With a resume, phone screen, and possibly the assessment test out of the way, it is now time for the in-person interview. On average, 3-5 applicants can be called in for an interview for one vacancy, so preparation is important in making the first impression count. Below are common mistakes to avoid during a job interview:
Arriving too early or late:
First impressions always start when you walk through the door. Make sure you arrive on time. Showing up too early can create a poor first impression as well. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are caught in traffic or running late, leave a message with the receptionist. Explain the situation and apologize.
Acknowledge the Receptionist:
The first person you meet upon your arrival for an interview is usually a receptionist, so greet her with warmth. The receptionist has the ability to positively or negatively sway the opinion of the interviewer after you leave.
Poor handshake:
A firm handshake creates a great impression. A firm handshake shows confidence and professionalism. Avoid the following handshakes:
Talking too much or too little:
Arriving too early or late:
First impressions always start when you walk through the door. Make sure you arrive on time. Showing up too early can create a poor first impression as well. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are caught in traffic or running late, leave a message with the receptionist. Explain the situation and apologize.
Acknowledge the Receptionist:
The first person you meet upon your arrival for an interview is usually a receptionist, so greet her with warmth. The receptionist has the ability to positively or negatively sway the opinion of the interviewer after you leave.
Poor handshake:
A firm handshake creates a great impression. A firm handshake shows confidence and professionalism. Avoid the following handshakes:
- Avoid a limp hand: impression of disinterest or weakness
- Tips of the Fingers: Shows lack of ability to engage.
- Shake without letting go: like an overly aggressive salesman.
Talking too much or too little:
Taking too long or short shows the interviewer you are nervous, can not get to the point and not prepared. Nervous talkers leave an impression of covering up something or outright lying.
Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers:
The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was bad, never, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaint, you will always come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss. The interviewer will assume that you would similarly disrespect him or her. When talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.
Asking benefits, vacation or salary:
Wait until you've won the employer over before beginning this discussion. Mentioning these items in an interview, will leave a bad impression with the interviewer and most likely lead to a negative result.
Not preparing for the interview:
Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn't bothered to do pre-interview preparation. Practice interview techniques (courses, articles, books and coaching) Pack a portfolio (resumes, questions for the employer) and research the company (using internet, financial plans etc.)
Gum chewing and cell phones:
Both of these show disrespect and considered rude. Save the gum for before or after the interview. Nothing is worse then someone chewing gum when responding to a question. Ensure all cell phones are off or on silent during the interview. Unless you are expecting an urgent personal call, no calls should be taken.
Not enough or too much eye contact:
Either situation can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact and you'll seem shifty, untruthful, or disinterested; offer too much eye contact, and you'll wear the interviewer out.
Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers:
The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was bad, never, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaint, you will always come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss. The interviewer will assume that you would similarly disrespect him or her. When talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.
Asking benefits, vacation or salary:
Wait until you've won the employer over before beginning this discussion. Mentioning these items in an interview, will leave a bad impression with the interviewer and most likely lead to a negative result.
Not preparing for the interview:
Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn't bothered to do pre-interview preparation. Practice interview techniques (courses, articles, books and coaching) Pack a portfolio (resumes, questions for the employer) and research the company (using internet, financial plans etc.)
Gum chewing and cell phones:
Both of these show disrespect and considered rude. Save the gum for before or after the interview. Nothing is worse then someone chewing gum when responding to a question. Ensure all cell phones are off or on silent during the interview. Unless you are expecting an urgent personal call, no calls should be taken.
Not enough or too much eye contact:
Either situation can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact and you'll seem shifty, untruthful, or disinterested; offer too much eye contact, and you'll wear the interviewer out.
Information provided by, HRinmotion.com, your complete employment center.
For business, we provide online education that can be branded to help you prepare your candidates for interviews and write better resumes. Since our employment center can be branded with your logo, it will not only strengthen relationships, but increase your placements. If you are looking to hire, post your jobs online and receive top applicants from Canada, USA and UK.
For job seekers, our online education and services will help you get more job interviews and more job offers. Use our employment preparation services to give yourself a stand out resume and sharp interview skills. We have made job search easier than ever by providing you one of the largest job boards in Canada, US and UK. We have over 1.5 million jobs online, apply today and find the right job!
For business, we provide online education that can be branded to help you prepare your candidates for interviews and write better resumes. Since our employment center can be branded with your logo, it will not only strengthen relationships, but increase your placements. If you are looking to hire, post your jobs online and receive top applicants from Canada, USA and UK.
For job seekers, our online education and services will help you get more job interviews and more job offers. Use our employment preparation services to give yourself a stand out resume and sharp interview skills. We have made job search easier than ever by providing you one of the largest job boards in Canada, US and UK. We have over 1.5 million jobs online, apply today and find the right job!
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