7 Top Interview Mistakes
Throughout my time as a recruiter and hiring manager, I participated in hundreds of interviews. And, boy, the stories I could tell you! Interviews are stressful and nerve-wracking, and stress and nerves can make you do some goofy things (I am a next-level fidgeter when I get nervous!). A good interviewer can see past the nerves, but there are avoidable mistakes that can ruin your chances at your dream job.
Mistake #1: Not Doing Your Research
I was always astonished when how many candidates did zero research on the company, the industry, and even the actual job. Before you walk through those doors or turn on your computer, make sure you can talk about the company’s values, vision, and mission, recent press or awards, competitors, and the job description.
But be careful here. Don’t memorize what you read off the company’s website. Tie what you’ve learned to yourself and your values to show your interviewer that you know what you want and how this job will align with that.
Mistake #2: Underselling Or Overselling Yourself
In the interview process, you are the product, and you need to sell your product to your customers (the interviewers). You are not going to be successful if you walk in there with a ho-hum attitude and are unwilling to share all of the amazing details of your work experience and education.
On the flip side, an interview can see right through the “I’m a gift from god attitude”. Share your accomplishments but don’t be egotistical or over-the-top. And never lie. This WILL come back and bite you.
Mistake #3: Being Too Negative
We all have complaints about our current and former employers, but an interview is not the place to air those grievances. Going negative in an interview is going to show two things – you’re desperate and just looking for any job and two, being disrespectful to an employer (including the one you are interviewing with).
If you are coming from a negative situation, write a list of all the positive things that you gained from the role so you can focus on those rather than the negative.
Mistake #4: Coming Off Entitled Or That The Job Is Just A Quick Steppingstone
I remember a time when I was interviewing for an entry-level position and this fresh-out-of-college kid came in. When I asked him about where he sees himself, he said that he would like to be in a management position in a month and in an executive-level position within six. I was shocked at that level of entitlement. Remember that there is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. Be sure to show humility whenever you can.
Good employers will know that this job is not your final destination, but they want to know that you are not wasting their time (and investment). It’s okay to express future goals but be careful not to make it seem that the one you are interviewing for is not a quick stop.
Mistake #5: Being Unclear Or Sketchy About Your Examples Or History
When I ask a candidate a question in an interview, I want to see confidence and self-awareness in their answer. If they don’t respond or respond with little to no detail, I’m going to do one of two things: question their authenticity (aka, they are lying to me) or I’m going to start filling in the blanks. And you do not want my wild imagination crafting your story.
If you need to take a moment to collect your thoughts, do it but whatever you do, don’t cop out on the answer.
Mistake #6: You Are Late For The Interview
Barring a catastrophic event, there should be ZERO reasons that you are late for an interview. Why? Because you should plan ahead. If you are doing an in-person interview, map out the directors, or better yet, take some time a day or two before to drive there. Give yourself plenty of time (I would arrive 15-20 minutes before and bring a book and sit in your car until it’s ready). Is it annoying? Yes. But will it help ensure you are on time to give a great first impression? Also yes. Just don’t go in until it is time. It can be perceived as disrespectful to show up too early for an interview.
The same goes for a Zoom interview. Make sure you can log on and test both your camera and microphone. Have everything ready long before your interview time to make sure you are ready.
If something does go wrong, be sure to call right away, be honest, and communicate about what is going on.
Mistake #7: You Don’t Dress The Part
You only get one first impression during an interview so don’t waste it on a bad outfit. I’m sure you know that you should always have a clean, ironed, appropriate outfit that is free of any holes, but in addition to that, I always advise you to check three things in your interview outfit:
Can you comfortably walk in it?
Can you sit in it without issues?
Does it fit?
In my career, I’ve seen it all. Girls stumbling over too high heels to men in jackets three sizes too big and every time, my opinion of their ability to be professional drops. Take this seriously to be sure that you are giving a positive impression.
There is a lot to prepare for and think about as you interview, but always take some time to prepare and be mindful of what impression you are giving off. Want some extra help prepping for your next interview, click here to schedule a time to chat about interview coaching.