If the job is the right one for you we want you to get it so please take a moment to read on so you can avoid interview pitfalls.
A recent survey of 150 decision makers, who were questioned as to why they did not employ a qualified applicant, resulted in the following answers:
1. Poor personal appearance: It is proper business etiquette to wear a suit to employ an image of professionalism. When it comes to the job interview, it’s all about the first impression. The company will hire the best person to represent the business. Not the trendiest.
2. Showed up unprepared: Most candidates will have several days to prepare for a job interview. This is adequate time to clean up your CV and references, and to research everything you can about the job and company for which you’re applying.
3. Lack of interest and enthusiasm: It is key to sell yourself to an interviewer, not to frustrate them with one syllable answers. Go into detail, but not excessively.
4. Excessive speech: Always give your interviewer time to talk. By constantly talking over them you will come across as a poor listener and disrespectful.
5. Sob story: No one cares about your personal debt. This can give interviewers the impression you’re negligent and irresponsible, that your problems are an immeasurable distraction.
6. Lie: It is stupid and irresponsible to lie about education, qualifications, past employment or a criminal record. All of these issues will be researched by the potential employer. Lying during a job interview can also be grounds for dismissal.
7. Humor: A job interview isn’t the time or place to be a comedian. You need to give an impression of professionalism and show you’re serious about the job.
8. Complaining about former employer: This is one of the biggest mistakes made during interviews. Why would they want to hire a malcontent?
9. Personal details: You shouldn’t disclose any unnecessary details, for example you won’t get hired if you tell your employer you enjoy excessive drinking and partying almost every evening and have recently got over a serious drug problem. Your personal life is nothing to do with your job.
10. Fidgeting and nervousness: Employers are looking for strong confident candidates, especially if the job entails meeting with clients or giving presentations.
11. Chewing gum: Projects an unprofessional image
12. Disrespectfulness: Even if you don’t agree with your interviewer, it’s best to hold your tongue. The company will not want to hire some one who speaks out of turn and is disrespectful to others.
13. One copy of CV: There may be several people interviewing you. So by bringing several spare copies of your CV and other pertinent information. Will show you are someone who is very prepared in life.
14. Play with mobile: You should not be taking calls checking text messages, the phone or pager should be turned off in an interview. Your interviewer should always have your complete attention.
15. Lateness: Arriving late for a job interview tells your potential bosses that you don’t make an effort. You as a rule should turn up fifteen minutes prior to meeting time. If you find yourself in an emergency such as being caught in a traffic accident or a family crisis always call ahead to inform the potential employer of your bad luck and recent delay.
16. Questions: The possible employer wants to be certain you’re interested in the job. You must show that you are interested in the job and inquire further, if you don’t ask questions it gives the impression you don’t care.
17. Getting too comfortable: Never put your feet up in an interview or your arms behind your head, a job interview isn’t the place to let your hair down and relax.
18. Using inappropriate language: Foul language is not appropriate in an interview let alone a place of business.
19. Hand shake: A potential employer is always looking for a firm handshake. Don’t overlook this important detail as it can say a lot about you.
20. Failure to send a thank you note: It’s polite and makes a good impression on the potential employer.
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