We all have them, some of us are better at them than others, some of us don’t really do them at all, some of us are experts at them! You may ask, what am talking about? Well if you haven’t read the title yet, I am talking about interview bloopers. Some of you may fall into my category, ‘The Jibber Jabber’. I am the biggest culprit when nervous to ‘jabber’ for the sake of ‘jabbering’. We’re not perfect, and unfortunately we all do a blooper at some point in our employment lives. So here are just some of the bloopers we recommend not doing during the interview process.
Make sure you have knowledge of the company. Their vision, culture, and any news worthy events. Besides knowing how to talk about yourself, ensure you have done your research on the company prior to the interview. Nothing worse than fumbling through an answer. Now I don’t expect you to know everything, but an overview is important. 39% of you fall into this category.
Eeek! Make sure you’re at least 15 minutes early to the interview. Nothing worse than arriving late. Your potential employer will most likely see this as future lateness. Lateness can show disorderliness with lack of time management. An alarming 59% of you are in this statistic. So, unless there are exceptional situations which cannot be avoided, please know your route and travel time, and most importantly set your alarm!
Well team, I’m sorry to say there will be 53% of you that will dress inappropriately for a job interview. Virginia Tech offers valuable personal appearance tips to avoid dressing unsuitably for an interview.
Firstly, try not to be remembered for your interview attire. What your attire supports, will support your image. Understand the industry you are applying for and the nature of it, for example wearing stilettos for a manufacturing company role? I think not. However on that note, unless you are told otherwise, dress formally. Nothing worse than seeing a ‘scruff’ walk through the doors.
Need I say more, but you will always be found out once your potential employer starts investigating further. Telling the truth about your past job history is vital! To be fair, a good chunk of you sit in this percentage, 65% in fact according to a survey by Express Employment Professionals.
This to me is by far the worst, not only does it look unprofessional, but negativity in general will really shine a bad light. There are 51% of you that will go into the interview and badmouth a boss or co-worker. If you’re talking badly about your last place of employment, chances are your new company will feel the same way too.
Before you enter the interview room, collect your thoughts. Relax. Breathe. Eye contact during an interview is very important. Not only is it engaging it shows confidence and assurance of oneself. 70% of you fail to make eye contact during the interview process!!!
Get lots of sleep and rest, make sure you are prepared and most importantly, relax. Relax and enjoy it!