We all make mistakes, during interviews, on the job or in our relationships. Don’t sweat it! But, don’t take potential mistakes too lightly either. The interview could be the most nerve-racking thing you might do, so the chance to make mistakes is greater than ever.
The best way to avoid mistakes is to be prepared, be calm, and be thorough in all that you do before, during and after the interview.
Here’s our top 20 mistakes you can avoid and hopefully increase the chance for that job:
- Not taking a phone interview seriously. Many candidates are eliminated on that first call.
- Dressing inappropriately. First impressions count and knowing the job counts too.
- Showing up too late or too early.
- Chewing gum during or smoking before the interview.
- Bringing a food or drink with you on the interview.
- Bringing another person with you to the interview—this is about you.
- Not getting enough sleep the night before or worse, being hungover. Yeah it happens.
- Wearing too much much perfume or cologne.
- Going to the interview if you are sick.
- Not bringing extra copies of your resume or a list of references as appropriate.
- Leaving your cell phone on during the interview. Silence your phone and don’t take calls or texts.
- Not remembering the interviewer's name and not introducing yourself.
- Interrupting the interviewer during the interview
- Not communicating clearly during the interview. Too many umm’s and uhh’s.
- Talking too much or cutting off the interviewer when they’re speaking.
- Not smiling enough or making eye contact with the interviewer.
- Criticizing your last company or boss.
- Asking about salary, benefits or time-off right away.
- Neglecting to thank the interviewer for the opportunity to meet with him or her.
- Not sending a thank-you note after the interviewer.
Don’t stress about mistakes when they do happen. Apologize at the moment if necessary, just don’t make excuses. Being prepared is the best defense against interview mistakes.
