The job search is a complex process that includes a lot of steps, from writing a perfect CV and cover letter to convincing the HR or your future boss that you are the employee they have been looking for. Usually the final and most essential step in the job search is the interview, and this is where most applicants make some mistakes that cost them their jobs. Find out which mistakes are the most common and try your best to avoid them!
1. Criticizing past employers
In any job interview there will be a moment where you’ll be asked to talk about your previous positions and co-workers. The worst thing you can do here is focus solely on negative points. If you spend half an hour talking about the reasons you’ve left your last job and how it all was your boss’s fault, it will make you look like a vindictive person who can’t let go of the past, which is not the quality employers are looking for. The key here is to stay honest but respectful.
2. Showing off
If you feel really confident in your skills, or you are determined to get the job no matter off, the job interview may feel like an opportunity to showcase all of your talents. However, bragging about your skills and achievements can cause a different reaction from the interviewer: if you step over the line, the response will definitely be negative. Showing off is always a gamble, meaning it can either bring you the results you want, or it can crash your chances of getting the job.
3. Skipping the research
One of the most common advices HR managers give to people looking for a job is to research the company they’re interviewing for. It doesn’t matter if you talk to an HR specialist or the CEO of the company – if you know the company’s history, mission, and position in the market, it will give you a lot of extra points. Luckily, in this day and age finding everything you have to know about the employer is easier than ever and takes just a couple of minutes on Google.
4. Displaying bad manners
There are a couple of reasons why people resort to bad behaviour while interviewing. Some believe it gives them more confidence, while others hope the employer will find them edgy enough to hire them. In reality, cursing, telling bad jokes, and being generally disrespectful towards the interviewer is not likely to get you the job. It’s also considered to be rude to aim your answers towards the most important person in the room instead of the person who asked the question.
5. Not stating your value
Any job interview is a two way street. It’s an opportunity for the employee to see if he’ll be a good fit at the company, while the employer can get to know the candidate better and decide whether the candidate will be a good employee. This is why your interview answers should clearly state why you’ll be a great addition to the team. Point out your unique skills, outstanding experience, or easygoing character – to put it simply, give the employer more reasons to hire you.
6. Rehearsed answers
If you’ve been to enough job interviews, or have spent weeks researching the right ways to pass an interview, you probably know most of the general questions you’re going to be asked. While it’s a good idea to come to the job interview prepared, learning your answers by heart can ruin your performance. HR managers always know when the candidate replies with standard answers he saw on the internet, and it won’t help you build a good impression.
7. Looking rough
It’s true that different positions require different job interview attire. If you’re interviewing for a blue collar job, or a position that doesn’t include dealing with the customers, you can pay less attention to your look than candidates looking for a position in higher management or law. However, it’s crucial to look neat and put together. At the very least, it includes ironed, stain-free clothes, combed hair, minimal makeup, and shiny, freshly cleaned shoes.
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