In this blog, we will tell you the TOP 10 things you should NEVER DO in a job interview. If you do any of these 10 things, you will FAIL your interview. Therefore, if you have an interview coming up soon for any role or company, get reading from start to finish because we promise to help you be successful!
THE 1st THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS NOT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE JOB DESCRIPTION
The job description is the blueprint for the role you are applying for. Listed on the job description are the main skills and qualities needed to perform the role to a competent standard.
Before your interview, read the job description and take note, in particular, of the skills needed in the position. Then, when the interviewer says to you, what are your greatest strengths, match yours with those listed in the job description.
THE 2nd THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IS ARRIVE LATE OR TOO EARLY FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
If you are late, you will immediately fail because punctuality is one of the areas you will be assessed against. If you turn up too early, let’s say 30 minutes before your scheduled interview start time, the employer could get irritated by this. My advice is to turn up 10 minutes before your interview starts.
THE 3rd THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IS BE RUDE OR DISRESPECTFUL TO THE RECEPTIONIST
More often than not, a hiring manager will ask the reception staff what you were like when you first entered the building. Were you polite and courteous to the reception staff, or were you rude and dismissive? Always be polite and demonstrate good manners with whoever you come into contact with before, during, and after your interview!
THE 4th THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH YOUR CV OR RESUME!
There is a strong possibility the hiring manager will ask you to walk them through your CV or resume at the start of your interview. Therefore, I recommend familiarising yourself with this important document, or better still, take a copy of your CV or resume with you to the interview, and read through it when asked.
THE 5th THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS TALK NEGATIVELY ABOUT ANYONE, INCLUDING YOUR FORMER EMPLOYER, CO-WORKERS, OR BOSS!
If you are negative in any way, especially when answering the question, “why do you want to leave your job?”, you won’t get hired! Be positive and respectful at all times when talking about everyone!
THE 6th THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS FIDGET AND NOT LOOK THE INTERVIEWER IN THE EYE WHEN ANSWERING THEIR QUESTIONS!
At all times, sit upright in the chair with your palms resting on top of your knees, and maintain even eye contact when communicating with the interview panel!
THE 7th THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS ASK THEM WHAT THEY DO AT THEIR COMPANY!
You should know what they do before you attend the interview. RESEARCH the company in advance of the interview because if you say something like, “so what do you actually do around here?”, you won’t get hired.
THE 8th THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS SAY THAT YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS IS ‘PERFECTIONISM!’
Virtually all candidates say in response to the interview question, “what’s your biggest weakness?”, that they are a perfectionist! It’s such a weak answer, and one the hiring manager will dismiss. Instead, say your biggest weakness is you “find it hard saying no to people and you end up taking on too many responsibilities or you are not very good at public speaking.”
THE 9th THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS NOT ASK ANY QUESTIONS!
A mistake often made by candidates is to say they don’t have any questions at the end of the interview. Asking smart questions is your opportunity to further impress the hiring manager and prove you are the right fit for their organization. The 3 best questions to ask at the end of your interview are as follows:
Q1. Can you tell me more about the team I would be a part of in this role?
Q2. What advice would you give to the successful candidate who wants to excel in the position?
Q3. What would my success in the role look like 12 months from now?
THE 10th THING YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IN AN INTERVIEW IS NOT DRESS PROFESSIONALLY!
First impressions count for everything! If you don’t wear a smart and professional outfit for your interview, it sends a message that you don’t care, and you don’t have very high standards. Regardless of the position you are being interviewed for, make sure you dress to impress.
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