Top 12 Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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Great news, you have been called in for a face-to face interview. The prospective employer is impressed by your résumé and thinks you can do the job, otherwise why call you in for the interview? So, be positive as you go into the interview, but don’t blow it by making any of the following 12 simple interview mistakes that are easily avoidable:

1. Not creating a good first impression. First impressions really do count, and as the saying goes: you only get one chance to create a first impression. So, get there on time (but not too early either). If for some unavoidable reason you feel that you are going to be late, phone the interviewer and explain to them why you might be late. Make sure your personal appearance is fine before you go into the interview; do not ‘dress-down’ and dress appropriately as an interview is not the place to make a fashion statement. Give a good firm handshake, make eye contact, smile and exude confidence.

2. Not being prepared. Research the firm interviewing you. This is easily done nowadays by looking at the firm’s website and printing the appropriate information to read and re-read prior to the interview. Your research will pay dividends during the interview as it shows you are motivated and interested in the firm and the position. Also, another major part of being prepared is to know your own résumé and being prepared to answer questions on anything included in it. Good preparation will also reduce your interview nerves.

3. Don’t give negative signals. If after a few minutes into the interview you decide this firm and/or job is not for you, don’t start sending out negative signals. Stay positive, maintain positive body language and do not lose focus. Things may turn around later on in the interview! Your objective in any interview is to get to the next stage in the process, which will hopefully result in an offer and then you can decide if this job is for you.

4. Not asking questions. An interview is a two-way process and the interviewer wants to see that you can hold a conversation and that you can ask intelligent questions. Prepare some questions to ask before the interview.

5. Not being enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is the key to having a great interview. Be enthusiastic about the work you do, the opportunity you are being interviewed for and the firm you are looking to join. Also, show them you want the job.

6. Not listening. Don’t interrupt the interviewer. Wait until they get to the end of their question and then answer it. Good listening skills will enable you to answer the question actually asked and not the one you think has been asked.

7. Never lie. It doesn’t work and they will catch you out.

8. Don’t be modest. An interview is not the place for humility. When the opportunity arises, talk of your successes and achievements.

9. Don’t waffle. Answer questions directly and any one of your answers should not be more than 3 to 4 minutes long. If you find yourself talking for longer than 4 minutes, then stop. If the interviewer wants more information they will ask for it. Especially on technical questions, you either know the answer or you don’t. If you don’t know or are not sure, say so. Waffling is a sure way to be caught out and it also highlights a character weakness.

10. Don’t criticise your current or past employer or managers. Just don’t do it as it makes you look bad. Have positive reasons ready for wanting the job you are being interviewed for.

11. Don’t bring up the question of money. Only discuss money (your current remuneration package) at the first interview if the interviewer brings up the topic. On the question of what package are you looking for, in my experience the best answer is that you’re looking for the right opportunity, because if it is then the money will take care of itself.

12. Not leaving a good last impression. Just as important as a good first impression is a good last impression. You get to the end of the interview and at last, you can relax, and as the interviewer walks you to the lift you start talking about the nightmare journey you had to come to the interview. Oops. You can destroy a great interview by saying the wrong thing as you are leaving. So, when you get to the end of the interview, thank them for interviewing you and say you look forward to hearing from them. Don’t initiate any small talk as you are leaving as you may slip up.

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Top 12 Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them