Common Mistakes Made Before the Interview
ARRIVING LATE TO AN INTERVIEW
Whether by 1 minute, 5 minutes or 10, arriving late for an interview is an irresponsible and proven way not to be hired. While waiting for a late candidate, an interviewer wonders, “If given the job, will this person show up to work late?” or “Is this job opportunity not important to this candidate?” Regardless, a tardy arrival is usually enough to prevent you from being hired, no matter how impressive your prior experience or academic credentials. It is also important to remember that potential employers don’t care what the excuse or reason is for your late arrival. Arrive on time for your interview so the person or people interviewing you can determine your potential value to the organization unbiased by any tardiness issues.
PRESENTING A POOR APPEARANCE AT THE INTERVIEW
People often judge other people based at least in part on their appearance. By dressing in a way that suggests to others that you are organized, neat, fastidious and respectful of workplace norms and standards, you will ease the mind of the interviewer so they can focus on your qualifications, not your personal sense of style—or lack thereof. For more detailed information on dressing for interviews, please refer to How to Dress for Success.
EMITTING IRRITATING SMELLS
The human sense of smell is strong, and subtle—and not so subtle—olfactory cues can deeply influence how people view you and whether they enjoy your company. Unpleasant body odor, bad breath, and excessive perfume or cologne are real threats to your ability to make a good impression on an interviewer. No matter how talented you are, odor can distract other people from realizing your true value as a potential employee.
MAKING A BAD IMPRESSION WHEN YOU ARE WAITING
Your chance to make a good impression on the staff of the organization with which you will be interviewing begins even before you set foot in their offices. Just because you have not met your interviewer does not mean the interview has not already started. Treat everyone you meet with the utmost respect because you never know who knows whom. Everyone appreciates a gracious guest. To learn more, be sure to examine How to Make a Great First Impression.
ARRIVING UNPREPARED
This mistake reveals itself in a wide array of ways – from not having an extra copy of your résumé to not knowing enough about the current events and trends in the industry – but it is the type of mistake that no candidate recovers from. Successful people in any pursuit don’t simply improvise. Preparation is crucial. For detailed advice, please refer to How to Prepare for an Interview.
FAILING TO RESEARCH THE COMPANY
It is absolutely essential that you know a company’s strategy, recent accomplishments and events, products and/or services, and general facts before arriving for your interview. It will help set you apart as a diligent candidate who is proactive and sincerely interested in a job within that specific company. Additionally, a more than passing familiarity with the company’s strategy, competitors and the industry landscape is equally critical to demonstrate your interest and aptitude for the business, as well as to convince them that you have fewer things to be taught than your competitors.
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