Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re your ticket to landing that dream job.
Too many candidates shoot themselves in the foot before they even get a chance to shine.
Making a positive first impression is crucial, and sadly, you cannot control the interviewer’s mood, questions, or biases.
“All business is show business.” Imagine yourself on a stage, smile, and show positive energy and enthusiasm.
Just like studying for an exam, succeeding in an interview requires research and preparation about the company, role, and possible questions you may get.
In both exams and job interviews, you are faced with unexpected questions that will test your knowledge, problem-solving, or adaptability.
- You must stay composed and think clearly under high-pressure situations.
- There’s a limited window to demonstrate your skills and knowledge, making every response or answer crucial.
- Just like waiting for exam results, you often don’t immediately know how you did in an interview.
- Doing well in an exam affects your academic progress, while acing an interview can shape your career path.
Let’s cut through the fluff and get real about the top blunders that could cost you that career move position.
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Showing Up Late
Nothing screams “I don’t care” louder than being tardy.
It’s a rookie mistake that can sink your chances before you even open your mouth.
Blaming the morning rush traffic on your way to the interview will not sit well. I mean, we all know how bad the traffic can be any morning in the big cities.
Or that it was raining heavily and you caught – during the rainy season. Hellooo…
Plan ahead, scout the location, and aim to arrive 15 minutes early. No excuses!
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Dressing Like You Don’t Want the Job
Dress the part—business-like and professional, no matter how relaxed the company is.
It’s all about the first impression.
Walk into the meeting with confidence, look into the eyes, and offer a firm handshake.
Learn how to shake a person’s hand. There is nothing more off-putting than a limp shake. Having a firm, polite handshake is a basic human skill in business.
Keeping eye contact with the interviewer is very important. Lean slightly forward in the chair to exude confidence.
Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.
With easy access to social media, there are likely loads of photos from the client’s office of the team. That will give you a hint about the dress code, so there is no excuse.
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Not Doing Your Homework
Walking into an interview without researching the company is like going to a gunfight with a butter knife.
Research the company and be prepared with a good level of knowledge. You should know enough to show our client that you respect the opportunity, and you respect their time.
- A good starting point is to look up their website and find out about the products and services they offer and the location of the office.
Even better, look up the company and the people you are meeting on Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media.
On the day of your interview, before leaving for the meeting, tap on the company’s website one last time to see if there is any company-breaking news you might be able to reference relevantly.
This will make you stand out from other candidates.
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Badmouthing Previous Employers
Trash-talking your old boss?
That’s a one-way ticket to the rejection pile.
No matter how awful your last job was, keep it professional.
Focus on what you learned and how you grew.
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Failing to Ask Questions
Managers generally like candidates who are more assertive and those who ask good questions.
As a headhunter, I often see that the quality of the candidate’s questions can be more revealing than the candidate’s answers to the interviewer’s questions.
When the interview asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” saying “No” is basically admitting you’re not interested.
Come prepared with thoughtful queries about the role, company culture, and growth opportunities.
Bring the questions in writing and place the paper with your resume on the table. You want the interview to see how prepared you are.
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Lying or Exaggerating
Bluffing or stretching the truth about your skills or experience is a ticking time bomb.
Eventually, the truth will come out, and you’ll be shown the door. We call it: You are fired!
Be honest about what you can do and what you’re still learning.
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Focusing Too Much on Money
Yes, salary matters, but leading with “How much does this pay?” is a major turn-off.
Wait for the interviewer to bring up compensation.
Focus on showcasing your value first.
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Oversharing Personal Information
Your interviewer doesn’t need to know about your messy divorce or your cat’s dietary habits.
Keep it professional and relevant to the job you are interviewing for.
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Being Too Desperate
Begging for the job or saying you’ll “take anything” reeks of desperation.
Employers want confident candidates who know their worth.
Sell yourself, but don’t humiliate yourself.
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Forgetting to Follow Up
Not sending a thank-you note after the interview?
Big mistake.
It’s a simple gesture that shows you’re eager and appreciative.
Make it personal and reference specific points from your conversation.
The Conclusion
Avoiding these mistakes won’t guarantee you’ll get the job, but it will definitely improve your chances.
Remember, confidence is key.
Walk in there like you’re the solution to their problems, and you just might be.
