For many, the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search process. Any number of things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful is avoiding simple mistakes. The following is a list some of the most common mistakes during an Interview.
No research about the organization
An interviewer will expect candidates to spend time researching and reading about their organization. Do your homework before the interview; really know what the company does and who their competitors are. If you have not taken the time to review the employer website and understand what they are recruiting for, then you are reducing your chances of continuing successfully through the interview process.
Not clear on what you’re interviewing for
Be familiar with the job description so you can draw on your experiences, talents, strengths, and abilities to connect with company needs. Highlight how you’re suited to that particular job. You should research that particular job that how it is important for the company or about the roles which can be assigned to you.
Not marketing yourself correctly
Define yourself. What makes you different from others? Know your major strengths and accomplishments as they relate to the job you are applying for and the company. Be clear and honest while defining your strengths.
You talk too much
The advantages of the fact that you are open to discussions and you are decided to persuade the fact that you are the best can turn against you. There is the risk of boring the other person with so many details and you can even look like you don’t have the cap city to concentrate on one given subject.
You don’t ask questions
Try and make a discussion as professional as possible, asking questions that are right on the subject. Make realistic observation regarding the company and avoid emphasis.
Not asking meaningful questions
Have at least 4-5 relevant and intelligent questions to ask the recruiter. It’s OK (it actually leaves a positive impression with the recruiter) to have them written down in advance and to reference them at the appropriate time. Interviews are an exchange of information, and not coming in with questions shows that you did not prepare for the whole interview.
Under-dressing for the interview
Professional attire and attention to detail still count. You can never be too professional. Remember that everything – your appearance, your tone of voice, your conduct -contributes to the impression (positive or negative) that you make. Be presentable – wear a pressed suit and shirt and polished shoes.
Trying to wing the interview
Practice! Get a list of general interview questions, a friend, a tape recorder, and a mirror and conduct an interview rehearsal. Practice until your delivery feels comfortable but not canned.
Not being yourself
Be yourself and be honest! Don’t pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you don’t. The interviewer will pick up on this. If you don’t know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself. Remember you’re interviewing the company as well as vice versa.
Not listening
Focus on the question that is being asked and don’t try to anticipate the next one. It’s OK to pause and collect your thoughts before answering a question. Pay special attention to technical or work process related subjects that are unique to a given firm or organization. The interviewer may have provided the information you will need to answer the question earlier in the conversation. Employers will be looking for your ability to assimilate new information, retain it, and, most importantly, recognize that information as useful to you later in the interview.
Not providing enough details
When answering case questions, technical questions or solving technical problems, take the time to “talk through” your thought process. Recruiters are much more interested in seeing how your mind works and how it attacks a given type of problem than the answer itself. Articulate your problem-solving process and verbalize your thinking.
You are trying to take the lead
If you try this you can seem arrogant. Companies tend to search for people that can work efficiently in a team. When talking about things you’ve done on previous jobs try to use instead of “I” the pronoun “We” as often as possible.
Falling for it
An experienced recruiter will set you the trap of relaxation, trying to make you believe this is an interview with a little importance. This does not mean that you have to avoid jokes or affirmations that have nothing to do with the professional area, but you must always promptly go back to the subject of the discussion.
Lack of enthusiasm
Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (not too weak, not too strong), and show common courtesy. Don’t be afraid to display your passion for the job/industry and to show confidence.
You are late
Many employers can’t understand why the candidates continue to be late, so being on time or not has a great importance in their decision. If you can’t make it on the settled hour, call in time and try to reschedule the meeting, depending on the person that conducts the interview.