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What is an interview? An interview is a conversation of 10 minutes to 1 hour, during which it is determined whether the person will be hired. "Thanks, Cap!" - you say.
Yes, many, of course, know what an interview is, but this does not stop them from making the most common mistakes. We will talk about these mistakes so that you do not make them, and the vacant position and attractive income remain with you.
Straight to the point, as they say. Let's look at ten mistakes.
Wear your best
Often, wanting to please the employer, people wear the best they have in their wardrobe. The result of this approach is that the person who comes does not know how to dress to suit the occasion.
This also includes an unpretentious and nondescript wardrobe. After spending a long time looking for a job, a person may not attach importance to his appearance and come to an interview in an old shirt or frayed jeans.
It would be best to dress modestly but elegantly, choosing, for example, business casual clothing. Your appearance should also be neat - neat hair, trimmed nails, manicure, makeup, etc.
Arrive an hour before your scheduled time
Remember the saying: “Precision is the courtesy of kings”? This also applies to applicants.
It is advisable to arrive for interviews no earlier than 10 minutes before the meeting in order to slightly assess the situation and tidy up your appearance. If you arrive earlier, then the manager may not be there at all, and if he is at home, then he is unlikely to consider it necessary to change his schedule. As a result, you will embarrass not only yourself, but also the office staff, because... Out of politeness, they will have to come up with something to keep you occupied.
Along with this, under no circumstances should you be late for a meeting. It is recommended to find out in advance where the office is located, decide how to get there and leave in advance. If force majeure does occur, there is no need to run into the office in a panic or not come at all - just call, apologize, explain the situation and find out when the manager will be able to see you.
Complain about your previous employer
Even if you quit for some unpleasant reasons, there is no need to let the new employer know about it.
Naturally, you will be asked why you left your last job, and you should give neutral reasons: no career and professional growth, inability to reach your potential, the desire to find a job in a larger organization, distance from home, etc.
It’s also not worth criticizing past bosses. If there were, then you shouldn’t talk about it, but if you still had to talk about it, then you need to discuss this topic correctly, emphasizing that you tried your best to resolve the misunderstanding.
Be silent
Although the truth “silence is golden” works in many situations, an interview does not apply to such situations.
Remember that the employer must receive answers to all the questions he is interested in, but after the phrase “Tell me about yourself”, either silence on the part of the applicant or his story about his life often begins. This is a big mistake, because... we need to talk about what specifically concerns the professional sphere, i.e. about education, work experience, wishes and attitude towards work. You can prepare a short story about yourself in advance. Include everything you need, but it should take no more than three minutes.
Another mistake job seekers make is being closed or stiff. But it is important to give complete answers that will give the maximum impression of you as a specialist. And the manager should not “pull” these answers out of you.
Show shyness
Being too modest during an interview is also a hindrance. Under no circumstances can you do it on your own - you must make it clear that your professionalism is at the proper level. But there is no need to over-praise yourself. It is important to adequately evaluate your advantages and disadvantages.
Given that you are talking one-on-one with the employer, you must, as they say, “sell” yourself to him by talking about your strengths. Your position must be objective, and all information must have a real basis and, if possible, evidence, for example, certificates, diplomas, etc.
A good addition here would be a few words about your shortcomings. You may be asked a question about them, so it would be good to come up with an answer in advance. Please note that there is no need to talk, for example, about the habit of being late or not completing assignments on time. But we can say that you may be focused on work at the expense of personal affairs or emotionally experience professional difficulties.
Show no interest or devalue future work
In some cases, job seekers are uncomfortable showing how much they want a new job, and, on the contrary, they show feigned indifference. But the employer must make sure that the person really wants to work for him.
You need to show a sincere interest in the company, its field of activity, future job responsibilities, etc. You need to be involved in the conversation process - this way the employer will understand that you really want to get a place in his company.
Eliminate templates from your answers to questions, answers for which you have no arguments or that are not at all related to the topic of the meeting. Be attentive to your interlocutor and answer as truthfully as possible.
You need to react with restraint and calm to unpleasant questions, which, quite likely, you may also be asked, which will tell about your resistance to stress. The answer to tricky questions should be a sincere smile and a positive attitude.
Talk about everything in the world
Sociability and frankness are positive qualities, but even in them you need to know when to stop, and it is not advisable to start conversations with your employer about your family problems that may affect your work, financial or housing difficulties, health issues, etc. None of this is directly related to your future activities, but it may well affect it negatively, and the employer should not know about it.
In addition, there is no need to talk about your manner of interacting with the team, especially if you know nothing about the corporate culture of the new organization. The best option would be to get a job, become part of the team, evaluate all the nuances and act in accordance with the new regulations.
Point out the attractiveness of financial rewards
One of the most frequently asked interview questions is what attracts an applicant to a new position and company. And the most incorrect answers are those about the attractiveness of a high salary, social package, good location of the place of work to home, etc. The personal motives of the applicant are of least interest to the boss, and he wants to hear arguments on why he should hire a new employee.
You should name those reasons that can speak about you as an energetic person and a purposeful employee for whom the success of the company is important. The more professional interest you show, the more likely it is that the employer will choose you.
Ask about money
Questions about finances are reserved for the end of the interview and should not be asked in the middle or at the beginning of a conversation. According to the rules of a competent interview, questions regarding the job itself, the employer and the applicant are initially clarified. If towards the end of the meeting you feel that the manager liked you, you can safely inquire about the amount of payment.
You also need to be prepared for the fact that the employer himself will ask you how much you would like to earn. To do this, you need to look at the company’s website or a job search site in advance, and find out what conditions this company generally offers to employees, and decide what salary will suit you. In a situation where a lower salary level is offered, there is no need to agree to it.
In general, questions about the amount of earnings are not asked by applicants, but are discussed at the initiative of the employer. And even if this issue was not raised at the first meeting, you will definitely discuss it at the next one if the employer is interested in your candidacy.
Don't ask questions
If the applicant has no questions, this is a bad sign that negatively affects the employer’s impression.
Almost always, applicants are asked to ask questions after the main conversation. Questions are an indicator of interest. You need to ask about job responsibilities, monthly work plan, performance evaluation, strategic goals of the company, etc. For convenience, you can take a notepad to the interview and write down information in it, which will indicate your professionalism and serious intentions. And so that there are questions, and they are substantive, for the interview, again, you need to approach it wisely - study in advance the specifics of the company and the features of its activities.
And in conclusion, I would like to give one more piece of advice: if your candidacy was not approved immediately after the interview, call the organization a couple of days later and find out what decision was made on your issue. If the decision is negative, ask what was the reason for the refusal so that you know what to look for in your future job search. Subsequently, act differently and, of course, do not make common mistakes.
The mistakes outlined below do not only apply to the interview itself. Remember that the actual interview begins as soon as you arrive at your destination, i.e. before you even speak to the interviewer. More than one candidate has failed an event not because they conducted a bad interview or were a bad specialist, but only because of inappropriate behavior in the reception area.
1 The use of common phrases and hackneyed cliches when answering the interviewer’s questions
I recommend that you avoid in every possible way lengthy answers and superficial characteristics of your past work. A good interviewer will never allow you to get away with general phrases and vague formulations. He needs specific information. With its help you will be able to find out whether you are suitable for the position for which you are applying. Therefore, if you are asked, for example, to name your professional or personal qualities, most likely the question will follow: “Describe a situation in which you had the opportunity to put them into practice.” If you say that you participated in the development of many business projects, you will definitely be asked to clarify which ones exactly. If you report that thanks to you, your former company's profits increased by 25%, rest assured that the interviewer will want to know in detail how exactly you achieved this. Remember that you will be forced to support all abstract reasoning with examples from your professional experience. To avoid unpleasant situations, be prepared for such developments.
It seems to many that the more “smart” words they use, the more respect the interviewer will have for them.
“In my previous position, I was involved in the development of a differentiated system for integrated control and coordination of the capital budget in order to ensure the most effective use of the basic characteristics of fixed assets...”
Don't expect that such phrases will charm the interviewer and make him believe in your exceptional professionalism. Again, you will most likely be asked to illustrate this statement with specific examples. This is where the trap you created for yourself lies in wait. By using words that are too sophisticated, you risk getting confused and losing the thread of the story. By the way, what distinguishes a good professional, among other things, is the ability to explain his work in simple and understandable language.
2 Excessive frankness in conversation with the interviewer
A job interview is not an ordinary “heart-to-heart talk.” Even if the interviewer arouses your sympathy, remember that by and large he is indifferent to you and your problems. Not because he is a bad person, who knows, maybe he is a good one... it’s just a miracle what kind of person he is! It’s just that his work rarely allows him to open up to these wonderful spiritual qualities. He most likely does not have any kind feelings towards you, but is simply doing his job. Are you able to cope with your future responsibilities? Will you be a good fit for the company or department where you will work? That's what the interviewer is interested in. Therefore, it is stupid to cry into his vest and complain about your financial or family problems. This will only scare you away. Even if the interviewer sheds tears and sincerely sympathizes with you, you will not get the job. Employers want to hire winners, not losers. Therefore, pity is not something you should rely on during an interview. It will be much better if you try to appear cheerful, confident and enthusiastic.
Sometimes the interviewer deliberately demonstrates his friendly attitude towards the candidate, encouraging him to be frank. God forbid you get caught on this hook! (This is one of the pitfalls that will be discussed in detail in the next chapter.) Spiritual striptease is inappropriate in an interview. One day, a young and promising specialist was hired by a large trading company. In a burst of sincerity, he told the interviewer that this position was the best option for him to gain practical experience before starting his own business. Do you think the company wanted to create a potential competitor with its own hands?
Try not to talk too much about your plans and outlook on life. Avoid commenting on political events, social issues and the actions of other people - your opinion will not necessarily coincide with the opinion of your potential employers.
3 Bluffing
Convincing the interviewer that you need to know the result as soon as possible because you have more offers is an old, hackneyed trick. Do not use such tactics - it will lead to disastrous results. It is better to show that you are very interested in this job. But at the same time, make it clear that failure will not become an irreparable grief for you. You are a highly qualified specialist who knows his worth! However, it is important to observe moderation: you cannot look down on your future bosses, but you also cannot look like a pathetic beggar - organizations strive to hire winners.
4 Attempts to psychologically manipulate the interviewer
It happens that after reading cheap guides on how to successfully pass an interview or books by Dale Carnegie, candidates try to use “cunning” psychological techniques. For example, from the NLP arsenal - all sorts of “adjustments” (copying the interviewer’s behavior and his manner of speaking), “calibration”, “anchoring” and so on. Beware of such games! This is the case when you can only outsmart yourself. Remember that the interviewer is usually a person who is very experienced in communication. Most likely, he is much more familiar with psychological manipulation techniques than you. Therefore, do not try to touch sensitive strings in his soul. By doing this, you will only achieve that there will be no trace of trust in you.
If the interviewer is of the opposite sex, some candidates tend to use their sex appeal. Everything is used: compliments, female (male) coquetry, and flirting with the interviewer. Women often use various parts of their body for petty sexual deception - briefly placing their hands behind their heads to push their breasts forward; seductive fidgeting in the chair; miniskirts that show off the beauty of your legs, etc. An experienced interviewer will never fall for such tricks. Another thing is that he can play along with the candidate to see how far he is willing to go. But the result of the interview will definitely not be in your favor. In addition, you risk becoming a victim of deception. (As in the joke about the singer: “How can this be? They checked my vocal abilities on the couch, but didn’t hire me.”)
You should not naively believe that attempts at manipulation will be regarded as your ability to communicate with people. Most likely, it will be the other way around. If the interviewer wants to evaluate your communication skills, he will not hesitate to ask you to demonstrate them. (You, of course, have heard horror stories about how a cunning interviewer asks a candidate: “Sell me a pebble,” etc.) It is strictly contraindicated to take initiative in this matter!
5 Emphasizing personal acquaintance with large businessmen, prominent politicians or specialists well-known in your professional environment
For some reason, this manner is especially common among sales managers and applicants for middle management positions. Even if you have relatives who are oligarchs or friends who are ministers, you should not obsessively demonstrate close relationships with them and, especially, casually mention big names during a conversation with an interviewer. The point is not even that such information can be easily verified. There is simply a psychological rule: the more insignificant a person is, the more he strives to show his closeness to the greats of this world. In addition, you risk running into a sarcastic remark: “If you have such powerful friends, why are you looking for a job in our modest company?”
It's a completely different matter if you are asked a specific question. For example: “Who did you maintain business contacts with while working in your previous position?” Here the famous names mentioned will work in your favor. But, again, one should avoid excessive familiarity and absentee pats on the shoulder, such as: “But yesterday in the bathhouse I told Tolik Chubais...”
6 "Puffing up the cheeks"
This includes various tricks of the candidates, which, in their opinion, should give them additional “weight” and significance. Unfortunately, in practice everything turns out exactly the opposite. One of my colleagues rather sarcastically calls this “puffing out one’s cheeks.” People have long called such things “left-wing show-offs.”
There are candidates who come to an interview with a frowning, worried expression on their face and trying to show off their folder or case. Busily rustling their papers, they are trying their best to show their involvement in “decision making.” An interviewer with a sense of humor will not fail to politely apologize for taking up the time of such a busy person. And also politely say goodbye to him. An interviewer without a sense of humor will do the same thing, using slightly different expressions...
Helpful advice: you shouldn’t emphasize your businesslike and entrepreneurial spirit at every step. You will be able to show them if you are hired - then they will be appreciated. It will be much better if during the interview you demonstrate friendliness, openness and a desire to work in a team.
For the same reason, you should not bring laptops and tablets, and, moreover, open them with a smart look during the interview. It's the 21st century. Today, super-fashionable and super-expensive technical toys make no impression on anyone. Especially for employers.
There are also individuals who, when attending an interview at an unfamiliar company, feel an irresistible desire to constantly make phone calls and solve their problems. No matter how serious (in their opinion) the reasons for such behavior may be - the need to make an important business call, the desire to inquire about the health of a beloved grandmother - the impression of such candidates will be completely and irrevocably spoiled.
Special mention should be made about mobile phones. When going to a meeting with a future employer, turn off your phone and hide it away! Remember: nothing infuriates an interviewer more than a cell phone suddenly ringing in a candidate’s pocket and the subsequent “cool” conversations that interrupt the progress of the interview. Long gone are the days when a mobile phone in your hands affected those around you, like a shaman’s tambourine on the natives of the Mumba-Yumba tribe. It was in the early 90s that it testified to the “coolness” of its owner and increased his influence over people. Today, every second student carries a branded smartphone under his belt. (Moreover, he wears it, flaunting it, and with the same facial expression with which in the days of the Wild West, cowboys carried six-shooter 45-caliber Colts. What can you do - the fashion for things is transitory, the fashion for “coolness” is eternal.) Nevertheless, various manipulations with mobile gadgets - showing off, demonstrative business calls - are still common during an interview. This is especially true for applicants for positions of lower and middle management. Contrary to their expectations, such actions look like just petty rednecks, and not a sign of success or solidity.
By being even 5 minutes late, you show yourself as a person for whom it is difficult to plan time or this meeting is not important. Both of these characterize you not in the best way. All the excuses – traffic jams, the door was jammed, I couldn’t find parking, I didn’t have a pass – are useless. Follow the rule: “we did it the way we really wanted.” It was possible to leave in advance, avoid all these problems, look at the map in advance and not get lost, finding out that there is no pass, immediately call the contact person. Therefore, looking for excuses, a person looks ridiculous. It's better not to come than to be late. Of course there are exceptions. If you called in the morning and asked to move the meeting forward half an hour, that's normal.
- failure to accept employer procedures
In response to a request to fill out a test or some forms, the candidate begins to say that he has already done this and shows dissatisfaction. Let's think about what new things the employer will learn about you if you behave this way. Are you flouting rules and procedures? This vacancy is not that important to you, and you are not willing to spend 20 minutes filling out a questionnaire?
- negative attitude
In response to the recruiter’s standard question: “How did you get there?”, the candidate begins to talk about all the misadventures that awaited him on the way to the office: they didn’t send him a card, as a result, he couldn’t find the entrance for a long time, they didn’t order a pass for him, the security guard at the entrance is angry and etc. Small talk about how you got there or what the weather is like today is used solely to establish contact with you, ice breaker, this is not an invitation to conversation. The only correct answer is positive and short. You can ask a question in response, the question should be general about everything and nothing (“Have you recently moved?” - if there are objective signs, or “You probably have a great view from your window” - if the company is located on a high floor).
- inappropriate
You need to find out in advance whether the company has a dress code, and if there is not, then you should dress neutrally. Minimal jewelry and daytime makeup for women, all parts of the body that need to be covered must be covered. The heel is medium, the length of the skirt is medium. I have heard many times that a highly qualified specialist can come in pajamas, and they will still hire him. Highly qualified specialists usually think this way; HR managers think differently.
- ignorance of the details of the vacancy, poor awareness of the company’s activities, products, services.
How many unpleasant moments could have been avoided if you had really studied information about the company, studied all open sources, and knew everything about the product or service that the employer offers.
Mistakes during an interview that can let anyone down, even the best specialist:
- use of jargon, abbreviations, non-business vocabulary
You are well versed in your profession and will easily find a common language with your immediate supervisor, but the HR manager may not be familiar with some details of your specialization. An internal recruiter in companies is a generalist recruiter who recruits sales managers, customer service managers, administrators, programmers, etc. Therefore, there is no need to try to “pass as one of us” using “bird language”. This may be appropriate for a second interview with your immediate supervisor, whose task will be to evaluate you as a professional. The HR manager will evaluate your competencies and soft skills, including the ability to build communication and convey information, so it is in your interests to be understood.
- illiterate speech, lack of structure in your story, inconsistency
This is an important part of the interview. You may be asked to tell us about yourself, how you came to this position, and your experience. Your story about yourself should be consistent, with an emphasis on the necessary details. 
- uncertainty in voice, posture, facial expressions and gestures
When you sound insecure, you appear uncompetitive. This may be the result of shyness, stiffness, lack of self-confidence, or it may mean that you are trying to hide something and are not completely honest. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to look more confident.
- assertiveness, the desire to take control of the situation often looks like a “reverse interview” when the candidate asks too many questions
Even if you have a lot of questions, don't forget who is interviewing. You will definitely have the opportunity to ask your questions. This usually happens at the end or beginning of a meeting. When at the end of the meeting you are asked if you have any questions, the risks of “pulling the blanket over yourself” are minimal, since you are under time constraints. And if you are asked about this at the beginning, be careful to limit it to the 3 most important questions.
Common mistakes
Typical mistakes in an interview are two extremes: lack of questions or too “deep” questions. It is not yet known whether the candidate will work in this company, and he is already asking about something that the recruiter himself does not know.
If a candidate does not ask questions, this is at least strange: either he knows everything about the company, which is excluded in real life, or this is the company of his dreams (a large well-known company “well-known”), or he needs a job, no matter where and in what conditions. Try not to look like a person from the third category. It is important for the employer that you want to work in this particular company, in this particular position, otherwise why all these questions about motivation?
When asking questions, you should not go to the other extreme, for example, asking how businesses are doing in the Zimbabwean market after the 2013 drought. Such questions will not give you useful information, and will take up time that the recruiter could spend analyzing your knowledge and skills. Don't deprive him of this opportunity.
What you should never do during an interview:
- enter the meeting room in outerwear
If you are not offered to undress in the corridor, gently ask where you can leave your clothes. Why is this so important? You form an image in the perception of the person interviewing you in the first couple of minutes. And your main task is to create the impression of “your” person, open, ready to cooperate. By entering in outerwear, you seem to emphasize that you came “from outside”, building an invisible barrier. You should be perceived as if you already work here, because it’s easier to negotiate with “one of your own.”
- come in with large bags and packages
You may have arrived very early and made purchases in Auchan on the way, make sure that the recruiter does not see this. Otherwise, you get the impression that you were “passing by.”
And finally, the most disastrous mistake can be called the candidate’s reluctance to learn the rules of the game. When you go to a meeting with a client, do you prepare? When you sell, do you prepare? I'm sure yes. An interview is the same transaction, a sale, and ignoring the basic rules of the game would be a big mistake.
The best way to avoid mistakes is to prepare well for the interview and know what mistakes are possible. One wrong move could cost you your job!
You did so much to get to this interview. And now the time has come to meet face to face with the employer. Any little thing can be decisive, everything should be under your control.
A job interview is a stressful event for many people. After all, you are no longer hidden behind the impeccable text of your resume. You are now in full view...
The success of an interview often lies in simply not making stupid mistakes. Many mistakes are fatal, but they are easy to avoid.
Here are the 15 most common mistakes made during job interviews:
1. Being late.
Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. Pre-clarify the route and procedure for entering the building; floor, office number, etc. As a last resort, if you get stuck in a traffic jam, be sure to call and explain the situation.
2. Inappropriate clothing and appearance.
The first impression in an interview happens in the first 17 seconds. Dress more conservatively than usual, in dark colors, clean and neat. Don't forget about your hair, teeth, nails and deodorant. That's why you come 15 minutes earlier to go to the toilet and look at yourself in the mirror. Even if you know that the dress code here allows you to wear jeans, don't allow yourself to do so. Minimum nudity, bare bellies; nothing particularly fashionable, even if you are only 20...
3. Chewing, smoking, hangover syndrome.
No comments.
4. Do not turn off your mobile phone.
This is a demonstration of your efficiency at the most inopportune moment. Talking about your current job (or personal matters) while applying for a new job is the height of disrespect for the interviewer.
Turn off your mobile phone before entering the office, and not during the call!
5. Tightness and shyness.
Of course you are nervous. But can you still smile? How about keeping eye contact? Exude enthusiasm – this is what all interviewers want to see. A job interview is not the time for false modesty. Praise yourself and remember your exploits. This is your first and perhaps only chance...
6. Ignorance of the employing company.
An interview is not the time for your questions like “Tell me about your company”, “What do you do?” and so on. You should come already prepared: know the history of the company, its products and services, competitors, names of managers, the latest market news...
7. Ignorance of your strengths (and weaknesses) qualities.
Answers like “I can’t praise myself” or “it’s better to ask others about this” are not suitable. The interviewer will not go interview your friends and bosses now. He might do it later. If he likes you now. But for now he only has you. And you yourself will have to evaluate and praise yourself. You know yourself best...
8. Lack of preparation for the interview.
You should know the questions that are usually asked in interviews. Prepare sensible answers to them with examples from practice. Practice with a friend or parents. Let them act as the interviewer. Practice.
Prepare a short speech about yourself and remember it by heart. Explain to the employer why you are their best choice. All employers want to know this, help them yourself.
9. Verbosity.
Talking off topic, interrupting your interlocutor and answering a simple question for 15 minutes - all this irritates the interviewer. If you had rehearsed, you would have avoided this. Answer to the point, briefly and with examples.
The principle is this: sit quietly, listen carefully, answer thoughtfully.
You should also not boast of acquaintances with high-ranking officials and mention many important names. An absentee protégé belittles you.
10. Inflated self-esteem and arrogance.
You're being selected for a job and you're not a superstar? Then do not rush to consider yourself already accepted and put forward your own conditions. The requirements for the candidate and the job description are what the HR manager is guided by when talking with you. His task is to understand how suitable you are for the company. And your task is to show how much you correspond to all this. How can you be useful to the company, and not vice versa. And nothing more at the first meeting.
Now you don’t choose, you are chosen. It was you who was invited to the interview, and not you who invited them. Sell yourself, and then talk about your wishes. Or refuse if you don't like the company.
Don't talk about other job options that you are currently considering. Don't boast that you are supposedly in great demand. It's an illusion.
Never make any demands during the 1st interview and before you have been offered a job. Sell yourself on principle first, then negotiate on price.
11. Don't ask questions. Or ask too many of them.
You should have several questions prepared about the company and position. 3-4 smart questions clarifying the scope of responsibilities, tasks, plans, subordination, etc. This is quite enough for the first time. An interview is a dialogue, not an interrogation. But don’t pester the recruiter with questions about details and specifics...
12. Don't criticize former managers.
And even competitors. You don't want to look like a complainer and a sneak, do you? A job interview is not the place for revenge.
The interviewer will listen and understand that the time will come, and you will be just as sarcastic about their company. Your criticism will affect you, not those you criticize.
Even if someone treated you unfairly or you hated your former boss, do not throw mud at him. The interviewer does not know all the circumstances of the case...
13. Asking about salary and benefits package is too early.
Wait, perhaps the interlocutor will bring up this topic himself and you will not need to initiate it. This should be done very politely and at the very end of the interview. And only if you understand that your candidacy has not been rejected in principle.
14. Lie.
Lying and embellishing is very tempting. But it doesn't work. Firstly, everything secret will become clear. Secondly, the probationary period will in any case show your true qualities. Not all means are good here. Often honesty is the best solution. Mark Twain said: “If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” They will incriminate you later.
Irina Davydova
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Such a traditional procedure is a very difficult and nerve-wracking test for any applicant. Moreover, during an interview it plays a less significant role than correct answers to the employer’s questions and competent behavior.
What mistakes do job seekers most often make, and how to avoid them?
- Your appearance. Everyone knows the well-known saying about the first impression “by clothes”. And, coming to an interview with piercings, fashionable ripped jeans and a T-shirt with Che Guevara, there is no point in counting on the approval of your candidacy. The appearance must match the situation. Basic rules: no sneakers, sneakers or provocatively high stilettos. No bags with dangling leather tinsel and a dozen badges. No dreadlocks or mohawks. The ideal option is a classic suit or skirt/trousers (black bottom, white top), neat hairstyle, discreet makeup. When applying for a creative position, you can dress more fashionably, but within reason.
- Say goodbye to the vacant position in advance. Being late for your interview means immediately admitting your irresponsibility. Were there serious reasons for being late? Briefly state (without making excuses!) the reason and apologize.
- Do you like to embellish your advantages a little and hide your shortcomings deeper? As for the second point, you are doing the right thing. But with the first, be careful: an experienced manager will always sense lies and your excessive zeal in embellishing your talents. The most serious mistake will be lying about your experience and qualifications - the truth will be revealed already in the first days of your work. Therefore, be honest with your employer. If you are afraid that you will be rejected due to lack of experience in any matter, tell them that you are easy to train and are ready to improve your skills.
- "Who will remember the old..." Never make your former colleagues or superiors look bad. Even if you are still drinking valerian after leaving your former job. Firstly, this will not endear you to your future employer (on the contrary, it will put you on guard). Secondly, by such an act you are not belittling your former colleagues, but yourself (a worthy person will never slander or gossip about anyone). Be careful, correct and answer such questions as briefly as possible.
- “How much will I get?”. A question that is always on the applicant’s tongue. But asking it is awkward and scary. In fact, there is nothing to be afraid of. The worst thing that can happen is refusal. But you didn’t come to beg for money, but to get a job. Therefore, the money question is quite appropriate. The main thing is not to shy away, not to ingratiate yourself and behave confidently. Like a person who knows his worth. Experts advise not to ask this question first, but to wait until the employer himself starts talking about salary. But it often happens that the main question doesn’t even get discussed at the interview. And after getting hired, it will be very disappointing to find out that your salary is lower than that of your neighbor who sells vegetables at the market. Therefore, in advance (while still at home), find out how much money you can count on for the chosen position, so that you are ready to name it. And if the employer plays a silent game, then at the end of the interview, ask the question yourself. But only if you are sure that they are interested in you.
- The interview has come to an end, and the employer doesn’t ask you anything? Apparently you couldn't interest him. If there is interest in the applicant, there will definitely be questions. The same applies to you: if there is interest, then there will be questions about the future position - responsibilities, the question of subordination, the need for business trips, etc. A big mistake would be your question: “What does your company do?” . You should know everything about the company - from its history to the latest market news.
- No matter how much you rehearse in advance the role of a confident applicant who is being torn apart by competing companies, your fears and doubts will be on your face. And for an experienced manager it will not be difficult to assume that you are hiding your lack of experience or something else under feigned bravado. Therefore, remember modesty, which should be harmoniously combined with self-confidence. Insolence, bragging and feet on the table are unnecessary.
- Excessive shyness is also not good. If you were asked the question: “What can you do? How exactly can you be useful to us?”, then the phrase “Oh, well, I’ll praise myself!” - error. Prepare in advance for your oral resume by highlighting those real strengths that will open the doors for you to the desired position.
- Spit out the chewing gum before you even open the door to the building. And at the same time turn off your mobile phone. And, of course, it is strictly forbidden to come to an interview wearing smoky clothes and smelling like yesterday’s “successful” party.
- Do not mention in conversation that you have a dozen more such companies on your list, and in each of them they are waiting for you as a dear guest. Even if it is. The employer must understand that you have dreamed of working for him all your life, and you are not considering other options at all.
- Before leaving the office, do not forget to ask about further interaction – should you wait for a call, call yourself, or come at a convenient time.
And, of course, remember that You shouldn’t interrupt your interlocutor, talk about your problems, boast about “cool” acquaintances and drag out each answer for 15-20 minutes. Be concise, polite, tactful, attentive and thoughtful. And remember that they choose you, not you. Therefore, until you start working, there is no need to download your license and demand a social package and a dentist.
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