There are many points to remember when going into a job interview, including what not to say or do. It only takes a split second to make a bad impression with an interviewer, so it is vital you know what to avoid before the big day.
- Turning up late or insulting your prospective boss are two obvious no-noes when going for a job interview, but there are many other pitfalls to be avoided to give yourself the best chance of that dream job.There are many points to remember when going into a job interview, including what not to say or do.
- Recruitment experts say the most important thing to avoid is negativity. No-one wants to hear you complaining about your current boss, or moaning about your spouse. Interviewers like to see someone who enjoys a challenge and exudes positivity.
- One of the most vital things to remember is to listen twice as much as you speak. "Someone was once asked to give an overview of their career and how they had got where they are today," she says. "The interviewee completely misunderstood and started going on about his train journey."
- Another human resources manager for a large Co., says it is important to guard against being a know-it-all. I like it when someone says they don’t know something or don’t have experience of a particular thing but then come up with ways they would like to learn about them.
Here are some of the most important things to avoid when going on an interview:
1. Lying
Although it's tempting, just don't do it. It's fine to gloss over things you don't want to talk about and concentrate on what you do, but outright lies will always be discovered later.
2. Criticising your current boss or company
Bear in mind that your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to work with you, so the last thing he or she wants to hear is you talking about your current colleagues behind their back. It makes you look bad.
3. Being rude
Remember to leave a good impression with whoever you meet, from the doorman to the chief executive. If you are accidentally rude apologise immediately and move on.
4. Complaining and making excuses
You may have had a nightmare train or car journey to get to your meeting, but your interviewer does not want to know the details and will quickly switch off if you go on about it.
5. Being unprepared
Re-read your CV and the job advert just before the interview. Having this information fresh in your mind will make it easier for you to review your qualities for the job. It's fine to take a pen and paper with you as long as it doesn't make you look untidy, and feel free to read from a list of questions you want to ask.
6. Appearing too nervous
If you are jittery the interviewer may think you haven't got enough confidence to do the job. If interviews are a real issue, consider getting professional help to handle your nerves.
7. Making a weak first impression
First impressions are vital because, however hard an interviewer tries, it is difficult to change them and he or she is then more likely to be dissatisfied with your answers.
8. Failing to research the company
As a general rule, the more famous the brand the more they will expect you to know. Researching the company shows you are serious about the job.
9. Being too confident
This can be irritating and make the interviewer think you won't fit into the team.
10. Joking
Avoid cracking jokes and being too familiar, you're not in the pub after all. You have no way of knowing whether your interviewer shares your sense of humour and your behaviour could be seen as inappropriate.
