews, and they are vital in ensuring interview success.
Dressing too casually
Dressing informally says in loud words that you are not concerned about the job, or your own appearance. It portrays lack of effort and respect. Irrespective of what type of job interview you are attending, wear formal clothing. It also helps you gets you into character for your interview. We tend to ‘feel’ more confident and sharp when we dress so.
Being too informal
No matter how friendly or laid back the interviewer is, they are still looking for a person to do the job. Being too familiar with your potential future employer sends out the wrong signals. Strike a balance between being professional and friendly. Never speak to the interviewer in a laid back manner or make jokes. An ill-timed joke can offend, and also portray you as unprofessional.
Speaking about personal circumstances
This is something to be avoided at all costs. Again, remember that the interviewer is there to assess your capabilities as a candidate, and not listen to your life story. An interviewer can feel very uncomfortable when people bring up their own personal issues.
Being obnoxious/over zealous
Sometimes when people are nervous they can come across as over eager. This is to be avoided at all costs. Striking a rapport with the interviewer is central to your meeting.
Obviously, you want to demonstrate in your interview that you are enthusiastic, but you do not want to go overboard here. However, it is important to note that there is a big difference between being ‘assertive’ and ‘arrogant’. Being assertive shows the interviewer that you are capable of doing the job: being arrogant will ruin your chances of success.
Arriving Late
Nothing more needs to be said here - there is no excuse for being late.
Negotiating salary in the first interview
Unless, you are clear what the salary for the vacant position is, try to avoid talking about salary requirements. Remember, that interviews are like a card game, the interviewer has the stronger card in the first interview.
It is only at the offer stage that you have the ‘stronger card’ and it is at this point that you can negotiate your salary expectations. If you are asked about salary requirements in your interview, tell the interviewer that you are prefer not to talk money in the first meeting, and that the job is what is important.
Asking about holidays/breaks or perks
This shows that your priorities are in the wrong place – this should only be asked after you have been made a verbal offer. Even if this is a deciding factor in whether or not you will be interested in the role, always wait until after an offer has been made to discuss finer details.
Lack of enthusiasm
Remember that nerves often come across as lack of interest, so smile and tell the interviewer that you are very interested in the role. Lack of enthusiasm is very off-putting for an interviewer.
Speaking negatively about previous employers
Never speak negatively about your previous employer. At no point during the conversation should a negative story be told about your previous employer or colleagues. If an employer hears you talking negatively about a previous boss, they will envisage you doing the same thing about them.
Sli Nua Careers (tel 094 95 42965, www.SliNuaCareers.com ) are based on Main Street, Headford, Co. Galway, and carry out CV Preparation, Interview Training, and Personal Branding. Fidelma has extensive industry experience in the area of human resources, interviewing, and career training. Sli Nua Careers offer readers a Free CV Critique – just email your CV to [email protected].
