Common job interview mistakes can easily be avoided using these good interview tips.

These are the ten most common interview mistakes that employers and
hiring managers complain
about. They can be lethal to your job interview performance and cost your the job. Taking
some simple steps will help you avoid these mistakes in your next job
interview.

The most common job interview mistakes and how to avoid them

The biggest mistakes to avoid in your next job interview include:

1. Not Preparing for the Interview

Not doing your homework and not preparing adequately for the interview
beforehand shows you up as a disinterested and unprofessional candidate.

The best way to impress your interviewer is to demonstrate your interest and commitment by referring to your company background research in both your interview answers and the questions you ask.

2. Inappropriate Interview Dress

Hiring managers state that one of the most common job interview mistakes that candidates make is dressing incorrectly. It is key to know the job interview dress code of the company where you are interviewing and to select your interview clothes accordingly.

3. Arriving Late

One of the worst job interview mistakes is to not be on time for the interview. The whole interview process is compromised as you will have to work very hard to overcome creating an initial bad impression.

Collect all the necessary details beforehand to ensure that you arrive on time – directions, travel times, transport options. Make a practice run if possible to ensure you know where you are going and how long it takes.

The first impression you make is crucial to the way the rest of your interview goes.

4. Stumbling over Interview Answers

Being
unable to clearly articulate responses to the questions you face is a
candidate’s worst nightmare. Avoid this interview mistake by preparing
and practicing your answers to typical interview questions beforehand.

This
will ensure that you are ready with the information you are asked for
and you are able to present it confidently to the interviewer without stumbling over words in the interview.

Sometimes candidates do not understand the question and instead of seeking clarification they answer with the wrong information. Find out how to clarify interview questions that you are unsure of.

5. Failing to Ask Good Questions

Interviewers
are unimpressed when they ask the candidate if they have any questions
and the candidate does not! Having no questions indicates that you are
not sufficiently interested and have not thought much about the
position. You should arrive with a list of several prepared questions that you can use when necessary.

You will want to find out certain details about the position as well as
show the interviewer that you have done some serious thinking about the
job and the company. Avoid making one of the most damaging job
interview mistakes and have some insightful questions ready.

6. Talking Too Much

Rambling
on and telling the interviewer more than they want to know can quickly
lose their interest. Make sure your answers are relevant and focused.
The best way to do this is to prepare and practice your interview
answers beforehand.

Confirm you have understood what information the interviewer wants by asking a clarifying question, such as,  “Should I focus on …”.
Listen actively to what the interviewer is saying to make sure you get
the right message. This takes concentration and focus. These tips for job interview communication will help you avoid this mistake.

Inappropriate jokes can be a real job interview disaster. The rule of thumb is to avoid making jokes at this time.

7. Appearing Over-Anxious

Interviews
are stressful.

Nervous and anxious behavior can be off-putting and lead
to job interview mistakes. It is important to overcome interview nerves and come across as confident and comfortable.

8. Not Displaying a Positive Attitude

Complaining
about former employers and colleagues creates a negative impression.
Disclosing inappropriate details such as the problems you had with a
former manager and seeming defensive when responding to difficult interview questions, such as reasons for leaving previous jobs, also conveys a negative attitude.

Focus
on positive topics and achievements. Be enthusiastic about what you
have learned from previous challenges and how overcoming problems has
developed you positively as a person. Prepare job interview answers to tricky questions.

9. Appearing Distracted

Avoid
fiddling with anything while you are talking or listening to the
interviewer.

We interviewed a candidate who tried to balance his pencil
on his fingers, it kept falling off and, unbelievable as it seems, at
one point he was scrabbling on the floor for it!

10. Leaving on the Wrong Note

It is important to close the interview
properly and leave the interviewer with a good impression. Asking
relevant questions about the hiring process, thanking the interviewer
and leaving on a confident note all ensure that you will be remembered
as a good job candidate.

What should you avoid saying in your job interview?

What else should you not say in your interview?

Find out more about how to perfect your job interview technique

What should I do if I mess up in an interview?

What can you do when know you have made mistakes in your interview and you want to put it right?

• Reflect on the interview and make a list of what went wrong
• Consider how you can make sure these mistakes can be avoided in any future interviews
• Send a polite thank you letter and address any issues that you can in your email or letter. Interview Thank You Letters Template
• Include your references to address any areas of concern
• Ask
  for a second chance. Email the interviewer thanking him or her for the
  interview, explaining what you think went wrong in the interview and
  requesting a second meeting.

How to fix a bad job interview

Best interview preparation help

This interview checklist will help you to be well prepared to avoid job interview mistakes and win in your interview.

Stop interview mistakes before they happen by using this mock job interview to practice before you go for your interview.

What to do after the interview

Don’t make the mistake of not following up properly after your interview. We show you what to do after the interview

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