What’s the most important part of any job hunt?
(Hint: it’s not your resume… although that is super important too.)
It’s the job interview. That’s where your potential future-employer decides if you’ll be a good fit for their available position (or not).
The last thing you want to do is accidentally show a lack of desire for the job or respect for the company. These mistakes show just that, so be sure you don’t make any of them.
- Arriving late, or not at all
Life happens and most hiring managers understand that, as long as you call ahead and let them know what’s going on. Missing an interview and then calling later to reschedule is a bad look… always cancel as soon as you can and ask to reschedule at that time. - Lack of preparation
Always research the company you’re interviewing at. General knowledge of the company is expected during the interview, and research will provide ideas for insightful questions to ask. Uninspired questions, or no questions at all, reflects a lack of interest and initiative. - Not being a team player
When interviewing, you’re talking about your achievements, so it’s natural to use “I” rather than “we.” Referring to the team rather than just yourself, however, shows you appreciate team members’ contributions and work well with others. Don’t de-emphasize your contributions though, and be specific about your role in projects and accomplishments. - Stumbling over answers
Some questions commonly come up in an interview, such as, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or “What’s a challenge you’ve had to overcome?” Not having a well-thought-out answer to those predictable questions is guaranteed to disappoint an interviewer. - Criticizing a former employer
Negativity of any kind during an interview is easily misconstrued, especially if it’s aimed at a former employer. If you have to relay a negative experience, do so by stressing the positive and providing logical explanations as to what happened. - Focusing too soon on vacation and time off
Asking about vacation and time-off policies is a reasonable part of evaluating an opportunity, but timing and context matter. During an initial interview, focus first on the position, the organization, and how you can contribute. Questions about benefits and time off are often more appropriate once the employer introduces compensation and benefits or as the conversation moves closer to an offer. - Failing to ask questions
A great way to assure a potential employer you’re the right person for the job is to collect as much information from them as they do from you. It shows you want to make an informed decision if you were to receive an offer. Remember, an interview should be a two-way discussion… you’re both making a decision about moving forward.
With the interview being one of the most important parts of your job search, your success depends on being prepared. Knowing what not to do during your job interview is just as important as knowing what to do.
