1) Arriving too late or too early for the job interview
The first rule of job interviews is to never arrive late because tardiness could be perceived as unreliability. However, do not arrive too early either. This could give the wrong impression that you want the hiring manager to see you at your chosen time, right at that moment, without taking into consideration their work schedule.
What to Do: Make it a point to arrive at the interview venue 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time. If you are unfamiliar with the venue, plan your route in advance or leave your house earlier. If you do arrive with plenty of time to spare, visit a nearby café and wait. Take the opportunity to freshen up and look presentable.
2) Dressing too casually
Do not attend a job interview in casual wear. While there are companies that do not implement strict dress codes at work, make an effort to look prim and proper to leave a great first impression.
What to Do: Avoid wearing T-shirts, tank tops, jeans, or shorts. For men, dress in a nicely pressed shirt topped with a blazer and a tie. For women, wear a perfectly ironed shirt or blouse. You could also include a blazer or coat.
3) Not being mindful of posture
The way you carry yourself speaks volumes. If you slouch, avoid eye contact, and mumble, your interviewer might think that you are unsure of yourself, unprepared, or discourteous.
What to Do: Sit up straight with your back tall and chest open. Keep your shoulders relaxed and pulled back. Maintain eye contact. If you are feeling nervous, allow yourself some time to think through your answers before responding clearly. This way, you would be less likely to stammer.
4) Not understanding the company and job position
Many job applicants attend interviews without doing research about the company beforehand as they assume that they would only be answering questions.
What to Do: Do some research about the company you are applying for a position with prior to the interview. Do not limit yourself to the company’s history, mission, and vision. Check if there are any news articles regarding the company and if there are more information about the job position beyond the listing. Remember, you are also free to ask questions during the interview.
5) Complaining about past employers
If you had been employed at a different company, it is likely that the interviewer would ask you why you left. Do not make the mistake of complaining about past employers or co-workers. Not only will this leave a bad impression, but it could also show lack of reliability because you may share your grievances at work with anyone who asks.
What to Do: Do not dwell on the past. Instead, concentrate on the job that you are aiming for. Simply say that your past job was fine, but you would like to have more opportunities to showcase your skills and take on new challenges.
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