What Should You Avoid When Going for A Job Interview?

A job interview is a significant event for many companies and job seekers alike. It helps employers determine if job candidates’ skills align with the company’s requirements and objectives. What’s more, it helps candidates to be better acquainted with prospective colleagues, while obtaining information to ascertain if the job is suitable for them. Seeing that job interviews are significant, it is logical that you prepare for them. Statistics reveal that recruiters only need 90 seconds to determine if they would hire a candidate. This means that you can’t afford to make errors that could cost you your dream jobs. Here are things to avoid when going for a job interview. 

1. Having little information on the company

You don’t want to go for an interview without gathering ample information about the company involved. Clueless candidates put off recruiters regarding the company, including their values and objectives. Legal Jobs statistics indicate that 47% of job seekers lost opportunities because they lacked information regarding the company or desired jobs. Moreover, public policy executive Jeanne Miller Rodriguez revealed that candidates couldn’t successfully articulate their skills and experiences that fit the job description if they didn’t do their homework. 

It becomes imperative to thoroughly research the company to show your recruiters that you are interested in the job. Besides, it will also help you craft meaningful questions that will wow your potential employers, increasing your chances of landing the job. As a tip, gather info on how long they’ve been in existence, their mission, the current CEO, their products and services, etc. Their website holds ample information about their culture, mission statement, team, etc., so keep this in mind. You can also leverage their social media platforms, Google news, LinkedIn, etc., for the best results. 

2. Turning up late without prior notice

It’s bad enough that you’re coming late for your interview. It’s even worse when you do this without proper notice. Arriving at the venue on time shows your recruiters that you understand time management, while being late may give the opposite impression. Even though some employers may forgive your delay and give you a chance, others may reschedule you or refuse the interview. Therefore, it’s prudent to be there on time for the best results. However, be careful not to arrive too early, as it may be perceived as desperation. Usually, recruiters have other plans, which is why they gave you a set time. So coming extremely early can cause a change in their plans and leave a bad impression on you. 

That said, experts recommend that you show up 15 minutes earlier to check-in and relax before the big moment. Therefore, it’s best to set the alarm to help you wake up ahead of time and prepare your outfit in advance to avoid delay. You can also plan your route to the venue to avoid surprises. Suppose you didn’t intend to be late but couldn’t help it. In that case, you need to inform your interviewer when you are running late. Be sure to give your reasons to keep them in the loop. By all means, avoid blaming other people or circumstances for being late. Instead, accept responsibility and apologize for your delay. Experts also recommend that you call your recruiter instead of text so that they can hear the sincerity in your voice and empathize with you. As a tip, remain calm and accept an interview reschedule if offered to you. 

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3. Showing up for an interview in the inappropriate dressing

According to Inc.com, 71% of recruiters will reject candidates who violate the appropriate dress code memo. This staggering statistic reveals how important your dressing means to your interview success. Although each company has its dress code, certain principles are cut across. For instance, you don’t want to go too casual, even if the interview setting is informal. You want to avoid wearing flip-flops, tank tops, ripped jeans, yoga pants, sneakers, etc. experts also advise that you avoid wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable attire that may affect your confidence and concentration levels. Again, it would help understand the company culture regarding dressing, making research important. 

To leave a good impression on your hirers, be sure to practice good personal hygiene. Therefore, trim your fingernails, have fresh breath and avoid body odor. You can use minimal cologne or perfume so as not to possibly upset people with allergies. Make sure that your hair is properly arranged to suit the occasion. As a tip, you can utilize the best neutral and fragrance-free hair products for the best results. Experts also recommend a power pantsuit, skirt suit, or work dress for ladies, although it’s up to you to choose the most comfortable. Likewise, experts also advise that men go with a gray or navy two-piece business suit, with the belt matching their shoes.  

4. Lying on your resume

Perhaps your dream job has some requirements that you don’t possess at the moment. Indeed, it can be tempting to include things on your resume that are not true. While it might seem a good idea, lying can affect you long-term. It’s dangerous to think that no one will fact-check your resume and point out your lies. These days, it’s easy to obtain information on search engines, and you can email your past employers and schools to verify your claim. Even if you pass the interview, your inability to perform your tasks effectively will expose the lie. You can lose your job, credibility, and reputation if your trickery is eventually discovered. 

Therefore, it’s best to be honest with your recruiters about your skills, qualifications, and experiences. Instead of exaggerating, you can highlight your strengths, positive attributes, and skills relevant to the job role. You can also boost your resume by including non-work-related experiences like charity work and other certifications that will help your position in the company. Thankfully, you can correct your mistakes with certain tips if you have lied on your resume. For instance, you can tell your recruiter there were errors in the first resume and submit an updated copy. You can also come clear and tell the truth.