1) Getting the interviewers name wrong.
Check with the agency who you are meeting (if you are going through an agency), if not, call up the company and ask to speak with HR.
2) Turning up late.
Get a map, study it, perhaps do a trial journey the day before. Check the traffic on the day and leave in plenty of time. If you are still late, just call the company to let them know. It’s quite frustrating as an interviewer when a candidate is late but hasn’t tried to get in touch to advise you.
3) Poor personal presentation.
Shower, wear deodorant, make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and appropriate. Comb your hair! It’s not politically correct I know, but about 55% of our initial impression is based upon what someone wears – take advantage of that and look your best. Oh and give yourself the once over before stepping into the building – if there is something distracting (but repairable) about your appearance – it can be distracting for the interviewer (especially if that distraction is an open fly/zipper – believe me, it’s happened!)
4) Diss your current employer.
So you would rather go one-on-one with Russell Crowe and a telephone than spend another day with your current employer? Say that in an interview and you will most likely not get the job! You never know who your interviewer is friends with so keep it professional and don’t get make derogatory comments about your current employer or colleagues.
5) Lie and/or exaggerate.
CV says you can speak Russian? What if you are asked to translate something or to help a Russian colleague? Don’t lie – it can backfire catastrophically and can lead employers to wonder if the rest of your CV is a lie.
6) Appear uninterested and unenthused.
I met with a candidate when working at previous company who came along with such an arrogant attitude that despite him being a seriously gifted programmer, I wouldn’t have dreamt of making an offer of employment to him. You are at an interview to impress. If you can’t be bothered, you shouldn’t be there. Interviewers spend time trying to “sell” the role and the company to you, give them some respect and even if you decide it’s not for you, at least be gracious!
7) Too much talking.
Okay, so you are at an interview to “sell” yourself but less can be more when giving information. Don’t interrupt the interviewer or talk the hind leg off a donkey. Interviews are a two way process for you to sell to the company and for the company to sell to you. If you are asked a question, provide a concise answer and then ask if they would like more detail. Also, don’t talk too loudly – I know that interviews can be nerve-wracking but take a deep breath and speak at a reasonable level.
Know the basics about the company/role.
Many interviewers I know start interviews with “So, what do you know about the company/role?”. They are not looking for a comprehensive response by any means, they are looking for an understanding from the candidate. The more (relevant) information that you can state about the company and the role, the more enthused you will appear about the role. If you haven’t bothered to find out about the company or the role, you are clearly not sufficiently interested.
9) Good handshake.
This is a personal peeve – wet lettuce handshakes. As I see it, a good handshake indicates confidence however, it’s kind of okay to have a slightly sweaty hand. It’s not particularly nice for the interviewer but s/he should understand that you are nervous.
Interviewing isn’t an exact science but having been on the other side of the table, I see how important that first impression can be. Take a few minutes in a coffee shop or in your car to take a few deep breaths in order to relax and remember – it’s a two way process (and a candidates’ market) – they are selling to you as well as you selling to them!
On a personal note, it really is the highlight of my job to meet candidates. I WANT you to get the job – makes my life easier and helps my employers to succeed. Don’t over-stress about interview – REMEMBER THAT THE INTERVIEWER STARTS ON THE PREMISE OF WANTING YOU TO GET THE JOB!
