Common mistakes in a job interview that may lose you the job

It is not easy, especially during the time of pandemics when many industries are closing their doors. There is a steep competition your resume has to go through before getting a call for an interview. But it is very easy to make a blunder and make a mess of it, causing you to lose your job. Here is a list of common mistakes that many do not realize that cost them their dream job.

Inappropriate dressing 

We all know how important it is to make an excellent first impression, and your choice of dress plays a crucial role in it. But dressing up for a job interview has become much more complicated after the post covid era. Home office and remote work have blended our personal and professional life. So many make the mistake of walking into an interview without being adequately dressed. It is essential to be professional, and business casual dress can be a great option. If you are not sure, it is always better to overdress, so we recommend that you look professional and polished no matter what the company type is.

Not doing company research.

Every time you receive an interview call, it is paramount to do extensive research about the company and the post you are applying for. Larger companies usually have a lot of information buried into their website; this is a good indication of the research you made and an overall level of interest you have for the job. There are many instances where candidates sit in front of the interview board with very little research and have vague ideas about their role in the company. This is considered a huge red flag and often is a major cause of rejection. So do extensive research and prepare yourself for the question, “Why do you want to join us?” For more tips on interview questions, check our article.

Inconsistency in resume

Another common mistake we see is inconsistency in filling up your job application form and your resume. The date of employment or graduation often does not match up between the job application you filled up and your resume. Understandably, you may forget some of the dates, but it looks unprofessional at times. So, we advise you to review the dates before the interview and have consistency throughout the application process.

Being late at the interview

This one should be a no-brainer. We always emphasize the importance of making a great first impression and late just annihilating that. Being late cries out as not having time management skills and not being serious for your job interview. It is often regarded as disrespectful to be late for an interview. So, we highly recommend you take precautions beforehand. Plan your time so that you are 20 – 30 mins ahead of your interview. And finally, if you do find yourself in an emergency scenario, try contacting the company describing your situation. If you have a valid reason, they are most likely to understand and probably offer you a revised date.

Poor body language

One of the most important things an employer wants to see in his ideal candidate is confidence. Being confident will take you a long way, and your spirit synchronizes well with proper posture and body language. But be aware, there is a fine line between confident and arrogant. You don’t want to cross the line between them. Just be yourself, keep eye contact, and have a smile.

Having negative comments about past Employers

Avoid any negativity during your interview. It is okay to have different opinions and part away from your previous employers. Rather than focusing on things that did not work out, mention what you learned and how your previous employers positively affected you. This shows your integrity about your past employer and your conflict resolution skills.

Using your cellphone

Sounds ridiculous? You will be surprised how many candidates make this elementary mistake of using their cell phones during an interview. We are so obsessed with our cell phones that many of us use them unintentionally. This is especially true with fresh graduates, who have the luxury of using their phones in a class environment and consider it the norm. We recommend turning off your phone altogether when sitting for an interview.

Not having or inappropriate questions for the employer. 

At the end of an interview, you will almost inevitably be asked if you have any questions for them. This is a great way to showcase the knowledge that you gathered about the company. Try compiling some questions beforehand that can not be found directly on the company’s website. Also, make sure that the question you asked was not answered indirectly during the interview process.

Point to note, some candidates go overboard and ask questions that are either too personal or not appropriate at all. Make sure you do not ask any question that is too personal. A good idea can be asking about the company culture or policies they have.

Not having a resume with you.

Yes, you have submitted your resume before, and the hiring manager has definitely seen your resume beforehand. But, it is always a good idea to carry a hard copy of your resume along with you. Not only will it be useful in unfortunate situations, it will also show your employer you are always prepared for the worse.

Following up

So many people fall short of the last hurdle of forgetting to follow up after the interview. It is advisable to thank the hiring manager for their time with a well-written email. This will show them you value their time and you are a social and organized person. But do not send out multiple follow-up emails as that will show that you are desperate and have a negative impact.

Conclusion

Being called at an interview is the first step of finding your dream job. We have compiled comprehensive tips and tricks about finding a job and preparing you for the job interview. Make sure you read our other blogs to be best prepared. We wish you all the best for your following interview.

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