Typically, when an employer calls you in for an interview, he is
already impressed with you. After pouring over hundreds of
resumes, he still has your resume in his hand! That means all
you have to do is go in and prove that the candidate on paper is
the same person sitting across from his desk. Simple, right?
Well for most people, it is extremely difficult. So difficult in
fact, that few people really ever make it past the interviewing
phase for months! Don’t let this happen to you. Below are the
top eight “Oh No’s!” that employees do to ruin their interviews.
- Being Late! If you want to prove that you are a professional
and deserve to work for a company, do not waste your potential
boss’ time. Remember, there are hundreds of other applicants
waiting in the wings for you to mess this up so they can get
their chance. Be punctual and start off on the right foot. - Dressing Inappropriately! Have you ever seen someone walk
into an office with a tank top, unkempt hair, and a pair of jeans
trying to get a job? I have…but I’ve yet to see them actually
get hired. Remember, the key to getting employed is proving to
an employer that you can handle the position and are
professional. If you go into an interview dressed
unprofessionally, an employer can only imagine how you will dress
once you are actually hired. So for now, stick to the general
rule of suit and tie for men and dress, slacks, or skirt for
women. - Lying. There is nothing worse than talking to a person who
is avoiding eye contact, overtly exaggerating, or speaking
falsely about something you already know the truth about. Of
course, getting the job is important to you and you want to paint
the picture that you are a model employee. But you can
accomplish this without losing your dignity. It is really
embarrassing and detrimental when your boss finds out that the
real reason you left your old job was because you were fired for
stealing office supplies for your family, friends, and friendly
neighbors. Be honest and avoid having security escort you out a
week after getting hired! - Not asking questions. When you go to an interview, always
have questions prepared. As a high school student, I made this
mistake myself and the manager asked if I had any questions 3
times! All 3 times, I said “no,” which was the same answer he
gave me when I asked if I got the job. Don’t make the same
mistake. Come prepared with simple questions that show you’ve
taken this position seriously and have given the option of
working with the company a lot of thought. - Asking the wrong questions. I know this sounds a little
contradictory, but… Many employees start off immediately asking
about salary benefits and occupational perks way too early during
an interview. Start out with general questions about the company,
work environment, and job responsibilities before asking the
“what’s in it for me” questions. - Bar talking! Don’t treat your boss as if he is your local
hangout buddy. Remain professional. DO NOT talk about your
personal opinions of race, sex, religion, or politics. You do
not want to give him any information that he can use to exclude
you. - Poor communication! When you are at an interview, stay
focused. Maintain eye contact. Speak loudly. And for Pete’s
sake, don’t talk with gum in your mouth! - Not knowing about the company. Do your research before going
on an interview. Employers are always impressed when you can
praise them about aspects of their company that you believe are
going well. It builds a good rapport and proves that you are
really interested in working for them.
Follow these eight guidelines and you should have a good shot at
succeeding at the job interview!
