Wondering why despite your stellar academic credentials and frequent interviews, you’re getting turned down for jobs? While it’s important to make a lasting impression in an interview, you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons.
The job market is competitive and you’re eager to land a job quickly, but being in a hurry can often lead to silly mistakes and careless gaffes even without you realising it. So don’t sabotage your chances of landing a job with things you can control and avoid these 5 mistakes in your next interview.
Saying something inappropriate
Apart from turning up with a resume full of typos, the quickest way to be eliminated is making an avoidable blunder — like putting your foot in your mouth.
Making comments or statements on race, gender, or background is grounds for immediate disqualification. After all, you’re signing up to carry a company’s brand and they aren’t going to want someone with such views representing their brand.
No matter how casual the work environment or situation might be, or how comfortable you feel, do not say anything offensive or uncouth (even as a joke).
Taking selfies while waiting at the lobby
You’ve arrived early for your interview and you have some time to kill. But no matter how fancy the lobby décor is, please don’t start clicking selfies. Fiddling with your phone while waiting for your turn does not give a good impression. Instead, go through your CV or make small talk with the receptionist. Try and observe the atmosphere, pick cues about the culture and who knows it may lead you to ask a question or two about the workplace that may impress the interviewer.
Getting too friendly with the interviewer
It’s ok to be friendly in an interview, but getting too cosy and making inappropriate personal conversations can be disastrous. A classic example is going too far when answering the ‘Tell me about yourself” question. Be concise in your response and share just enough information – not too much, but also not too little.
You don’t need to act like a stranger when you evidently know someone. But, you should know how to keep the conversation professional. Interact with this person like he or she’s your boss’s boss—that means being more respectful than playful.
Badmouthing
Your last boss was an eccentric workaholic? The work culture was toxic? You hated your job and couldn’t wait to quit? Even if it’s true don’t say so. The last thing you need is a situation where the interviewer has acquaintances in your previous company, or worse personally knows your ex boss!
Bad breath or body odour
Surprised? Don’t be! This is a reason why you might be getting rejected in spite all your best efforts and awesome credentials. After all, you don’t want someone’s first impression of you to be, “Wow, this person smells awful.”
If you’re aware of the problem, then take precautions before the interview. Remember – If your odour is too distracting, you’re not going too far in your job search!
