10 common interview mistakes to avoid
In the hiring process once you make it as far as the interview, it is clear that you’ve impressed the hiring manager. That’s the good news. The bad news is that you’re one of the several individuals that have displayed the qualifications, skills, and experience to warrant a second look. It is a nerve-wracking occasion and you should be prepared to present the best version of yourself so you don’t make a mistake during the interview that can cost you the job.
Even seasoned professionals in Trinidad and Tobago fluff their lines from time to time. These interview mistakes tend to cost a person the chance to get to the next round but on the plus side, these errors are well known so keep reading to discover the 10 things you must never do in an interview.
1. Disinterested
According to 55 percent of managers, looking disinterested during the interview is a surefire way to get eliminated from the process. Employers want dynamic additions to their team so why on earth would they choose someone who can’t even feign interest during the interview?
2. Dress unprofessionally
There is an interview dress code, and it doesn’t involve wearing clothes that are excessively loose or tight-fitting; an interview is NOT the place to show off the hard work you do in the gym! Another common mistake is to wear clothing with brands or logos clearly on display.
Remember, hiring managers will evaluate your appearance to see how you will appear to customers and they also want to see signs you will fit in with company culture. When it comes to the interview, always dress like a business professional we previously gave a list of what not to wear to an interview. you should look at it to ensure you don’t make this critical mistake.
3. Complain about previous employers or colleagues
In fact, any negativity is a ‘no-no.’ Hiring managers almost immediately dismiss candidates that complain about previous companies or co-workers. It makes perfect sense; why would they want to hire someone intent on blaming others for things that happened in their career?
First of all, how do they know you won’t whine about them if and when you leave the company? Secondly, complaining about former employers is a sure sign that you lack the maturity to let go of grudges that are hindering your professional growth. If you had a negative experience at another organization in Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica for example, you can talk about differences in work culture or personalities and emphasize that the existing company is a much better fit.
4. Leaving your mobile phone on!
If you want to make a mess of an interview, leave your mobile phone on throughout! Imagine the scenario; you are breezing through the process and wowing the hiring manager. Then, all of a sudden, your other half calls to remind you to pick up milk on the way home. In one moment, you have gone from being the prime candidate to having practically no chance of landing the role!
While some people leave their phones on silent, they still can’t resist the urge to sneakily check messages during the interview which is extremely rude. The best option is to switch your phone off and give the interviewer your full attention.
5. Display overconfidence
There is a fine line between self-assurance and downright arrogance and too many interviewees cross it. By all means, speak about your accomplishments with an air of confidence but always outline how your abilities will help the organization. For example, you led the field in sales, and this helped your company enjoy a record profit that year. Hiring managers like confident candidates; they loathe show-offs!
6. Tell lies
Unfortunately, a surprising number of candidates believe it is acceptable to tell a few ‘small’ lies during an interview. Although it seems harmless enough, the consequences can be severe, and the payoff is seldom worth the risk. The most likely scenario is that you make a mistake when asking to elaborate on your story and body language cues often give the game away.
Be honest about your experience and skills or risk the embarrassment of exposure. For example, why would you claim to be an expert in Java when your lack of knowledge will be revealed on the very first day?
7. Fail to listen
We get it; the interview is your chance to shine, and you want to display your undoubted ability. Hiring managers love enthusiasm but they don’t like it when candidates interrupt them mid-sentence. The right thing to do is sit patiently, listen to the questions during the interview. If you want to step up the game then you can prepare yourself to have an answer to the most asked questions and wait for your turn to speak. If you fail to listen, you’re likely to answer the question incorrectly, and that spells disaster for your chances.
8. Focus on money
Hiring managers aren’t daft; they know that you need a job for money to pay the bills and fund your lifestyle. However, you must showcase your abilities in a way that makes the interviewer believe you want the job because it is something you would enjoy and excel in. Avoid all mentions of money unless you’re asked about salary expectations.
Hopefully, you have researched the kind of salary someone with your experience and skills could reasonably hope to command. While companies aren’t usually afraid to offer a generous salary and benefits package, you have to be reasonable with your demands.
9. Not doing your research about the role and company
‘Do your research’ is one of the top interview tips for a very good reason; it works! Before the interview, you have to perform due diligence on the job opening and the organization. If you don’t know the basic responsibilities of the role, how can the hiring manager trust you to do a good job? Likewise, if you know little about the organization, how can you prove you fit into the company culture?
10. Not asking questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll get the chance to ask a few questions. If you don’t take this opportunity or ask generic questions, it is a sign that you didn’t do any research and therefore aren’t serious about the job. Ask about the role’s specific duties and the organization’s style of management for starters.
BOOST YOUR CHANCES OF BEING HIRED!
Avoid making these interview mistakes and significantly boost your chances of getting the vacancy in Trinidad. We have left out a few obvious ones; mainly because we hope you have enough common sense to realize that being late kills your chances before the interview even begins!
