Congratulations! You cleared the resume screening process; and now you have an interview.
Here come the BIG Questions:
- What are the next steps?
- How do you prepare?
- What can you do; and what should you avoid?
- Do you rehearse for the interview?
- Do you figure it all in an hour before the interview, or should you make a plan?
Mock interviews are a good way to practice for an interview; and there are a number of resources to assist you and a friend in conducting a mock interview of your own.
Most companies tend to ask similar questions; however they want to see how you tackle them.
Here’s a list of Simple, yet Expensive Interview Mistakes that applicants tend to commit during interviews & some Tips to avoid them:
Tardiness: Never reach late for an interview. Interviewers hate this. It’s the first step to losing the opportunity.
Tip: If the situation calls for a delay; ensure that you give a heads-up to the recruiter / interviewer in advance.
Dress code, body language & Hygiene: Wearing a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, not greeting the interviewer, or using a clumsy handshake, bad body odor, or cigarette breath, slouching in the chair, or avoiding eye contact with the interviewer can be a HUGE TURN-OFF.
Tip: Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (It signifies Confidence). It’s best to sit upright and speak confidently and slowly by maintaining eye contact with the interviewer. It creates a positive atmosphere.
Addressing the interviewer by the wrong name: “What’s in a Name?” The answer: “Everything!” Humans are sensitive creatures and can get offended easily, especially when it comes to their names (First ‘or’ Last).
Tip: If unsure about the pronunciation, it’s okay to reconfirm. Apologize if you’ve got the name incorrectly. Worst case scenario, use the “Sir / Ma’am” option. It’s safer.
Showing disrespect / attitude with the staff: Speaking rudely with the receptionist, or the janitor, or any other staff member is noticed easily.
Tip: An interview is not about getting a job. Companies want to hire next generation leaders; and the right attitude matters. Be courteous with everyone, irrespective of their designation.
The Cellphone dilemma: A ringing phone is a distraction. Can also be deemed as disrespectful to the interviewer.
Tip: Switch it OFF! That’s basic etiquette.
Not elaborating when needed: Answering questions in just a “Yes” or “No” doesn’t work in an interview. The negatively affects the interviewer(s) judgments about you and your capabilities.
Tip: Elaborate when needed. Share examples where appropriate. It helps the interviewer to judge you better.
Inconsistency between what you say and what you do: You state that you’re a firm believer of punctuality, yet you turned up late for an interview, ‘or’ you show that you are a professional, yet you only communicate only in slangs and jargons. These traits contradict your case.
Tip: Practice what you preach. If you believe in punctuality, ensure that you get there on / before the scheduled time.
Discussing the salary early into the interview: “How much are you paying?” This throws the whole purpose of the interview of course. “PROBABLE ATTRITION” is what comes to mind. It comes across that you won’t join / stick around for a long time.
Tip: Yes, discuss the salary, but at the right time. It’s your right.
Speaking too fast ‘or’ too slow: Speaking fast, that the interviewer has to ask you to repeat repeatedly; ‘or’ too slowly that the interviewer decides to stop early.
Tip: Adjust your pace with that of the interviewer. It’s best to be on the same page.
No proper reasoning for leaving your prior positions: This behavior raises questions about why you left your last job. Again, “PROBABLE ATTRITION” is what comes to mind.
Tip: Be frank. Let them know. Mention the reason for the gaps in your resume too. An honest approach is better than a false start.
Not knowing what the company does: Most candidates have no idea about the company that they approach for an interview. In most cases candidates feel that they have wasted their time by coming over. Reality check: you just wasted the interviewer’s time too.
Tip: It’s always best to do your own research, so you can talk about the business comfortably. It lets the interviewer(s) know you better and acts as a plus factor.