As a job seeker, what we usually want to see are tips on how to ace an interview , but let us not forget about the things that might cause you not to ace the interview.
Over-scheduling
It doesn’t matter whether you are employed or not—you need to schedule your time properly. If you squeeze too many activities into the day, you are bound to mess up in one of them. When several companies invite you for an interview on the same day, it is important to give ample time for everything. If you feel that there isn’t enough time, schedule your interviews on different days in order to avoid conflict.
Answering your phone/texting
You feel anxious and feel you need to talk to a friend, so you decide to send them a text message. The interviewer comes in and sees you texting, and this is not the ideal first impression.
Perhaps even worse is if you forgot to put your phone in silent mode or didn’t turn it off, and your phone rings with a ringtone that’s clearly inappropriate and you say that you need to take the call.
Being clueless about the company
When coming to an interview, it’s expected of the applicant to know the ins and outs of the business. If you go to your interview without any idea how their business runs, you can say goodbye to any chances of getting hired.
Smoking before the Interview
Not everybody smokes cigarettes, and might encounter an interviewer that is repulsed of the smell of cigarettes. It is wise to avoid smoking on the day of your interview until you’re all done with interviews for that day. If you don’t think you smell, ask someone outside of your home that doesn’t smoke, because your nose may be immune to the smell already.
Asking how long before you get promoted
Employers love ambitious employees, but if you bluntly ask how long it will take before you get promoted, you will never hear from them again. There are better ways of learning about the career progression timeframe in a company, such as asking why the position is open, or better yet, waiting until you start working there and seeing for yourself.
It’s a temporary thing
Your plan might be to find a temporary job while waiting for a better opportunity or until your business picks up. It is not a bad motive at all, but employers don’t want to hear this from potential employees because they are hiring to find a permanent solution.
Hitting on the receptionist
You arrive for an interview and see that the receptionist is attractive. You feel a strong urge to introduce yourself and try to get her number. However, unbeknownst to you, the receptionist is the daughter of your interviewer, and by giving in to your urge, all chances of getting hired are lost. Don’t make this mistake—show some self-control!
Improper/insufficient grooming
You thought the interviewer wouldn’t notice if you came to the interview without proper grooming. Your hair and beard are overgrown, or perhaps forgot to brush your teeth. If you don’t put in the effort to prepare for the interview, then the employer would assume that you would behave the same way on the job.
Bodily functions
Farting, drooling, burping, and belching are some of the things that you want to avoid doing at all costs during an interview. This rule is in effect before, during, and after the interview.
Attitude
You may have the best resume and the most experience, but if you also have a bad attitude, expect the employer to choose someone who has less experience but also has a better attitude, one that can help the company grow.
When you receive an invitation for an interview, you need to make sure that it will not go to waste. In a time when a lot of people are unemployed, you have a good opportunity to change that; prepare for your interview, avoid all of the bad habits, and get ready for a great career.
