5 Critical Things to Avoid During Job Interview

Below are some common but dangerous interview blunders that we suggest you avoid in order to increase your chances of getting hired.

Going for an interview, it is very important that you make a good impression to put yourself in good stead for being selected as the right person for the job.

However, there are some factors such as nerves or just a lack of organisation can jeopadise you effort. Making any one of these can hurt your chances of getting the job or have the employer hire another candidate who didn’t make these common job interview mistakes.

1. Being Late

Always be on time for your interview. Make sure you have the right directions and allow plenty of travel time, considering traffic to get there. If you are late for an interview, your employer might see that you will probably be late showing up for work. Of course, there are some exceptional situations where you might be late and if one of those arises, make sure you call and let the interviewer know.

2. Looking Sloppy

Wrinkled or stained clothing will be noticed a mile away. No matter how nice the rest of your outfit is, if you have a stain on one part, it will ruin your entire look. Plus, it’s a dead giveaway for your lack of attention to detail. If you’ve ever hear the saying, “how you do anything is how you do everything,” it could hold more truth in this situation.

3. Not Being Prepared

Before you go into your interview, you should always go over some questions you think you could be asked. While you don’t want your answers to sound rehearsed, you definitely want to sound prepared. If you are asked a question and you don’t give an intelligent answer to it, the employers will most likely move on to the next candidate.

This includes your resume as well. If the interviewer asks you about a previous job you have listed on your resume and you can’t remember because it was so long ago, you will only make yourself look bad and unprepared. Brush up on everything that you have listed on your resume – it’s fair game for your interview.

4. Talking About Salary Too Soon

Don’t jump the gun regarding salary. Wait until the interviewer gets to know you a bit and or asks you about it before you start talking about it. If you only want the job because of the money, it will show and hurt your chances of getting the job. Most often there are several candidates who are competing for the same position you are. The company isn’t going to give the job to the person who is only in it for the money.

While it is completely reasonable to negotiate your salary, make sure you do it at the right time.

5. Appearing Desperate

Interviewers can pick up on this right away. It’s ok to be enthusiastic about wanting the job, but there are limits. Keep your emotions out of the interview and focus on the skills and experience you can bring to the table.