If you are smartly presented, adhere to basic social etiquette and sensibly answer the interviewer’s questions then you are well on your way to a new job. However, there are some interview blunders to avoid.
Interview blunders:
- Do not arrive late, you must allow enough time from when you leave your house to permit for unforeseen circumstances such as rail problems or traffic jams.
- Do not fidget with items on the desk, or play with your hair and clothes.
- Do not mumble, talk too fast, too softly or non-stop. Unless you speak clearly, all of your sound comments will be lost on the interviewer and you will not impress.
- Do not use slang words, crack silly jokes, or chew gum.
- Do not lean on the interviewer’s desk or frequently glance at your watch.
- Do not hide any aspect of your previous record, overstate qualifications, brag, or become angry.
- Do not call the interviewer by his/her first name, or become involved in any negative aspect of your current employer, classes, or university.
- Do not show ignorance about the company; allow your research to come through in conversation.
- Do not appear half-asleep, go to bed early the night before the interview and sleep soundly knowing that you are fully prepared for the day ahead.
- Do not bring up the topic of salary. When the time is right, salary will be discussed.
- If it is an interview over lunch do not order the spaghetti.
- Do not come across as being passive or indifferent, be positive and enthusiastic.
- Do not be overbearing, or conceited.
- Be friendly and open, but do not flirt with the interviewer.
- Do not use negative body language, or convey inappropriate aspects of your character.
Most importantly…….
- Do not ask to see interviewer’s resume to see if they are qualified to judge you as a candidate.
- Do not over emphasise your ability to use a photocopier.
- Do not upon walking into the office for the first time ask the receptionist to hold all your calls.
- Do not explain that your long-term goal is to have the interviewer’s job.
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