Job interviews are possibly one of the worst things you will do in life for a lot of people. Some people are really good at them and can expertly sail through any interview regardless of its difficulty but then there are others who have sleepless nights and who sweat profusely at the thoughts of the impending train wreck that will be their upcoming interview.
Bearing this in mind, if you are the first type of person mentioned, you will roll your eyes at this post but if you are the second, pay attention to this quick guide telling you what NOT to do in an interview.
Don't:
1. Dress like you're going to a nightclub
What you wear to an interview says a lot about you and unless the job you are interviewing for is a host/hostess in Krystle, avoid sky high heels you can't walk in, clothes that could potentially be either a belt or a skirt they're so skimpy and make up that looks like it was put on with a shovel. For the lads, you can't go wrong with a solid, well fitting suit.
2. Tell them your life story
Sorry to break it to you, but interviewers don't care that you won a trophy for 'most improved' Irish dancer in your parish hall when you were nine. 'Tell me about yourself' means a brief introduction to who you are and your college/working background. Keep it short and sweet.
3. Say 'Ah shit that's a tough one'
Swearing isn't becoming of anyone, ever, and it's definitely not suitable etiquette in an interview situation, so if like me, you have a potty mouth you have the potential to fail the interview with one quick word. Be on your guard and think very carefully before you accidentally spew profanities at the interviewer.
4. Act like you're chilling in your sitting room watching TV
Being comfortable in an interview is important but don't take it to the extreme and go full on FIFA playing pose, sitting open legged with your arms resting on your knees or slouching in your seat and throwing your feet on the nearest chair. Sit up straight, but not so straight that you look like you have a poker stuck up your arse. Good posture = good impression.
5. Speak about the wages you are looking for
Talking about what you will be paid always irritates possible future employers. If they don't bring it up, don't start saying 'so, what type of money will I be making?'. You haven't got the job yet, and asking this won't do you any favours. Usually it will say it in the job specifications available before the interview but if you're still unsure after the interview, if you get the job offer, then you can politely discuss the money side of things.
6. Be bad mannered
This kind of fits in with numbers three and four but lateness is another bad trait. If you are strolling in to an interview ten minutes late you can stroll right back out the door because you are not getting the job. Another thing that really irritates interviewers is chewing gum. It's understandable that while you are a nervous, sweaty mess your mouth is like the sahara desert and you don't want to choke while trying to answer a question but seeing the chewing gum hanging out the side of your mouth is not a good look and is very distracting, as is popping the gum in your interviewer's face. They won't hear a thing you say and you will soon be getting the 'this time you were unsuccessful' email.
7. Be arrogant
Confidence is crucial, whether it's real or put on but there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance so please don't showcase the latter. Bigging yourself up to be the best thing since sliced bread isn't going to win you any fans so talk up your skills and strong points but don't go overboard.
8. Ask 'what exactly does your company do?'
Have you heard of a thing called 'the internet'? Oh, you have. Well then use it. Research of the company you are interviewing for is not difficult to do and throwing in a subtle fact about the news report you read on their success will do you no harm. It's also a good idea to have a quick creep (not in a weird way) on your interviewer and see if there is anything you have in common or a way to get on their good side.
9. Stare at the interviewer as if they have ten heads
So, they throw you a curve ball of a question that you did not anticipate and internally you are having a meltdown. Relax, you got this! If needs be, repeat the question asked to give yourself time to gather your thoughts and then say something, anything rather than staring blankly at the interviewer. Similarly, when they ask, and they always ask, 'do you have any questions for me?' don't gaze at them shaking your head saying 'nah I think I'm good'. You know this question is coming so have something prepared, even if it's just asking for a bit more information about the job post itself or to clarify something about the company. It shows interest.
Best of luck!
Tags:
