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Picture this: a candidate with a fantastic background; went to one of the top schools in the country; the candidate looks perfect on paper and a firm is excited to bring them in for an interview because they seem to be a slam dunk for the opportunity they have available. But once they open mouth in the interview, the hiring manager can’t wait to hustle them out the door. Picture this: a candidate who has thoroughly prepared for the interview, and has done their homework on the firm. They couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity and feel confident they will nail the interview. But once the interview starts, they realize they sound like a mess; anxiety has entered the equation and they cannot avoid their nerves. They can’t seem to remember the answers to simple questions, and they blank out when asked to talk about their background. There are several ways candidates can blow an interview, and this article attempts to point out how to avoid common mistakes. 1. Punctuality is key: Never show up late; even five minutes late is unacceptable. In metropolitan areas traffic, weather, public transportation failures, are all problems that must be factored into the equation when allowing appropriate time to get to an interview. Calling the hiring manager to tell them you’re running late, even with what may seem like a logical excuse, almost always ruins your chances of getting hired. Leave as early as you can, even it if means you’re thirty minutes early. Sit in the parking lot and review notes on the firm; allow extra time to gather your thoughts and calm your nerves; go to the restroom to double check appearance; have a glass of water. 2. Appearance is crucial: ALWAYS wear a nice suit and closed toe shoes with dark socks or stockings. Hiring managers often complain that candidates come to interviews dressed too casually. Keep vanity in check however; some hiring managers have noticed candidates checking their hair in the reflection of the window behind their desk. Don’t wear too much makeup or perfume/ cologne and wear minimal jewelry. 3. Do your homework: Prepare thoroughly for the interview. Don’t just prepare good answers to tough questions in advance; make sure you have researched the firm, and the people you’re interviewing with. Know as much as you can about the organizational structure of the company you’re interviewing with, and be prepared to answer the question, “What do you know about us?” Research, research, research! 4. Don’t reveal too much: It’s often sensitive questions where people tend to ramble on too long in their answer. Questions such as, “why did you leave your last job?” and “What are your weaknesses” tend to spark the nerves in people because they’re asking you to highlight negative aspects. If you prepare for these questions, and are able to twist a negative to a positive, or state the obvious such as, “I’ve never had experience working in telecom” as weaknesses, then you are more apt to focus on the question without appearing nervous and rambling. 5. Appearance isn’t just about what you say. Posture is key, as is showcasing a personality. Smiling is important at crucial points in an interview. Someone who is not friendly is not likeable and they will not get the job. If you are lucky enough to land the interview, then the employer already considers you qualified and a likely match for the role. It’s up to you to establish a connection and rapport that makes the hiring manager say, “I could see this person getting along well with the other employees here; I can see this person being successful in this company.” What they are really trying to decide is if they want to work with you each day; and by establishing this likeability, you’re selling yourself for the role. Body language is also important. Make sure your posture is strong; sitting upright shows you’re engaged. Tapping a pen incessantly shows you are nervous. Make sure you sit with confidence as well as speak with confidence.
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