Having trouble passing your job interviews, and you don’t know why? I can relate to that. I also had difficulty with these before working for Remote Staff. No matter how prepared you think you are, it’s still easy to make mistakes when face to face with your interviewer. Or when the job interview questions you were asked are more challenging than you expected.
So before you apply for your next traditional or online job, here are 10 easy to miss job interview mistakes you should know and avoid. As the saying goes: “First impressions lasts.” Ensure your interviewer’s first impression of you is as best as possible by knowing these job interview tips.
You Don’t Know Anything About the Company.
One of the other common job interview mistakes that applicants make is not researching the company they’re applying for. Admittedly, I used to be like this. When I first looked for work, I was focused more on which position was vacant; and not much about the company hiring.
I thought my interviewer would explain what the company is to me. Imagine my surprise when they didn’t. Instead, knowing about the company was part of the job interview questions. You can guess what happened next. Suffice to say, I didn’t get to work for that company.
To avoid this from happening to you, be sure to do at least basic research on the company’s background. This can be as simple as checking the “about us” section of their website. Doing this also helps you form good questions to ask your interviewer showing your interest in the company.
You’re Inappropriately Dressed for the Interview.
Just because interviews are now online doesn’t mean you can wear whatever you want anymore. If you go into your interview wearing casual clothes, you’re essentially saying you’re not taking the interview seriously. If that’s the case, why should your interviewer consider your application?
When going to your interview, wear your best professional attire. Although smart-casual may be alright for some employers, it is still preferable to wear a suit just to be safe. If you’re unsure about what to wear, you can ask your interviewer in advance regarding their preferred interview dress code.
Arriving Late for the Interview.
There is never a good reason to be late for your interview. Before you say it, no. Filipino time isn’t an excuse for being tardy, especially if your interviewer is a foreigner. Aside from being rude, showing up late shows to your interviewer that they can’t rely on you to follow through with agreements.
Fortunately, one of the distinct advantages of an online interview is that you don’t need to commute to meet your interviewer anymore. Turn on your computer fifteen to twenty minutes before your interview, and you’re set. If you’re having trouble remembering your interview time, note it down; so you don’t forget it.
Lying About Your Credentials.
Okay. Technically this isn’t an easy to miss interview mistake. After all, lying during your interview is a deliberate action, yet it’s still worth mentioning here. With how tough getting a job today is, many unscrupulous applicants are now resorting to lying to get past their job interview questions.
Although it may seem like a good idea at first, there are several reasons why this isn’t a good idea. Probably the most significant is when your employers discover your deception, you can say goodbye to your career. Remember, the remote work community is tight-knit. Once word of your actions comes out, nobody will hire you anymore.
You Didn’t Explain Your Accomplishments Well.
When your interviewer asks you to talk about your accomplishments, how did you answer their question? Did you mention concrete examples from your previous work, such as a problem you encountered, how you solved it or not, and the lessons you learned from it? Or did you just vaguely talk about your previous work to your interviewer?
It’s not enough to simply enumerate what you wrote in your resume to your interviewer when asked about your accomplishments. You must be able to tell what you did in your previous work and how it helped you grow in your field.
Bringing Food and Beverages During Your Interview.
Nothing shows disrespect and unprofessionalism to your interviewer than bringing food and beverages during your interview. Aside from showing you’re unprofessional, it also shows where your priorities lie. Apparently, having your snack is more important to you than potentially getting a job.
So if you want to avoid this, either eat before or after your interview. Personally, I recommend eating before; so that you have the strength and energy to answer your job interview questions well.
Your Background During the Interview Is Too Distracting.
This job interview mistake is specific to those undergoing online interviews. During your video call with your interviewer, ensure that your background looks as professional as you. You don’t want to embarrass yourself by showing something private to your interviewer now, do you? Or, you don’t want your family or pets to accidentally disrupt your interview, right?
So, during your interview, it would be wise to set up somewhere private and devoid of distractions so you can focus. Make sure to also use a white or professional digital background so you will appear more formal to your interviewer.
You Appear Desperate To Your Interviewer.
With how difficult it is to get a job today, it’s perfectly understandable that you’re determined to get a job. However, be careful not to sound too desperate in front of your interviewer. Doing so can seriously turn them off from hiring you, as they’ll be skeptical of your abilities.
During your interview, maintain eye contact and smile at your interviewer. Don’t smile like you’re going to eat them. Just a small, friendly smile would do. Also, avoid discussing salary or benefits with them unless they tell it to you first.
You Talk Too Little or Too Much.
Perhaps one of the most common job interview mistakes applicants make is either too much or too little talking. Being too chatty with your interviewer may make them feel uncomfortable and annoyed with you. Not talking enough may make them think you’re not paying attention to them.
I know. Interviews make you nervous. If you’re having trouble holding a conversation with your interviewer, try rehearsing with a friend to get the hang of it.
Not Testing Your Gadgets Ahead of Time.
If you’re going to an online interview, test your gadgets beforehand. Make sure they have the necessary online communication apps that you will be using. Be sure that your camera and microphone are connected and ready as well. In case you’re using a laptop or phone, check if their batteries are charged and have your chargers close at hand.
Additionally, in case of a sudden loss of electricity or internet, ensure that you have a backup phone or pocket wifi that you can use. After returning to your interview, apologize to your interviewer for the interruption and pick off from where you left off; so you don’t waste any more time.
First Impressions Lasts.
Interviews are always a daunting experience. I, too, experienced being rejected because I inadvertently made at least one of these job interview mistakes. To help you avoid my mistakes, here are ten common mistakes you should avoid during your own interview. Good luck, and I hope these job interview tips will help you ace your interview and land your dream job.
