The interview is the most
critical aspect of landing a new job. If you’ve gotten to the interview stage
(even an informational one), your foot is in the door!
But instead of acing the
interview many people—especially those who are out of practice or who are tired
of having undergone so many interviews—make the same mistakes over and over
again, sinking their chances.
Here are the six most common
mistakes people make in interviews, and how to avoid them:
Mistake #1: Winging it.
This is where you say to
yourself, I’ve done this before. How hard could it be? I’ll just be myself.
Wrong, wrong, wrong! You cannot wing the interview. You have to prepare for
every interview afresh, and you need to be strategic about it.
First, think about the
impression you want to leave with the interviewer. What are the three qualities
or characteristics you want the interviewer to remember? What are the
things they are looking for in an employee, and how will you convey to them
that you have those qualities? Think specifically about how you are going to do
that.
Second, do some research on
the company and the industry. Don't just look at the company homepage; that’s
the obvious stuff. Look at the company in the framework of the industry.
Check
news sites, blogs, etc. How are they positioned in the industry? What are they
doing that is new or innovative? What are their challenges and the challenges
industry-wide? What are their competitors up to? And how do your qualities or
skills relate? Look at your resume; does it match what the company may be
looking for?
Third, practice the basic
interview questions. There are at least six basic interview questions that almost
every interviewer asks, ranging from what your weaknesses are to why they should hire you. I highly recommend that
you practice your answers, out loud, several times. Here are two good articles covering these questions:
Mistake #2: Not asking any
questions.
When the interviewer asks
you, “Do you have any questions?” Do not say, “Nope, I think I’ve got it.”
Worse, don't say, “Yea, what’s the starting salary?”
You need to have good, specific,
intelligent questions about the company and the industry. Ask things like, what
are some new trends in the industry that we may be working on? What are some of
the challenges you've faced in the past year? What are some of the challenges
that people in this position have faced? Asking questions shows you are
engaged, thoughtful, intelligent, and interested.
Mistake #3: Going in with a
bad attitude.
It’s hard, I know. You may
have gone on dozens of interviews and are exhausted by the process. But you have
to have an upbeat, positive attitude. A defeatist attitude (“They
won't hire me; what’s the point?”) will seep into your body language and
your persona. They definitely won't hire you if you have a bad attitude. Be confident
and positive. Fake it if you have to. Do whatever it takes to psych yourself
up. Play your favorite music. Do your Rocky dance. Whatever it takes, be
upbeat. No one wants to hire a downer.
Mistake #4: Coming across as
arrogant.
There is a huge difference
between arrogance and confidence. One may cost you an opportunity, while the
other will impress the interviewer. A potential employer wants to see that you
are confident. Don't brag or boast. Simply relay your successes and
try to talk about teamwork and how your team made achievements. Say “we” not “me.”
Confident, capable people share credit; arrogant ones take it.
And listen as much as you
talk. Arrogant people talk about themselves incessantly. Yes, you want to sell
yourself, but you have to listen, too. (Plus that will help you ask questions
later.)
Mistake #5: Being too casual,
both in dress and attitude.
Impressions are everything,
and if your dress or attitude is too casual it will leave a negative
impression. Dress for the job you want, and dress appropriately for the
industry. By the same token, don't overdress. You want to look like you already belong there.
 |
| Don't overdress for the interview. |
If it’s a casual industry,
say a start-up where the employees and bosses wear shorts and flip-flops to the
office, you don't want to show up in a three-piece suit and highly polished
brogues. But you also don't want to show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Strike a
professional balance without going overboard. How does the most senior person
dress? Copy that. Match the industry standards.
And your demeanor needs to be
professional too, even if it’s a casual interview. Never be too familiar or
chummy.
Mistake #6: Talking about
salary too soon.
Finally, never ask about salary in the
interview. If you’ve done your research you should know what the salary range
is. If you talk about salary too soon you are just crossing yourself off the
list. You want to wait until they fall in love with you; that’s when you have
the most leverage. Wait to talk salary until they offer you the job. You will
be in a much better position to negotiate.
Got it? Now, go get ‘em!
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