Unfortunately, it's easy to make these mistakes without even realizing it - and many of them are more common than you might think! Take the time to prepare before your interview, so you don't have to stress out about blunders after it.
When you interview a job, it's imperative to look professional and polished. Although your attire may vary based on the position you're applying for - for example, you should wear business casual clothing to an interview for a non-professional job or startup casual garb to an interview at a small startup company - it's important to look well-dressed and put together, no matter what the company.
Next on the list, is something you would think would be a no-brainer - being on time for your intervew.
Everyone knows that first impressions are very important in landing a job, but did you know that you can make a bad first impression before you even arrive at your interview?
Running late not only suggests poor time management skills, but shows a lack of respect for the company, the position and even your interviewer. Go the extra length to make sure that you aren't late, and arrive on time, or even early. Budget your time so that you make it to the interview five to ten minutes early. That way, if something unforeseen comes up on your way over to your interview, you'll have some cushion time.
Ditch the coffee or soda before you enter your interview. If you need to fuel up, do it before you get to the interview.
Not only is it unprofessional to enter with a drink in hand, but during your interview, you should be focused on the task at hand: making a good impression, answering questions, maintaining eye contact with your potential employer, and paying attention throughout the entire interviewing process.Having a drink in front of you creates the opportunity for distraction - fiddling with the cup, or missing a question while taking a sip, for example. And although it may be a relatively unlikely possibility, bringing a drink into your interview also gives way to other unsightly accidents - like spilling the drink on the desk, on you, or even your interviewer!
Before you get to your interview, silence your phone. Texting during your interview is not only rude and disruptive, but it's a pretty clear message to your potential employer that getting the job is not your top priority.
For the same reasons, don't answer calls (and certainly don't make calls!) during the interview. To resist the temptation to check your phone, stow your phone in your bag before the interview.
- The Executive Suite
____________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment