DON'T RUIN YOUR INTERVIEW !
· Even if you have the perfect resume, any of these mistakes will ruin your interview.
1. Being late
· Arriving late to a job interview is often an instant deal-breaker.
· If you're late, the interviewers may assume you'll be unreliable once on the job.
· Always allow more time as a buffer to get to your interview, in case something goes wrong.
2. Being unprepared
· Poor homework about the company, or your job description, reflects your unpreparedness.
3. Not showing enthusiasm
· Being lacklustre or unenthusiastic in the interview reflects that you will not be involved at the workplace.
· Employers want candidates who seem committed and excited, so don't hesitate to articulate your interest in the job.
4. Being rude to the receptionist
· Make sure that you're polite to everyone you encounter, as many interviewers will even ask the receptionist what they think of you.
· If you were rude or arrogant, it may cost you a good job.
5. Sounding bitter
· Even if an extended period of unemployment has made you bitter, maintain a more positive outlook during the interview to avoid turning off potential employers.
6. Unable to give specific examples
· Go to the interview prepared with specific examples from your past that show how you've used your problem-solving and initiative skills at work.
7. Claiming that you have no weaknesses
· Always respond with a realistic assessment of areas where you could improve, as it reflects your insight and self-awareness.
· A good employer genuinely cares about your potential fitness for the job, and having an honest discussion of your fit is a crucial part of that.
8. Answering your cell phone
· If you forget to turn your phone off and it rings, that's probably forgivable, but answering it is a big mistake.
· If your phone rings mid-interview, look mortified and apologize profusely, and then turn it off.
9. Sharing inappropriately
· Do not talk about how much you hated your old company, or the fact that you dated your boss, or your family's medical problems.
· Employers expect professional boundaries and discretion.
10. Lying about anything
· Never lie about why you left your last job, or say that you finished your degree when you really didn't, as it is an instant deal-breaker.
· Employers want to hire candidates with integrity, not people who show they're willing to lie.
· And while you might think you won't get caught, your employer might know who knows the truth.