Ahhh interviews. That minor stumbling block between us and getting that dream job we KNOW we’d be perfect for. The simple questions that lead us in to a panic. (Name? What’s my name?! Do I even have one?? WHO AM I?!!) Ok so maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. However never fear because the list below will serve as everything to avoid doing to land that job. Don’t forget to thank me when you’re having cocktails on a beach on your paid vacation:
1. Turn up late
How you conduct yourself with regards to the interview is a reflection of how you will in the job. Turning up late, rushed and panicking therefore is not going to impress the interviewers.
2. DON’T research the job and company beforehand
I mean really, who NEEDS to know how well the company they’re going to work for has done in the last year. Shock, horror YOU if you want the job. Know what they do, how long they’ve been running for, if they’ve won any awards etc. It’ll make you look capable and serious about wanting the position
3. DON’T turn up dressed appropriately
Dress to impress is the key. Confident, classy and comfortable. If you can’t walk in 6 inch heels without falling, don’t.
4. Ignore all etiquette
Over confidence can be mistaken for arrogance. Be confident within yourself but also polite. Keep calm, shake the hand of the interviewer/ees and then sit down when asked.
5. Lie. About anything
Never outright lie on your CV or in your answers. If it comes back you have lied about a work place or skill, not only will it affect this job it could also affect applying for a future position if word gets around. It’s really not worth it.
6. Fidget uncontrollably and talk fast
Don’t distract yourself or the interviewer. Remain calm, take questions one at a time and answer to the best of your ability. Try to talk at an even pace. Talking too quickly can cause you to trip over your words.
7. Sit in silence and give one word answers
Interviewers will working from a mark scheme. If you don’t say it, they can’t give you the marks. Stick to the STAR technique for contextual questions.
8. Talk over the interviewers
Remember you’re the one being interviewed, not conducting it. Find a nice balance and never interrupt or talk over the person interviewing you.
9. Panic and walk out before the interview is over
We’ll not lie, interviews can be stressful. A question which you don’t understand can throw you into disarray. Keep calm and ask the interviewer to repeat or explain the question. If you genuinely don’t know the answer, be honest with them and explain it’s something you don’t know at the minute but would love to further your knowledge of in the future.
10. Never practice questions and never know your CV well
Practice makes perfect. Look up questions online, prepare answers or book an appointment with a careers consultant to discuss interview techniques. Employers will read your CV and chances are will ask you questions relating to it. Ensure you know it inside out and aren’t caught out by anything.
Interviews can be a nightmare. However, if you prepare in time and keep calm, a lot of anxiety can be avoided. Follow these tips and before you know it Forbes will be naming you in their top 500 rich list! (NH)