When it comes to giving a strong interview, it's just as important to understand what makes a weak interview. Learning how to avoid easy mistakes can help you to make your next interview a great one. Unfortunately, many job seekers often fall victim to a minor or big mistake that could ruin their first impressions with potential employers and cost them the job offer. Our team at MVP is here to make sure none of these common traps get in the way of you landing your dream job.
Here are five mistakes job candidates often make throughout the interview process and how to avoid them.
Being Unprofessional
From the beginning to the end of your job search, professionalism should be a top priority. If your interview is in-person, it's important to use good manners. Be sure to give the hiring manager a firm handshake at the start and end of the interview, adhere to a professional dress code, avoid glancing at your cell phone (better yet, leave your cell phone in your car or turn it off completely) and showcase positive nonverbal communication skills and body language. Good eye contact and key facial expressions also show that you're invested. If it's a phone interview, the same rules still apply.
Speaking negatively about a previous employer, previous work experience or current job is also among the most common mistakes to make in an interview setting. Even if you've had a negative experience in the past, it's important to maintain a positive attitude when answering tough questions. The best way to avoid this mistake and maintain professionalism is to frame a specific problem as a learning experience that helped you grow into a better prospective employee. A positive response should include a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it without badmouthing a specific person or organization.
Coming Unprepared
The last thing you want to do is show up to an interview unprepared. This may seem like an obvious step, but many potential employees decide to wing it on the day of the interview and their lack of preparation ruins their first impression in the initial interview. Showing up prepared includes being professional as well as having done your research. It's important to have thoroughly read the job description and be prepared to answer difficult questions. Our articles "20 Common Interview Questions and How To Best Answer Them Using the STAR Method" and "How to Ace Your Interview: 5 Tips To Get You Your Next Job" are great places to start when preparing for your interview.
Over or under-answering questions
Another common mistake that can get in the way of making a great impression is taking too long or not taking enough time when answering interview questions. It's important to understand how to give a good answer that ties your professional skills, work history and personal life to the particular position without boring the prospective employer or wasting your precious interview time. Especially in a first interview, be sure to include only relevant details that apply to the position at hand in order to maximize the experience and showcase more of your qualifications.
Not Asking the Right Questions
At the end of the interview when the hiring manager asks if you have any questions for them, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is saying "no." This is your opportunity to convey your interest in the company, gain a better understanding of the role and ask thoughtful questions that show you're a good fit for the new job. It's always a good idea to ask questions about the company culture, what the hiring manager is looking for in the perfect candidate or any other specific things you may be wondering about.
Sounding Rehearsed
Finally, another mistake interviewees make in the hiring process is sounding rehearsed or stiff when interacting with a potential boss. The key to making the best impression on a future employer is highlighting your authentic self and showing you're relaxed and in control of the situation. A great way to practice your interviewing skills is to have friends or family members conduct mock interviews. The more comfortable you get answering questions, the more confident you'll appear when it's time for the real thing.
Now that you know what to avoid when interviewing for a role, visit our blog for several other resources on how to prepare to make a positive impression and secure the job. Remember, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Happy interviewing!