Have you been going out on interviews only to keep getting rejected? If this is happening repeatedly, it’s time to reset and refine your interview strategy. Interviewing is an art that takes time to master. If you’re going in blind every time, you’re bound to continue making the same mistakes. Rather than get bogged down stressing about upcoming interviews, put your nervous energy to good use by doing some good old preparation. As you reflect on how you can improve your interviewing skills, here are five interview mishaps to avoid at all costs:
Being late.
Nobody appreciates tardiness, and this is especially true when it comes to employers. Arriving on time for interviews sets the tone to your interviewer that you respect his or her time and are responsible with adhering to your own schedule. You can avoid running late by researching the location of the interview ahead of time and calculating how long it will take you to get there. You can also get your interview outfit ready the day before, along with your portfolio, resume, and other essentials.
Dressing inappropriately.
No matter how informal or casual an interview may seem, it’s important to dress in professional or semi-professional attire. Presenting yourself in the neatest and most professional way possible – including being properly groomed – will show that you take yourself seriously and are committed to making a solid first impression.
Speaking negatively.
Speaking poorly about former employers or bashing old bosses is a surefire way to turn off an interviewer. There are many reasons to avoid this type of language, as it can paint you as a complainer or somebody who gossips frequently about others. Being conscious of how this negative language can reflect adversely on you as a candidate will help you stay upbeat and remain focused on answering the questions, rather than getting bogged down with drama.
Lying about qualifications.
While it may be tempting to tell a white lie or bend the truth a bit, this will never serve you well in the long run. Being honest about your credentials both on your resume and during interviews will ultimately be in your favor as you showcase what you have to offer. Many interviewers can tell when candidates are lying or presenting themselves in an unauthentic manner. When in doubt, tell the truth and be transparent about the skills and abilities you bring to the table.
Being distracted by your phone.
This is the number one no-no. Being preoccupied with your cell phone is by far one of the worse things you can do during an interview. This type of distraction shows an employer that you’re not interested in giving your full undivided attention to the interview and would prefer to be engaged elsewhere. With the exception of an emergency, there is no reason to be texting, checking social media, or doing anything else on your phone once you arrive at your interview. In fact, once you enter the company’s doors, it’s best to have your phone completely put away – and on silent mode!
In many cases, your interview performance will be dictated largely not by what you do, but what you don’t do. Following the practices above will serve you well as you navigate the interview process and meet potential employers for the first time. Oh, and one last thing to remember to do, send a Thank You acknowledgment. Email, a handwritten note, a simple thank you card, and if appropriate, and these days there are some situations where it is appropriate, a short text may even be in order depending on the situation and circumstances.
Are you struggling to land a new job? Get in touch and learn how HH Staffing’s services can help get your job search on track.
Until Next Time,
Your Staffing Partner, Darrin Rohr- President, CEO, and Chief Servant
Current owner of HH Staffing and Former Chief HR Officer for several successful Multinational Fortune 500 Companies. Brings a fresh perspective from decades of experiences creating Great Workplace Cultures by building high-performance teams while leading and managing people from all different backgrounds. HH Staffing is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, and is uniquely positioned to serve both local and national clients.
