Worst of all, sometimes, you might not even realize you have gone awry. For instance, some job seekers may not realize that it isn’t acceptable to walk into an interview with a cup of coffee or a bottle of water—doing so is just a bit too casual for an interview setting. Some of the interview mistakes made most frequently should be obvious, but others aren’t as clear, especially if you haven’t interviewed much or in a while.
Top 50 Interview Mistakes
Here are the top 50 most common interview mistakes to review so you can avoid making them.
Avoiding Interview Mistakes
Here’s the good news: In most cases, avoiding these mistakes isn’t a huge challenge. Try these tips leading up to the interview to make sure that you have a mistake-free interaction:
Try to find out as much as you can about office culture before going into your interview. Dressing appropriately is imperative. Whatever you wear should be free from wrinkles and stains. Jeans, flip-flops, gum chewing, and sunglasses on top of your head are never appropriate—no matter how casual the office might be. Show up 10 minutes before the interview time. Don’t show up half an hour early. And, definitely, do not show up late. If you’re going to an unfamiliar destination, leave yourself enough time to get lost and park. You can always sit in your car or walk around the block if you’re too early to show up at the office. Bring multiple copies of your resume and make sure they are not folded up. Bring a bag large enough for a folder, if necessary. That way, you can place those copies of your resume in your bag. It’s also a good idea to bring a notebook and writing implement, so you can take notes during the interview. Be interesting. You are there to stand out, so don’t be afraid to say something interesting. (That said, keep the conversation focused on the job at hand, not politics or your personal life.) Research what the job entails. You need to be aware of what is expected in the position for which you are applying. Having information on the role and the company will help you give stronger answers. Know your interviewer’s name. It will make a good first impression. Don’t lie - it won’t take long for an employer to figure it out, and dishonesty is generally disqualifying. Never be cliche. Don’t tell the interviewer you are a people person, for example. This goes back to being interesting; you want to say something that the interviewer hasn’t heard countless times before. Come prepared with concrete examples of your professional or social successes. You’ll also want to come prepared with questions of your own. That way, when the interviewer asks for questions, you’ll be prepared.
Top Interview Tips
These top interview tips will help you cover everything you need to know to successfully ace a job interview. From checking out the company to sending an interview thank you note, these job interview tips cover all the basics needed for interviewing success.
