Interview Mistakes You Must Avoid As A Candidate

Succeeding in an interview is not achieved easily, it requires a lot of hard work and preparation. Several of candidates have flunked job interviews and will continue to do so if they do not take cognisance of the interview mistakes they need to avoid. Job search can be very tiring and every interview invite should be treated with complete seriousness so as to land the job.

The market is highly competitive and to avoid bungling your next interview, here are some interview mistakes you must avoid,

LACK OF PREPARATION

Lack of preparation is an opportunity killer because some candidates assume they are ready for an interview and only spend the night to prepare for that interview.  This always means the candidate gets stressed and may cause them to forget vital information that may be useful during the interview. Adequate preparation shows your interest in the organization and to achieve this, it’s essential you practice your answers, understand what the job role entails and research the employer. Always plan to arrive at the venue before time.

FAILING TO RESEARCH THE COMPANY

The criticality of researching about the company cannot be over emphasized. It is essential you know everything about the company. Spend time knowing about the company, its size, its work culture and the industry which it operates in. Failure to research about the company keeps you in the dark and recruiters tend to see this as lack of commitment.

NOT ASKING QUESTIONS

Asking an interviewer few questions towards the end of your interview demonstrates confidence, and shows you are interested in the role. Not asking questions suggests that you are not interested in the job. However, note that your questions must be about the job role or the company.

AVOID BEING ARROGANT

It is one thing to be confident, and it’s a different thing to be arrogant. Remember the interview is the only opportunity you get impress the interviewer. So, you must not express any form of negativity to the interviewer. Refrain from using any foul or curse words when making your case to the interviewer. Be friendly and calm when responding to the questions of the interviewer.

SPEAKING NEGATIVLY ABOUT PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS

It is important you do not speak badly about your previous employer because doing so will only make the interviewer think that you might probably speak the same way about them when you are no longer with them. Keep your responses as professional as possible. Even if you have an ill against your previous employer, it is best you do not express such negativity.

NOT FOLLOWING UP WITH COMPANY

 This is a common mistake most candidates make. They think once the interview is over, then there is no need to contact the company. To stand out from the crowd, send a thank you message to the interviewer appreciating him or her for the interview opportunity. Make sure you get the email or phone number of the interviewer so that you can check up to know if you stand any chance of getting the job subsequently. And in a situation where you are not able to get the interviewer’s details, follow up using the email or phone number with which you were invited for the interview.

These are some of the mistakes you must avoid as a candidate who is looking to pass an interview and probably land that new job.