- 1. Poor non-verbal communication – lack of eye contact
- 2. Not dressing for the job or company – "over casual"
- 3. Not listening – only worrying about what you are going to say
- 4. Talking too much – telling it all – even if it's not relevant
- 5. Being over-familiar – your new best friend is NOT the interviewer
- 6. Using inappropriate language – you "guys" know what I mean
- 7. Acting cocky – being overconfident – "king of the hill"
- 8. Not answering the question asked – "jumping in without thinking"
- 9. Not asking questions – a missed opportunity you will live to regret
- 10. Appearing desperate – "Please, please hire me!"
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Last Updated on July 9, 2023
Leaving an interview with uncertainty is common, but you can overcome it by avoiding interview blunders. Start by understanding common pitfalls, then diligently prepare and practice to ensure success. Discover 10 crucial interview pitfalls to watch out for and equip yourself for a flawless performance.
Ace your next interview. Read on for some of the best job interview books that will help you ace your next interview.
1. Poor non-verbal communication – lack of eye contact
Projecting confidence is crucial during an interview. Ensure you stand tall with proper posture, maintain steady eye contact, refrain from slouching or fidgeting, and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. The impression you make in those initial moments can determine whether your interview starts on a positive note or ends abruptly. Mastering these confident gestures sets the stage for a promising interview experience, leaving a lasting impression on the interviewer.
I'm sure you've left an interview, wondering what you may have messed up. How do you avoid interview blunders? First, you become aware of what some of the pitfalls of interviewing are and then you prepare and practice so that it won't happen to you.Click To Tweet2. Not dressing for the job or company – “over casual”
In today’s workplace with casual dress codes, it’s crucial not to adopt the same attire for an interview. Prioritize a professional and well-groomed appearance. The level of formality, whether a suit or something less formal, depends on the company culture and the position you’re applying for. Take the initiative to contact the company and inquire about their dress code beforehand to ensure you make a polished and appropriate impression during the interview. Your attire can speak volumes about your professionalism and suitability for the role.
3. Not listening – only worrying about what you are going to say
From the very outset of an interview, your interviewer is continually offering you critical information, whether explicitly stated or subtly implied. If you are not actively engaged in listening to the interviewer, you risk squandering a significant opportunity. Effective communication isn’t merely about speaking, but also about listening attentively and confirming your comprehension of the information communicated.
Observing the interviewer closely allows you to understand their communication style and pace. By adapting to this, you establish a connection, fostering more productive and harmonious discussions. This approach isn’t just about imitating your interviewer, but about creating a rapport and demonstrating your adaptability, which is a highly sought-after skill in any professional environment.
4. Talking too much – telling it all – even if it’s not relevant
Sharing excessive information with the interviewer can prove to be a detrimental error. Without proper preparation, there’s a tendency to digress during the interview, which may result in jeopardizing your chances for the position. Therefore, it’s crucial to dedicate time beforehand to thoroughly prepare for the interview.
Start by closely studying the job description. By doing so, you can align your skills and experiences with the specific demands of the role. In the interview, focus on relaying only the information that directly demonstrates how your capabilities match the requirements of the position. This approach ensures that you present a concise, relevant narrative, showing the interviewer exactly why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
5. Being over-familiar – your new best friend is NOT the interviewer
An interview is essentially a professional encounter, designed to discuss matters of business, not a social event aimed at forging new friendships. Your level of familiarity should be calibrated to match the demeanor of the interviewer. While it’s crucial to approach the interview with a lively spirit and enthusiasm and to pose pertinent questions, it’s equally important to maintain the appropriate boundaries as a job candidate. This balance allows you to demonstrate your interest and engagement without overstepping the professional parameters of the interview context.
6. Using inappropriate language – you “guys” know what I mean
Maintaining professional language throughout the interview process is fundamental. Be mindful to steer clear of any slang or language that could be deemed inappropriate. Furthermore, refrain from discussing sensitive subjects such as age, race, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. Conversations around such topics have the potential to abruptly end the interview, thus it’s advisable to focus on your skills, experiences, and the job at hand.
7. Acting cocky – being overconfident – “king of the hill”
Your attitude significantly influences the outcome of your interview. Striking the right balance between confidence, professionalism, and humility is crucial. While it’s important to showcase your capabilities, overplaying your performance can be just as detrimental, if not more so, than appearing overly reserved. Demonstrate your competence and enthusiasm genuinely and moderately, ensuring a professional yet authentic impression.
8. Not answering the question asked – “jumping in without thinking”
When an interviewer asks for an “example of a time,” you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a “specific” example, you not only don’t answer the question, but you miss an opportunity to prove your ability and tell about your skills.
9. Not asking questions – a missed opportunity you will live to regret
When posed with the query, “Do you have any questions?”, many candidates simply respond with a “No.” However, this is a missed opportunity! Inquiring further is of immense importance as it signals your keen interest in the company’s activities and culture. Moreover, this interaction can provide valuable insight into whether the organization aligns with your career aspirations and values.
The most thoughtful and impactful questions often stem from actively listening during the interview and seeking further clarification or details on discussed topics. Thus, by not just answering, but also asking the right questions, you’re able to engage more deeply with the interviewer and further assess the potential fit with the company.
10. Appearing desperate – “Please, please hire me!”
Navigating a challenging job market can be stressful, and the pressure to secure employment can be overwhelming. However, adopting a ‘please hire me’ attitude during an interview can portray you as desperate and diminish your self-confidence. Instead, strive to embody the three “C’s” throughout the interview: Coolness, Calmness, and Confidence. You know you have the skills to excel in the job—your task now is to ensure the interviewer perceives this too.
Everyone makes mistakes, it’s part of being human. We often laugh at ourselves when we fumble over words or forget even the most familiar of names. However, during an interview, the aim is to present yourself as prepared and polished as you can be. If you do happen to make a mistake, view it as a human error and a learning opportunity. Meanwhile,
Learn Exactly How To Correctly Prepare For An Interview & Give Yourself The Best Possible Chance Of Getting Hired In The Modern Job Market
