You have made it! Finally! The Big Win!
Hold on! Landing the interview is only the beginning. Oh yes! Your resume stood out, and your potential employer sees that “spark” which he was looking for!
But here comes the “real test”. You must prove to them that you have what it takes to fit right into their company.
With the pressure mounting, the scene could shift from exciting to nerve-wracking, which might lead to costly mistakes.
Preparation is key, and missteps, such as a negative impression or lack of preparedness, could cause your once-in-a-lifetime chance to slip away.
How do you avoid such pitfalls? Here are a few interview mistakes that might cost you the job, along with ways to prevent them:
Failing to Prepare
Failing to prepare before an interview is one of the top mistakes that could cost you a great deal. You must have enough knowledge about the role, the company’s operations, and the industry. Answering appropriately would give the interviewer the right impression.
Laszlo Bock, former SVP of People Operations at Google, rightly says, “If you do not show genuine interest in the role, the interviewer won’t be interested in hiring you.” As a secret weapon to getting the job of your dreams, preparation before an interview will help prepare you to provide adequate responses, highlight problem-solving skills, and showcase the impact you bring to the job.
Here are a few questions you need to be prepared for:
- Can you talk about a time when you faced an uneasy situation?
- Have you ever worked with limited budgets?
- Do you multitask?
Employers are thrilled when you research their company inside out. It showcases your proactiveness, curiosity, and teamwork.
Preparation is not optional before an interview. It is a critical step that offers insight about yourself that you genuinely care about the role and are looking to contribute as a valuable team member.
Unprofessional Attitude
Unprofessional attitude, such as inappropriate attire, showing up late for the interview, and having limited knowledge of the role, would quickly damage your reputation, and your first impression would not be as you wanted it to be. In an interview, first impressions are crucial, so arriving late is inexcusable. Showing up on time ensures your genuine interest and respect towards the interviewer.
Here are a few tips to maintain a professional attitude:
Test your route – If it is a face-to-face interview, you must know the address and the location accurately. Virtual interviews need adequate internet connectivity. Ensure that lighting, sound, and background follow professional standards.
Professional Attire –Professionalism in dressing for an interview would impress the interviewer. Choose subtle colors and clothes that follow the official dress code.
Pay attention to how you look -Showing up to an interview with crumpled clothes and disheveled hair is a strict “no”. A well-dressed appearance speaks volumes about your care for the way you present yourself at the interview.
Avoid Distractions- Presenting a professional front without unnecessary multitasking, or other distractions such as viewing your phone or rummaging through your things, is being too casual. Maintaining a respectful attitude with good manners goes a long way.
Remember, the first impression is crucial in an interview. An unprofessional attitude would ruin your chances of getting ahead.
Giving Unclear Answers
Getting nervous during the interview is natural. Therefore, you may talk a lot and go off-topic, filling silences with unnecessary information. Rambling might confuse the interviewer, and you may not be able to convey your thoughts more clearly. So, you mustn’t speak for more than three minutes, especially while answering the question “Tell me about yourself and your career.”
Here are a few pointers:
Focus on the Relevant Matters- Speak on the most relevant achievements—present experiences that matter to the job and what the interviewer needs to know.
Think for a moment-Stop and gather your thoughts. Speak only when you are clear about what to say.
It is not about how much you say in the interview, but what you say. Having clear and focused answers to questions would present a stronger impression on the interviewer.
Showcasing Negativity about Past Jobs
Speaking negatively about an earlier employer, manager, or workplace would raise a red flag. True enough, you must have faced a specific type of unprofessional behaviour from them, but to openly talk about them would not reflect well on your teamwork ability.
Here is what to do instead:
Talk more about Facts – When you discuss a challenging experience with your potential employer, make sure you focus on what you have learnt and not on what went wrong. This reflects on your maturity and your ability to learn constructively.
Showcase your Growth Mentality – Working with a toxic manager is difficult. However, you can present it as a learning experience that has allowed you to be more patient, adaptable, and to improve your communication skills. Complain less but talk about your key takeaways from such an experience.
Look to the Future-When asked about the reason for leaving, mention your prospects in the firm and what you are looking forward to, and not about why you are looking to escape from your current employment.
Employers are keen to employ individuals with a team spirit and not those with a pessimistic mindset. So ensure you are focused on solutions rather than problems, and growth rather than negative emotions. Show them where you are headed and not about your frustration.
No Questions for the Interviewer
Interviews are a two-way conversation. It is about answering questions posed to you and asking relevant, thoughtful questions. On the other hand, being unprepared to ask pertinent questions indicates you have no interest, curiosity, or initiative. It signifies you have not thought much about the role and have come for the interview as a last resort.
Here are a few tips to express your queries with impact:
Plan what to ask-Take enough time to plan and review the company website, new articles, and job description. Prepare questions on the company, the team, and the role’s expectations.
Questions on Impact and Growth– A few examples that reflect on the company’s impact and your growth in the company would be to ask questions such as these,
- What is true of success in this role
- What is the company’s goal for the next six months
Being unprepared to ask relevant questions would make you struggle to carry on an interesting conversation and to express your ultimate goal of the job correctly.
Interviewers meet multiple candidates every single day. Therefore, it is not possible to remember someone who exhibited characteristics similar to those of others. You must not blend in but stand out to be remembered. You may not have qualified for the role 100%, but it is essential to understand that employers are not looking for someone who checks in all the boxes, but someone who brings in energy, initiative, and personality.
Always remember interviews are not merely a conversation, but it is your only chance to prove that you are suitable for the role. So, be prepared, professional, communicate clearly, and showcase your personality. Interviewers do not want to hire a resume but the right person for all the right reasons!
