33% of employers decide within 90 seconds whether they want to hire you or not and this is simply due to the fact that 55% of their first impression is due to your appearance, how you talk, walk and act. Here are 25 of the most common mistakes that most interviewees make so you can avoid them and have the best chance possible of landing your dream job.
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1. Being late
This shows a severe lack of respect for the interviewer’s time and even your ability to meet deadlines. In the event it is unavoidable, call the interviewer and let them know.
2. Arriving too early
Aim to arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to the interview, but not earlier. This inconveniences the interviewer and disrupts their schedule.
3. Not smiling and a weak handshake
40% of interviewers dislike candidates that don’t smile and see this as a good reason not to hire them.
4. Not making eye contact
This decreases your chances by 67%. People who don’t make eye contact are seen as distrustful and shady.
5. Speaking in a low tone
that is difficult to hear, talking in erratic ways or even talking too much or too little. This lowers your chances of being hired by 40%
6. Wearing the wrong type of clothes
In 2019, not all workplaces require professional wear and if you show up at a company that dresses in casual clothes wearing a suit, you probably won’t get hired. Do your research to see what employees wear and dress accordingly. However, no matter what the attire, you should avoid:
- Flip flops
- Bright colors
- Loud prints
- Excessive jewelry
- Short pants/skirts
- Overly tight clothing
7. Playing with your hair
This decreases your chances of getting hired by 21% and it includes touching your face, crossing your arms or fidgeting excessively.
8. Not knowing anything about the company
47% of employers will hold it against you if you haven’t done your research and fail to show this knowledge in the interview.
9. Talking down
to the receptionist or complaining on the phone
Remember, the interview starts from the moment you arrive at the company. Your behavior in the reception area will count for or against you.
10. Not being prepared for small talk
Interviewers are humans and you should try to connect with them through relevant small talk to create a connection.
11. Using your smartphone
33% of millennials think it’s fine to text during an interview! This is unacceptable and you should put your phone on silent until the interview is over.
12. Fumbling for answers
to typical interview questions such as: Why do you want to work for us? What are your weaknesses?
13. Not being able to articulate
your own achievements from your CV.
14. Complaining
about or criticizing your past bosses or companies you’ve worked at. Focus on the positive outcomes of those previous positions.
15. Getting too comfortable in the interview
There is a fine line between being charismatic and friendly and joking around too much.
16. Talking too much
about why you lost or left your previous job. Aim to be be brief on negative topics.
17. Not setting yourself apart
— from other candidates. Explain why you’re the best person for the job.
18. Focusing more on what you want
from the company/job and not what you can do. Remember, in an interview you need to show you can provide value and not make a list of demands.
19. Lying on your resume or during the interview
55% of employers have caught potential candidates lying on their resume. As you can guess, these candidates don’t get hired.
20. Being a walking cliche
Don’t say you’re a perfectionist, work too hard or are a team player. Employers know when you’re just saying things that they want to hear. Be honest and real.
21. Not asking questions
At some point the interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. Be sure to prepare interesting and insightful questions beforehand that show you’re serious about the job.
22. Appearing as though you are disinterested
Many people think that being professional means being cool and calm, however, that’s not true and can drive employers nuts!
23. Not researching the interviewers
In addition to learning about the company and job role, you should also research your interviewers beforehand. You should find out if you share anything in common such as a hometown, school or interest that you can bring up in the interview.
24. Not following up after the interview
or even responding to calls and emails from the employer – 42% of job seekers don’t!
25. Following up too aggressively
Following up is important, but don’t send multiple emails or calls since this is not only awkward for the interviewer but makes you seem desperate.
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