Worst Interview Mistakes

Strong interview skills are critical in order to be considered for your dream job, so it’s essential to make a great first impression.  Here are the ten top interview mistakes to definitely avoid:-

1. Arriving late - This is number one for a reason, this is the worst first impression you can make. If you can't turn up on time for the interview, what on earth would you do as an employee?
2. Bad-mouthing your last boss - Never say anything negative about a person you have previously worked for. It’s unprofessional and calls relationship-building abilities into question.
3. Wearing the wrong clothes - Various studies claim that hiring decisions are determined within the first 3 seconds of the interview. So what you choose to wear matters! A suit is considered appropriate interview attire for almost all workplace environments, even if nobody wears a suit day-to-day. If you are unsure, contact your Recruitment Consultant who will advise you accordingly.
4. Being unprepared - whether it’s failing to research the company, or failing to explain your strengths and abilities that apply for the job, being prepared for the interviews is key.  It shows that you are interested in the company.
5. Body Language – Whether you’re yawning or slouching, your body language makes a big impact on how others perceive you. Check out this video on how to fix your body language  

6. Leaving your mobile phone on – Having your phone switched on and ringing in an interview is rude. Turn off your phone or make certain that it’s on silent.
7. Inquiring About Benefits/Pay - Don’t ask about salary and benefits unless the interviewer asks
8. Ask questions - People forget that an interview is a two-way process; you are technically interviewing the company to see if it’s the right fit for you.
9. Not knowing your own strengths and weaknesses - This is all down to being Check out this funny video on how to answer it correctly!

10. Bringing a drink with you - Ditch the coffee or bottled drink before you enter your interview. If you need to fuel up, do it before you get there.

Below are some other embarrassing interview mistakes to avoid:-

• Lighting up a cigarette, or smelling like a cigarette
• Lying about your skills/experience/knowledge
• Becoming angry or defensive
• Speaking rudely to the receptionist
• Letting your nervousness show
• Forgetting the name of the person you’re interviewing with
• Wearing a ton of perfume or aftershave
• Failing to demonstrate enthusiasm
• Being unable to explain how your strengths and abilities apply to the job in question
• Failing to make a strong case for why you are the best person for this job.
• Forgetting to bring a copy of your CV and/or portfolio
• Being unprepared to answer the standard questions
• Interrupting your interviewer
• Bringing along a friend, or your mother!
• Chewing gum, tobacco, your pen, your hair
• Laughing, giggling, whistling, humming, lip-smacking.
• Saying “you know,” “like,” “I guess,” and “um.”
• Name-dropping or bragging or sounding like a know-it-all
• Being falsely or exaggeratedly modest
• Failing to make eye contact (or making continuous eye contact).
• Being too familiar and jokey
• Sounding desperate
• Checking the time
• Oversharing