Getting to an interview stage in a job application process is something to be happy about. Out of thousands of applicants who applied for that job role, you have been invited to an interview with the recruitment team or an HR manager. Bravo. You’ve aced the online test. You scaled through the computer based test. You also did well at the assessment centre.
And here you are, on the interview table. Just a step away from getting your dream job and then you finally get the employment later. Maybe you did not get it either or you were told the regular sentence ‘we would get back to you’. And they never did.
What could have gone wrong? Here are 22 things you probably did and should never do in a job interview.
1.Going Late to the Job Interview
Top among the list of 22 things you should never do in a job interview is going late. There’s nothing that makes you look disorganized like coming late for the interview. Be sure to arrive early so you can settle down. Coming early makes you put yourself together mentally and psychologically for the interview.
2.Poor eye contact with interviewer/panel
Be firm and look the interview in the eye. Avoiding eye contact with the interview means you do not have self-confidence. It means you also have low self-esteem.
3.Poor personal appearance and outlook:
This is something you don’t want to play with. A personal appearance speaks a lot about you. And a poor personal appearance could cause you to not to get the job. You should look responsible, paying proper attention to your face, your hair and all of those. It shouldn’t be bushy. You should be properly dressed. Most interviews or companies state general dress codes for their interviews. Follow their standard.
4.No show of interest
You should be excited and put up a bright face during the interview. This goes to tell a lot about your mood. It is very important to show interest and enthusiasm. Be full of life. Let it flow from you to the panel. Do not frown. Smile. Laugh. Be open all the time.
5.Too much emphasis on Monetary aspects of the job
One thing interviews do not like is over emphasis on money. It paints you in a bad light. When you focus on the money, it tells the employer that you are after the money; after the salary. When it comes to monetary or salary issues, understand the terms and raise concerns appropriately. And do find a common ground.
6. Criticism of previous company
Criticizing past employer sends a bad signal about you. It means you will criticize the current company when you leave. Its bad manners. Do not spread negative or bad news. Always say positive things about your previous employers. Focus on the positives.
7. Not showing appreciation to the interviewers
It is very important to say thank you and express gratitude for the interviewer’s time. Courtesy demands this.
8. When you do not ask questions about the job
You should do your homework before coming to the interview table. Research about the company. Jot down questions from your research and ask them courtesy during the interview. It shows that you are keenly interested in the good of the company. Ask sensible questions about the future, growth and prospect of the company. Something that will contribute positively to the firm.
9. Unwillingness to relocate
Sometimes, a job may require you to relocate from one place to another. It will demand you to move to a new location or area. This is part of the job. Being unwilling to relocate could mean you’re not interested in the job.
10. Indefinite answers to question
When interviewers ask you questions, they expect you to be detailed or direct. They expect you to be open and give direct answers to questions.
11. Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar
You need to be articulate. To express yourself clearly in a way that the interviewer will understand. When the interviewer finds it hard to hear you or you are unable to express yourself clearly, you stand a chance of being disqualified. Poor grammar is also another area you should be careful. Clarify little errors that could cause you the job.
12. Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals
Out of the 22 things you should never do in a job interview, this stands out. During the interview, it is very vital to let the interview know that you have a goal. Let the interviewer know that you have a sense of purpose, a goal and something you’re aiming at in your career. Show that you have a well thought out plan for your career.
13. Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease
During the interview, you should be self-confident. You should be confident in yourself. Developing a good self-esteem is vital to building your confidence level.
14. Failure to participate in activities
During the interview, you may be required to participate in various activities. Probably alone or with others in a team. Failure to participate in those assessment day activities will mean that you are not fit for the job.
15. Expects too much too soon
During the interview, do not expect too much. Do not show the employer that you are anxious or overzealous about the role. It is advisable to lower your expectations rather than setting them high. Whey they are high, the company may disappoint you.
16. Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors on record
Giving excuses for failure or wrong doing is not the right thing to do during an interview. Do not try to evade responsibility. Rather take responsibility for your actions. Take responsibility for the things you have done and own up to them.
17. Lack of tact
You have to tactful. You have to display self-control and conduct yourself in a manner that is acceptable. Do not be carried away. Let your focus and your attention be on the interview table. Be sensitive to be able to decode what mood best suits the situation.
18. Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered
This is another point where you need to take caution. It is very important to be well mannered and courteous. In terms of how you carry yourself, your sitting posture, gesticulation, facial expression and your outlook
19. Lack of maturity
It is expected that you put up a matured behavior during the interview. Childish behaviours such as licking your hands or some other funny behavious could be detrimental to your success at the interview.
20. Sloppy application form
During the interview, employers always refer to your application or documents submitted during application. If there’s an error, it means you were not careful with your application. You could be disqualified
21. No interest in company or industry
During the interview, be enthusiastic and show interest in the company. Lack of interest in the company can paint you in a bad light. It sends a signal to the employer that you are not really interested in the company due to lack of interest.
22. Intolerant, strong prejudices
At the interview, it is vital to be flexible. Do not be intolerant or stick to prejudices that you have been accustomed to for a long time. Be open to change. At the interview, you will meet people who have a different opinion about life as you.
