You’ve built yourself a great CV and made sure to submit a winning cover letter, and all your hard work got you the interview. Now you have to make sure that you live up to your first impression. Before you can get any job, the interview is your most important hurdle. Even the most experienced professionals can make stupid mistakes at this most vital point in the job hunt.
If you’re on the job hunt, make sure you don’t do any of these interview no-nos:
- Show up late
If you’re late for something as important as an interview, the employer might see this as normal behaviour. If you can’t avoid it, make sure you have a good excuse or call ahead.
- Dress inappropriately
Your appearance says something about you, don’t be sloppy or too casual. This goes for language as well, make sure you don’t swear.
- Discuss money or leave days
Being too eager about money or days off could give the impression that you don’t care about the job. Unless it’s brought up by the interviewer, stay away from this topic.
- Know nothing about the company
Don’t go into an interview blind. If you know nothing about the company you say you want to work at, they won’t hire you. You don’t want to freeze if questions are asked or look like you don’t care. Make sure you do your research.
- Slouch
Body language is an important aspect of any interview. Nowadays companies employ body language experts to interview people so they can gauge the true intentions of the interviewee. Don’t fidget, slouch, or avoid eye contact.