Congratulations! You just scheduled an interview. You are one step closer to getting your dream job! But studies show that candidates get pretty nervous regarding interviews.
(So if that’s you, you’re not alone!)
Thankfully, you can do things to help you calm your nerves and ace your interview, but today, let’s talk about some things you should avoid.
1. Coming Unprepared
Coming unprepared is one of the worst things you can do. No two companies are alike, and each has different, specific needs to fill. To succinctly and accurately talk about your skills concerning their needs, you must do your research.
Study the company and the role. Practice answering potential questions from them and prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask them. Pull examples from your resume to answer questions.
Being prepared shows your interest, and you present a professional image.
2. Not Selling Yourself (Smartly)
The whole interview is a sales pitch. You’re trying to sell yourself to the company, and they’re trying to decide you’re a good fit for their team. So talking about yourself is a balance of being confident and not cocky or arrogant.
It’s essential to sell yourself effectively. Be very purposeful about the words you say. Use their keywords and lingo. Rather than telling them about yourself, show them through examples and stories.
Everything you say should be a quantifiable affirmation of a skill you possess and need for the job.
3. Bad-Mouthing Previous Employers
Just don’t do it. It’s not good taste, it’s unkind, and it’s unprofessional. Rather than tearing apart previous employers and co-workers, tactfully suggest (if asked) that the values of your last employment didn’t match up with your own. It shows a character that recognizes and stands by its values.
4. Not Paying Attention
Avoid zoning out during the interview, checking your phone constantly, or slumping in your seat. Body language speaks volumes about your attention level, so it’s important to be watching your posture, maintain eye contact, smile! (PS – leave your phone in the car)
5. Mentioning Salary
Avoid bringing up your salary and benefits— it might demonstrate that you might care only about the money. Let the interviewer bring them up instead or ask at the end of the interview. However, when it’s appropriate, be confident in answering questions about salary. Know your worth and avoid giving the impression it doesn’t matter.
6. Arriving Late – or Too Early
You know that showing up late is just a bad idea, but so is showing up too early. The interviewer might not be ready for you, and it could throw off their schedule. Plan on arriving on location 10-20 minutes before the interview time. It gives you enough time to park, get into the building and situate yourself.
7. Not Following Up
Always, always, always follow up after an interview. A thank you note or email is a great touch! It gives you one more chance to contact and let the hiring manager know you’re the best candidate for the job.
At Hamilton Connections, we’re all about helping you succeed. We care about job seekers and companies, focusing on placing the right talent with the right opportunity. In fact, that’s why we call ourselves placement professionals—looking for the next career step? Contact us today and we’ll get started!