6 Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure to prep before your interview to avoid these interview mistakes
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You are at that stage in your job search where you're getting requests for interviews. Succeeding in the job interview will bring your one step closer to your goals. However, there are common and easily avoided mistakes that you as an interviewee should be aware of.

  1. Lack of Research

    Research is key to a successful interview. Doing research before the interview allows you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and organization. Finding out about the industry and the organization - what it does, its customers and competitors, company culture, etc. - will allow you to articulate how your skills, knowledge and values match those of the company. There is no such thing as too much research, it's better to impress your interviewer by asking intelligent and informed questions about the company and the job.

  2. Lack of Preparation

    Preparation is more than quick research or thinking about answers to possible interview questions while you're in the waiting room. Preparation for the interview will allow you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge better to your interviewer.

    Different ways to prepare for your interview:

    • Think through possible questions they may ask and work through how to answer them

    • Come up with a few insightful questions to ask about the role, company, culture, etc.

    • Know your CV inside out and highlight your most relevant skills and experience

    • Be prepared to answer questions on salary, don't wing it on the day of.

    Even the most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Winging it will not land you the job.

  3. Lack of Practice

    As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and this also applies to your ability to interview well. Mock interviews are a great way to help you perfect your interview technique. Rehearse your answers out loud, while looking at yourself in the mirror as you practice your answers to interview questions.

  4. Lateness

    Don't take the risk of being late for an interview. No matter how well you do in the interview itself, there will be some repercussions for arriving late. Often it's hard for people to recover from tardiness, leaving them stressed and completely frazzled.

  5. Rudeness

    No one tries to come across as rude, they don't realize how their actions can be perceived as such. Coming off as rude in an interview is one of the worst places to do so. It's important to make an effort to be polite to everyone you meet. If you're shy or nervous, you may not be aware that you're coming off as arrogant or rude.

  6. Wrong Image

    What should you wear to an interview? You want to make sure you market yourself, and as such you should present yourself with the best image possible. Find out what the dress code is before the interview. It's completely okay to ask the company what their dress code is, it shows respect for the company's culture. If in doubt, be cautious and dress conservatively. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Job interviews take research, practice and persistence. The more effort you put into preparing for your interview, the more successful it will be.

 

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