Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Whether you’ve just scored an interview with your dream company or you’ve secured an informal meeting with a potential employer it is essential to make a good impression face to face. If you are at the interview stage, your application and CV have already impressed them- so surely the interview will be easy, right?
…Well, interviews are all about our interpersonal skills. They are also a great way to showcase your personality and talk passionately about your ambitions for the role. Interviews can be nerve-wracking but avoiding these common mistakes will help you to impress your interviewer.
1. Timing
-It goes without saying but, make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your interview is scheduled. Your ability to keep time says a lot about yourself. If you arrive late to an interview, you give the impression that your time is more valuable, which could set your interview off to a rocky start.
2. Eye Contact
-From the beginning of the interview process be sure to maintain good eye contact. It’s natural to look at other things now and then, but keeping good eye contact shows that you are confident and engaged in the conversation and have conviction in what you say.
3. Inconsistency
– Make sure you’ve analysed your CV, application, and any professional information about yourself online. Remember the most relevant bits of information and if there is any inconsistency, make sure you’re ready to address it. The interviewee will, more often than not, refer to your CV or application, so it makes sense to review it and be ready for anything they may question you on.
4. Listen
– It’s great to be prepared for an interview and have a few great example answers ready but remember to listen to the questions, and adapt your examples accordingly.
5. Speak Clearly and Avoid Repetition
-Make sure you are speaking clearly and avoid rambling. You should also try your hardest to avoid repetition. For example, many of us are guilty of overusing the word ‘like’.
6. Ask Questions
– It is important to prepare a couple of questions to ask the interviewer as this shows you have researched their business and are interested in what they offer.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Finding example interview questions and practising answering them out loud is a great tip. As with most things, interviews become easier with time.