Are you trying to change your employment status? Get hired? Advance your career? Change jobs? Keep reading…
Here’s How To Avoid Them
Statistics by Glassdoor revealed that on average, each corporate job offer attracted 250 resumes. Of those candidates, 4 to 6 were called for an interview, and only 1 got the job. These statistics prove how important an interview is in determining if you’ll get employment. As a matter of fact, most employers can know whether they will hire you within the first 9 seconds of the interview. This is because employers look out for common mistakes that job seekers make before making their decision.
Arriving late
When it comes to landing a job, first impressions really matter. Running late not only shows poor time management skills, but shows lack of enough interest for the job position. It may also disrupt the employer’s planning since the lateness messes the interviewing schedule. To avoid such inconveniences, it is important to arrive on time. This can be done by leaving early for the interview so that you can arrive 10 to 20 minutes early.
Not researching about the company
Many job seekers don’t take time to do enough research on the company hosting the interview. Don’t let your potential employer surprise you with a question relating to the companies activities and it happens that you hadn’t done any research. To avoid such a situation, you can start by going through the company’s about page in the official website. Google searches and social media can also provide you with recent news about the organization; the latest merger, for example is a good talking point.
Inappropriate dressing and appearance
Looking elegant creates the impression that you care about about the interview and want to put your best foot forward. However, some job seekers show up to interviews looking wrinkled and wearing mismatched clothes. No employer will give a position to someone who can’t take care of themselves, so it is important to look well dressed, no matter the type of job.
Related: Interview Clothes for Men, Dress for Success? Yes!
Related: Women’s Interview Clothes – Skirts, Slacks, Suits . . . Jeans?
If you’re a smoker, do not smoke at all for several hours before an interview. Also, brushing your teeth works better than mints while cleaning your hands with soap and nail brush helps to remove the cigarette smell. If you get the job and you realize smoking is not allowed, you can utilize quitting programs that help you to realize a range of health benefits.
Not having any questions
Most interviewers leave time at the end to allow you to ask questions. This is also a test. Not having any or asking run-of-the-mill questions will not boost your chances, if anything it will show that you haven’t done any research or you simply don’t care. For example, if a position is new, you can ask why they created it. You can also establish a personal connection with the interviewer by asking questions relating to their work at the company.
Related: Candidate Questions to ask the Interviewer (and impress the heck out of them)
Related: 5 Interview Questions Women Should Ask HR
Not carrying a resume
You should always have several copies of your resume with you whenever you go for an interview. This is crucial since you may have interviews with several managers and not all of them may have a copy. Not only is it convenient, it shows that are you are organized and prepared. Also, a good resume creates a good impression in front of an employer. If you aren’t sure whether your resume is good, you can utilize professional writing services that can review and edit it for you.
An interview can be the only stumbling block between you and the dream job you have always wanted. So it is important to prepare in order to avoid mistakes. Remember, always strive to create a good impression.
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Guest Blogger: Lucy Wyndham is a professional freelance writer, editor, and 
mother of two, who decided to take a step back and work from home after spending a decade working in the finance and health industries. You can reach out to Lucy at lucywyndham.writer@gmail.com
Useful post, It’s best to learn from other’s mistakes than to feel the urge to commit one by oneself & then think of learning. I think we’ve all made some of these mistakes to some degree or another. I’m glad you’ve pointed out these mistakes here.