We often talk about how to ace your interviews, but there are also many things that you should avoid doing in your interview to catch that job!
Here are our top 5 things NOT to do in your interview to help you get one step closer to your dream job!
1. Not read the job description or research the company.
How can you get your dream role without knowing anything about the company or the position itself? If you have been invited to an interview, make sure you have read thoroughly through the job description and know the industry and the work the company provides.
What you should do instead:
When applying for roles, read carefully through job descriptions and note down the critical responsibilities for each position. Try to make links and gather examples between your work history and key responsibilities in the role you are applying for. These examples will help you stand out as a stronger applicant to graduate recruiters when asked about your work history.
Do a little bit of background research on the company. Not only is the company trying to find the best fit for them, but you are trying to find the best job fit for yourself! Check out their business profile on LinkedIn to see what they are currently working on. This is great information to bring up in an interview and shows that you are interested and passionate about the company and their work.
2. Arriving late or too early
When going to an interview, you want to make the best first impression. Arriving late or too early can deter your chances of getting your dream job as you are not presenting your best self. Recruiters are looking for reliable and solid applicants, and your “interview” starts with your first interaction, not your first question.
What you should do instead:
Avoid being late by planning your journey. Know all the details before you travel – where do you need to go? Is there parking? How long is the bus route? Consider all the small details!
If you are running late, notify the interviewers as soon as possible, the company is investing time and interest in your application and your interview. Acknowledge that effort in your apology if you are running late.
On the other hand, how early is too early? Many companies and recruiters seem to agree that more than 20 minutes is too early. If you arrive pretty early, don’t fret, you can use this time to put yourself into ‘the interview mindset’. You can also grab a coffee at a nearby eatery and check out what else is in the vicinity.
3. Not dressing appropriately
Your first impression is the most vital to the interview process, and the first thing recruiters notice is your presentation. No matter the job you are applying for, make sure to dress professionally. While smart business casual is becoming the “new formal” at many companies, make sure your interview outfit is smart and formal.
What you should do instead:
Prepare your outfit in advance and try it on!
Make sure your interview outfit is well-fitted, tailored and comfortable. Your outfit should make you feel confident and empowered. All the small details are essential when considering your ‘fit. Jewellery should be kept to a minimum, hair neat, clothes ironed/pressed, and nice neat shoes!
4. Getting distracted
While you are in your interview, your only focus should be on the interview, the recruiters and your responses. You are all in the interview for one reason – to see if you are the best fit for the job! The interview is your only chance to prove it and show recruiters your skills.
While you may bring in your phone, notebook and a pen, ensure that your undivided attention is on the recruiters. Fiddling around only shows your nerves and can be the critical factor in being selected for the role or not.
What you should do instead:
If you bring any accompaniments, keep them aside and out of your direct line of vision unless referring to your notes/ examples.
Having a phone present can be a significant distraction. Keeping it off and out of sight for the duration of the interview may be best, so you are not tempted to look at it or pick it up. Likewise, if you bring a pen into the interview, keep it down and out of your hands.
Interviews can be nerve-racking if you are nervous and have the urge to fidget, take a pause, and change your posture.
5. Having poor body language
Your inner thoughts can affect your outward appearance, even if you have the sharpest outfit on! Body language is essential to consider, and recruiters consider it as soon as they lay eyes on you! Avoiding eye contact, slouching, fidgeting and biting your lip are indicators of your lack of confidence, which is quite off-putting for recruiters. All recruiters are looking for is confident and competent individuals; your body language conveys these characteristics.
What you should do instead:
Practice power poses. Straightening up your posture can instantly help you feel more confident and in control. Interview experts and consultants also advise coming up with your own “power mantra”. Three short sentences to help you feel more relaxed and confident. Something like -
I am smart. I am confident. I am strong.
Something sweet and straightforward can help put you into a better mindset and help you feel more self-assured.
Avoid these five behaviours, and you’ll be presenting your best and confident self at your next interview! Go out there and impress those recruiters!
If you are ready to start applying and acing those interviews, check out all our open graduate roles here.
- Eleanor Almeida, Nxtstep Content Writer