Avoid Top 10 Interview Mistakes

Avoid Top 10 Interview Mistakes

Sweating palms and stomach butterflies are to be expected on the day of interview. But you can reduce your stress level by knowing some common mistakes that interviewees make. The best way to avoid the most common and dangerous interview mistakes is to think ahead and decide not to make them.

Mistakes

1. Lying. Although it's tempting, it doesn't work. By all means gloss over the unflattering things. Never ever lie. Always tell the truth. Be honest. Be yourself. Be undeniably good. Sometimes be diplomatic.

2. Slating Your Current Company or Boss. Never talk ill of others. Interviewer draws massive conclusions from your answers. So your throw away comment about your boss or employer may be interpreted to be your standard way of thinking. It makes you look bad not your employer.

3. Being Rude. Never become rude. If you find you were accidentally rude, then apologize calmly and genuinely. Then leave it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. If you dwell on it, it will affect your performance. 

4. Complaining/ Trash Talking. Complaining, may be completely harmless, or it might simply make the interviewer switch off. Don't let complaining set the tone for the interview! 

5. Blaming Others. If they ask you about difficult people or situations, make sure you hold back from character assassination and blaming others for problems because it won't do you any favors ! If you accidentally do break this rule, apologize and explain what you really meant. 

6. Not Being Prepared. Make sure you've brought with you anything you were asked for. It's fine to bring a note-pad and pen, but make sure they're tidy. It's even ok to bring notes with you; particularly if you have any questions you want to ask. It shows you're taking the job application seriously. Ill-prepared candidates rarely get job offers. 

7. Appearing Too Nervous, or Too Confident. If you appear too nervous they'll think you're not confident enough to do the job. However, appearing too confident will make them think you won't fit into the team. 

8. Talking Too Much. Be careful not to talk over the interviewer. Sit calmly, listen carefully and answer question thoughtfully and concisely.

9. Lack of Enthusiasm. Be polite and upbeat. Show your enthusiasm. Don’t forget to thank the person at the end of interview.

10. Making a Weak First Impression. If you make a strong first impression, the interviewer will be more inclined to overlook imperfections in your answer.

Note:

Written by Major (R) Md. Lutful Huda, presently Chairman of TIDAC and Dreamwork Limited, Chief Editor of 'Crime and Judgement' Magazine