Appearing for Interviews is a very tricky as well as a difficult task. Even if you have enough skills and attributes for that specific job Mohali but if you are unable to convey your thoughts and ideas that you have due to low confidence or any other reason then it can be bad on your part.
Here are some common mistakes that interviewees make :
9 Common Interview mistakes (and how to avoid them)
1. Arriving late
Arriving late on the interview spot can be worst mistake to be in any job career. Arriving late for the interview can show lack of discipline, lack of respect for other people’s time and lack of interest in the role that you are applying for. It makes the first impression on the interviewer.
To avoid this kind of mistake you should pre-plan your travel a day before the interview and try to get ready and reach before the interview time as any type of unplanned events can occur. You should also arrange all the documents and other stuff that you need, don’t waste your time on the interview day for this kind of activities.
2. Failing to greet interviewers or make eye contact
Sometimes in hurry, many interviewees forget to greet the interviewer which can be a sign of a bad etiquette. When you enter into the interview room, always enter with a smile even if you are nervous. Greet the interviewer by simply saying, “Hi, good morning” or “Good afternoon” depending on the time of the day or add “How are you?” ensure that you sit straight and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. This shows confidence.
3. Failing to do research
Studying the Job description and going through the company website is not enough sometimes. Some employers need you to do full research about the company’s backgrounds, their recent developments, latest news, competitors.In case if the interviewer asks any of these, being unaware can be really embarrassing as well as it can be a negative point on your part. You can use internet, social media handles, linkedin etc to gather all the information like this.
4. Being passive
You should always behave energetic, enthusiastic and positive even if you are nervous. Being indifferent, non-energetic can really make the interviewers less interested in you and your personality. Interviewer is always looking for someone with spunk,energy and passion as they do or at least someone with an idea or strong opinion.
Also you should never look over-confident during the interview because that can become a negative point.
5. Reciting answers
When employers conduct interview they usually ask almost same type of questions to all the applicants and this makes applicants prepare and recite for that same series of questions which is not a good thing . Interviews are not like exams. Employers don’t ask the same questions to all the applicants there can be difference of questions or moulding of questions where the recitation of questions doesn’t helps and those recited answers doesn’t make any sense or match with the asked questions which can create confusion.
6. Using your phone
Firstly , there is no use of phone in the interview process. You should not take out your phone from your pocket or your bag in front of the interviewer.Try to put your phone on silent during the interview. Most importantly, avoid checking your phone in front of the interviewers. It is imperative that you remain attentive and resist any distractions in order to create a good impression.
7. Not asking questions
At some point towards the end of the interview, the interviewer is likely to ask if you have any questions. Make sure that you have 3 to 5 questions prepared to ask the interviewer. This can be related to the conversation you just had or anything about the role, the company or the team you might be working with. Asking relevant questions lets the interviewer know that you are a serious candidate and are really interested in the position you are applying for.
8.Talking bad about previous employers/colleagues
If you are changing your job, the employer usually asks that why did you leave your last job. Now this is also tricky question,if you had problems with your employers/colleagues you should never say it directly. You should prepare your answer with polite words and diplomacy.Instead you should say that there was a difference of opinion, cultural mismatch or that your values and that of the organisation did not align. Employers never praise talking bad about your previous company or colleagues and it will always put you on bad spot.
9. Not following up
Even if your interview works out great. The job doesn’t end here. Always ask a question at the end of the interview to see how things will proceed from here. “What are the next steps?” “When could I expect to hear from you?” “May I follow up with you over email within a week?” “By when do you expect to fill this position?” Even if you did not ask, send a follow-up email after a few days to find out how things are going. Your eagerness for the role is a positive trait in the eyes of the interviewer.
