5 Common Interview Mistakes To Avoid
Posted on: 21 July 2016
A job interview can make or break your chances of landing the position you want. It is the one chance you have to impress the employer and show them that you are the right person for the job. If you properly prepare yourself for the interview, you can avoid saying or doing the wrong thing. Here are five common interview mistakes you should avoid:
Not Researching the Company Beforehand
Never go to a job interview without knowing at least the basics about the company, such as its mission statement or when it was founded. If you do not know much about the company you are applying to, the employer may think you are not passionate enough about the position.
Badmouthing Your Former Employer
Do not ever express your distaste about your previous boss during a job interview. Speaking poorly about your former employer will make you look unprofessional. When the interviewer asks you about your previous job, just stick to the basics, like what responsibilities you had and what you learned from the position.
Turning a Weakness Into a Positive
During your job interview, the employer will likely ask you what your greatest weakness is. Do not attempt to turn a weakness into a positive. Telling the interviewer that you are a perfectionist or work too hard will not impress them. Instead, talk about a skill you want to improve and what you are doing to achieve that goal.
Looking at Your Smart Phone in the Lobby
Checking your social media sites on your smart phone in the waiting area might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually make you seem uninterested. While you are waiting for the interviewer in the lobby, chat with the receptionist and look over your resume.
Not Asking Any Questions
The interviewer is not the only one who should be asking questions. At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer a few questions about the company, such as what the training process involves and what the growth opportunities are like. Asking questions shows the interviewer that you are truly interested in the position and want to find out as much as possible about the company.
Do not let yourself get too stressed about a job interview. Remind yourself that you have the skills and experience to succeed in the position and walk into the interview with confidence and a smile on your face. Work with an employment staffing service if you want additional help preparing.
Share