JOB Interview Dont’s
Congratulations !!!!, after many months of searching and several dead ends, you have finally been called in for a job interview…
An interview is a discussion between you and a job provider to find out if you are a right fit. So it’s your chance to make a good impression…Do keep in mind your actions, words and attitude often influence the way job provider think about you..However, there are certain rules you should follow in interviews…
Job interview pitfalls
1. Don’t be late at the interview.
2. Don’t swear or use slang words.
3. Don’t over or under dress or dress inappropriately for the position. First impressions do count and you want to be dressed to show that you fit into the desired role.
4. Limit your application of colognes and perfumes. Invading aromas can arouse allergies. Being the candidate that gave the interviewer a headache isn’t going to do anything in your favor.
5. Don’t forget to take with you extra copies of your resume as well as a notebook and pen with which you can take notes if needed.
6. Don’t forget to shake the hand of the Interviewer firmly – a limp or sweaty handshake will not be looked on favorably
7. Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke.
8. Don’t go to extremes with your posture; don’t slouch, and don’t sit rigidly on the edge of your chair.
9. Don’t act distracted. Look the Interviewer straight in the eye and give him your full and undivided attention.
10. Don’t allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and ignore it.) Don’t take a cell phone call. Don’t look at a text message.
11. Don’t assume that a female interviewer is “Mrs.” or “Miss.” Address her as “Ms.” unless told otherwise. (If she has a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree or medical degree, use “Dr. [lastname]” just as you would with a male interviewer. Marital status of anyone, male or female, is irrelevant to the purpose of the interview.
12. Don’t let your body language send the wrong messages. Be aware of the non verbal cues you are sending out! Sit upright and straight in the chair facing the employer and smile. Lean forward occasionally to express interest. Avoid crossing your arms or legs in front of you (suggests defensiveness), slouching in the chair (suggests sloppiness and lack of energy), leaning too far back (may be interpreted as being overly familiar and disrespectful), talking to the floor (lack of confidence)
13. Don’t refer to the Interviewer by his first name unless he specifically asks you to do so.
14. Don’t talk about your weaknesses or failings or apologize for lack of education, experience, training etc. Everyone has weaknesses; the Interview is the time to showcase your enthusiasm and strengths.
15. Don’t make negative comments about previous job providers or college you attended.This is never acceptable and particularly works against you in the Interview.
16. Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.
17. Don’t falsify application materials or answers to interview questions.
18. Don’t treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization.
19. Don’t act tired or jaded. Job providers are invariably looking for someone to energize, inspire and uplift the team. Try to act enthusiastic and full of energy and motivation.
20. Don’t give the impression you are interested in that perticular company because of salary or geographic location; don’t ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your job provider.
21. Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
22. Don’t act unfocused and uncertain about what you want.
23. Don’t lie. Answer briefly, truthfully and concisely.
24. Don’t interrupt.
25. Don’t make the job provider guess what type of work you are interested in; it is not the job providers’s job to act as a career advisor to you.
26. Avoid giving ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Support your answers with examples and be as factual and concise as you can.
27. A job search can be hard work and involve frustrations; don’t exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview.
28. Don’t talk about your personal life. You have not been hired yet so keep it professional.
29. Don’t discuss controversial topics such as religion, politics and gender relations.
30. Don’t drop names of influential friends and acquaintances unless you are passing a message or someone has referred you. Be very careful and professional when you mention names of clients and make sure you are never giving out confidential information.
31. Don’t ask about holidays, perks, hours or compensation until you’ve actually been made a serious offer.
32. Don’t act overly confident or superior. Ultimately, unless you are applying to the very senior level positions, the job provider is looking for someone who is manageable and will fit into the team.
33. Don’t argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive
34. If you have more than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address both people with your gaze (without looking like a tennis spectator) and return your attention to the person who has asked you a question.
35. Stand up and smile even if you are on a phone interview. Standing increases your level of alertness and allows you to become more engaged in the conversation. Say Goodbye Gracefully After a few well-thought-out questions and answers with your job provider, it’s almost over, but don’t lose your cool just yet. Make sure your goodbye handshake is just as confident now as it was going in.
