What are the most common interview mistakes? If you have sifted through the first selection of candidates for a vacant job position, the next step that follows is the job interview. Nowadays, in addition to live interviews, you can also experience remote interviews online. Find out how to deal with them, what to focus on and what clearly not to do in our guide to your job interview. We offer you 6+1 tips for success when applying for a new job.
1. Interview mistakes: don’t be unprepared
The worst thing you can do is to come to the interview “off the street”, so to speak. As much as some may make light of it, nowadays it’s essential to go into an interview with some knowledge of the company you are applying for a job with. The most common question that awaits everyone who stands before an interviewer is: “Why did you choose our company?” So prepare an answer in advance. Try to include your motivation in it. Try to say more than just that you need a new job or a better salary than you had in your previous position. Find the company’s LinkedIn profile, check out their website, familiarize yourself with the company’s vision and mission, and come up with elaborate and interesting reasons for them to remember you.
2. Don’t spoil your chances with a bad first impression
Whether you go to an interview in person or online, it’s important to make a good first impression. It’s just inherently human that we judge people based on your first feelings, so don’t try to tell yourself that it doesn’t matter that much. Try to do everything you can to be remembered in a positive light by recruiters. If you are unsure of your manners or shy, rehearse the interview in front of a mirror or ask a friend to go through a mock job interview with you. It will make you smarter and you will know at least have an idea of what awaits you.
3. Do not dress casually
You should dress appropriately for the interview, always in a polite and decent manner that does not call attention. Even in an online interview. If your recruiter notices this, they’ll appreciate that you’re not sitting in front of a monitor in your pajamas or a sports shirt. After all, appearance is the first sign that you take the interview seriously and value the chance you’ve been given.
4. Interview mistakes: don’t delay
Everybody has a situation in life when they are late for a meeting due to sudden and unpredictable reasons. However, be anticipatory and arrive at the interview location early. It is always better if you wait than if they have to wait for you. However, you should not wait for an interview at the company’s headquarters. If you arrive more than ten minutes before the meeting, wait somewhere nearby or stop for a coffee. If you do happen to be late, let your recruiter know as soon as possible. Please apologize, give the reason and the approximate time of the delay.
5. Don’t gripe or complain
Gossiping about former supervisors or colleagues is a sign of disloyalty, and complaining or bringing up unnecessary information from your past is not likely to help you get a job. If they don’t ask you directly about something from your previous job, you don’t have to tell them about it in detail. But when the need arises, try to be fair and honest. It will be a good sign to them that you can express yourself without directly compromising someone in the eyes of others.
6. Interview mistakes: don’t miss out on salary and benefits expectations
Before the interview, do a little market research on the Internet or among your friends. Find out what salaries other companies are offering for positions that are the same or similar to yours. Then compare your experiences and try to objectively assess what you could realistically ask for. Don’t underestimate yourself, but don’t overestimate yourself either. If they tell you that they are offering a lower salary for the position, try to explain why you have presented them with that amount and not a different one. Your arguments can carry weight, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
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7. Find information about working conditions in the company
Before you make a final decision to take the job, try searching the Internet for former employees’ opinions on the conditions and atmosphere in your company. This can help if you are deciding between several companies. A good tool to use here is the LinkedIn platform, where you can view the company page as well as the community of people who work there.
All we can do is wish you good luck!
