When you’ve landed a job interview, you have a great chance to make a positive impression and maximize the chances of getting hired. Of course, mistakes during the interview could also undermine your efforts and cause you to miss out on opportunities.
The good news is, it’s easy to avoid committing a faux pas during an interview that could cost you the chance at your dream career – if you know what common mistakes to look out for. Some of the key things you’ll want to avoid during your interview include:
- Being generic. Employers want to know what you’ve done and what you can do. When you are asked questions, don’t speak in vague platitudes about having a particular skill. You want to provide clear and objective examples of past successes. For example, you could talk about projects you did at your past job, awards you received or courses you’ve taken to develop your professional skills.
- Being unprepared. Coming to an interview without having researched the company first or preparing answers to common interview questions is likely to result in disaster. Employers want to know you’ve done your homework and you’ve made the effort to put your best foot forward.
- Being unprofessional. The hiring manager interviewing you is not only assessing your skills but is also looking for clues as to whether you’ll represent the company well and be a good addition to the team. Dressing unprofessionally, showing up late, or giving inappropriate answers to interview questions are major red flags that can be disqualifying. Throughout the entire interview process — from the moment you greet the receptionist to sending a thank-you note after the interview is over — you’ll want to behave with the utmost of professionalism and good manners.
By preparing for your interview and coming in with some great anecdotes and answers at the ready, you can ensure you have the best possible chance of getting hired. Of course, you need to get an interview first. High Profile Staffing will help you maximize the chances of landing the job of your dreams, so contact us today to learn how we can assist with your job search. Give us a call at 972-991-7900 or contact us online.