Interviews can be scary and intimidating, especially when you aren’t prepared for them. But they don’t have to be. By catching up on common amateur mistakes people make during interviews, you can work on avoiding them at all costs and landing the job.
Here are a few things to be aware of.
Going in Blind
One of the worst mistakes you can make during an interview is going in blind. Without doing any research about the company, you’re setting yourself up to fail. Not only will this make you appear as though you don’t really know what you’re talking about, but it shows that you are too lazy to conduct a fifteen-minute deep dive into the company’s website. If you’re applying for a job at a medical center like RCMC and you still need to ask questions like, “are there HCG shots near me?” or you want a job at a company that promotes beauty products but don’t know a thing about them, you might want to do a good amount of research beforehand.
You don’t need to know every detail about a company, but you should be prepared to tell the interviewer a little bit about their company if they ask.
Not Watching the Clock
Unless you’ve just gotten into a car accident or a family emergency has popped up, there’s not really a good excuse for showing up late to an interview. Doing so will reflect poorly upon yourself as a professional, plus it tells the interviewer that if you can’t even show up to the interview on time, there’s a good chance you won’t make it to work on time either.
Be respectful of the interviewer’s time and watch the clock so that you make it there on time.
Talking Ill of Your Previous Employer
You might think that peaking ill of your previous employer will make it seem like you’re excited to get a job where you are respected, but doing so can actually have a negative effect on your chances of landing the job. Not many employers want to hire someone that is willing to throw their last employer under the bus, even if they were terrible, as they might think you would do the same to them one day should they hire you.
Instead, be direct, yet voice your opinion, in a way that is respectful and clear. Throw your last employer a bone before speaking of the reason you left, and frame it in a way that makes it apparent that the job just wasn’t for you.
Not Anticipating Questions
You’ll be able to answer questions better if you can anticipate what will be asked. Look up popular interview questions and practice answering them. If conducting a mock interview with someone would help, by all means, do so. But not being prepared for questions isn’t the only thing to think about; you also need to have your own question ready to ask at the end of the interview.
Inappropriate Attire
You can’t go wrong with a nice suit and tie, but it really depends on the profession you are applying for. What’s the vibe of the company like? Is it laid back and relaxed, classically professional, or somewhere in between? Wear something that reflects the job you’re applying for, and if you’re in doubt, it’s always better to come overdressed than under.
You’ve Got This!
As long as you do your research, practice with a mock interview, and show up on time, you’ll put yourself in a prime position for getting the job of your dreams.