Top 10 interview tips on how ‘NOT’ to get the Job!
1. Show up Late
These are our Top 10 interview tips on how ‘NOT’ to get the Job! Employers wont really care if the dog ate your shoes, you lost your car keys, the baby was sick over your new suit, you had a flat tyre or you even had a bad case of interview nerves and needed extra time in the bathroom. The fact of the matter is if you show up late you might as well send yourself your own rejection letter, at least it would save them the cost of the postage stamp.
2. Dress Code
If you turn up to an interview dressed for a night on the town or if you are about to go on air for an interview with Jeremy Kyle then you are safer just giving Jeremy a call instead. Remember 1st impressions count and the interview panel will have already made a judgment on you within the first 10 seconds of you entering the room.
3. Greeting
You can tell a lot about a person from the way they simply shake your hand. If you make the grip too weak without conviction then that’s how you may be perceived, if you make it too strong and cripple the other persons hand then you may come across as a too forceful. The last thing you want is an injured interview panel before you even start. Interview tip – make sure you speak clearly and confidently when greeting the panel.
4. Your Phone
By far this is the biggest pet hate of mine. I wouldn’t care if Alan Sugar was looking for a job, if his phone went off during the interview or if he took it out of his pocket to answer a call or make a text then its game over! Don’t be that naive, it doesn’t make you look important, it doesn’t make you look busy, but it does make you look like something else…
5. Body Language
Being energetic and enthusiastic when talking and listening to the interview panel will defiantly go in your favour. Hiring managers make their decisions based on not only what you say but the way you say it! Do not sit in the interview with your arms crossed and your eyes on the floor checking to see how well the cleaner has vacuumed the carpets. As checking out the fluff on the floor could cost you the interview. Interview tip – You need to appear interested and confident and most importantly have a friendly smile.
6. The job role
Ensure you know about the role you are actually applying for. I have been in interviews were people have actually walked into the room and not knew anything about the company or the role they have applied for a job. Sometimes I really question people’s morals and work ethic. Interview tip – Please make sure that you do your homework and you understand the job requirements. There are no excuses why you wouldn’t know the companies history and values as it is all readily available on-line.
7. Bad language
If you swear or use bad language during an interview then you might as well curse yourself out of the room. This will undoubtedly show that you are unable to articulate a conversation in a professional manner. Yes we all have moments were the odd word slips out or you need to vent but keep this for a conversation with your friends or family and not in front of the hiring managers.
8. Appear Disinterested
Appearing board or uninterested during an interview is a sure way of failing. If your attention span is that of Nemo’s and it is not allowing you to engage with the hiring managers then you are potentially applying for the wrong job. There were times that I have been on an interview panel and wondered if that person should actually be back in their bed. Make sure you are well hydrated and try and get to bed early the night before.
9. Lie
Yes we all stretch the truth sometimes and it may help us in other situations but if you tell the interview panel that you are capable of doing a job that you have no idea what it is or what is involved then you are “up ‘the’ creek without a paddle”! I have seen some people not even remember the content of their own CV because it wasn’t their CV to begin with! Make sure you understand what the job is and be truthful with yourself about your own capabilities!
10. Ask about sick pay
Alarm bells will ring for the hiring mangers straight away. Yes everyone gets the sniffles every now and then but remember you are there to present yourself in the best possible light. A question like this could lead you down a very different path… Just don’t do it!
If you follow all these 10 tips in your interview, you will definitely ‘NOT’ get the Job! Trust me, I’m an astronaut.
Check out our interview hints and tips for more information.
