7 THINGS TO NEVER DO IN A JOB INTERVIEW

Getting a job interview is really exciting. Interviews are such an important part of the job search process. This means that being fully prepared for the interview is crucial. 

You need to know what to do and, equally, what not to do when interviewing for your dream job. So, here are some things you should always avoid. 

1. Not researching the company 

Preparation is essential before a job interview. One part of this is having a basic understanding of the company, including what they do, their values, and their history. 

But, even though this is something that’s simple to do, it’s something a lot of applicants forget to do. The result? They show up to the interview looking very unprepared. 

When you don’t take the time to learn a bit about the company, this can be a huge turn-off for the interviewer and it makes you look like you’re not that interested in the job. 

To avoid this, make sure you read the “About” page on the company website and browse through some of the other sections if you can. This will help you understand the company’s main goals and how your skills are a good fit. 

2. Showing up late 

One of the biggest annoyances for interviewers is candidates that show up late. Being late for your interview or canceling at the last minute are both huge mistakes. 

You should always make sure you allow plenty of time to get to your destination, especially if you don’t know where it is or how long it will take to travel. 

Make sure you show up ten minutes early for the interview. That way, you’re early enough to show your interest, but not so early that you’ll be sitting in the waiting room too long. 

3. Being negative about your current employer 

Trashing your current (or previous) employer might be tempting. However, this is something you should always avoid as it’s unprofessional and makes you look like a negative person. 

Even if you think your complaints are reasonable and legitimate, chances are, the person interviewing you won’t see it like that. 

Make sure you avoid venting about former bosses and coworkers, a lack of job satisfaction, the company, or any other problems you have about your job search.  

4. Leaving your phone on loud 

Another big mistake you can make in a job interview is forgetting to switch your phone off (or at least putting it on silent mode). 

Ideally, you should turn your phone off before any interview so you can fully focus without distractions. Being constantly interrupted by a cell phone doesn’t give a great impression. 

Make sure your phone is off or on silent so you can avoid this problem. And, if you do forget to do this, never answer or check your phone. Instead, you can correct your mistake by apologizing to the interviewer and switching it off straight away. 

5. Interrupting the interviewer 

Being enthusiastic and passionate is a fantastic way to show how much you want the job. But, taking it too far and interrupting the interviewer can come across as rude. 

Even if you’re super-excited to show off your accomplishments and ideas, you should also treat it as a conversation and pay close attention to what the other person is saying. 

No matter how nervous you get, make sure you remain polite and let the conversation flow naturally. Listen to the question carefully, then take a moment to process the information. Then, you can form a meaningful, thoughtful response to their question. 

You can also wait until the end to ask your own questions, share any ideas, or revisit points to show why you’re the perfect candidate. 

6. Not bringing a copy of your resume 

Although many interviewers will have a copy of your resume handy, you should never assume they will – even though you may have sent it loads of times. 

As part of your interview preparations, you should take a printed copy of your resume so you can have it to hand when you arrive. 

If the interviewer doesn’t have a copy, rather than having to search through hundreds of resumes, make sure you have several copies packed in a folder the night before to give them. 

You can also go the extra mile by making sure you have a spare pen, list of references, and any other information that’s relevant to the job. 

7. Talking about money or benefits

The first interview is usually too early to start talking about salary or benefits. Although there might be some exceptions – like if the interviewer brings up the topic first – it’s best to avoid this subject until a bit later on. 

The initial discussion should be focused more on whether you’re a good fit for the role. You need to show that you’re interested in the job itself. You can start negotiating later. 

 

Interviews give you the chance to meet people from the company and find out if the job is a good fit. It’s also a great opportunity to show off your skills and experience. 

Making a good first impression is vital. By following these tips, you can avoid some of the biggest mistakes people make when interviewing for a job.