Don’t be late! (image)
Job interviews – you don’t like them, but you generally can’t get a job without them. They are so easy to mess up too, especially when you have a bad case of the jitters. If you make a bad first impression, the next candidate may get the job, and it’s unlikely you will be celebrating with them afterwards. When it comes to interviews, you need to make that excellent first impression, whether you are sitting with one interviewer, or faced with a panel of them.
In this article, we will list some of the ways you can make a bad first impression. If you don’t want the job, this is the way to go. On the other hand, it probably makes sense to learn from the following, ensuring you aren’t the next person whose application form ends up on the reject pile.
Arrive late
No matter your excuse… the traffic was bad, you missed the bus, an alien abducted you en route… if you turn up late for the interview, you will screw things up for yourself. The interviewer may have a tight schedule, for example, so you may have lost your interview slot. You will also be in a panic, probably sweating, and stressed because you are late. Arriving on time is a must, giving you time to gather your nerves, and giving yourself extra time to think about prepare yourself for the interview.
Dress badly
If you turn up looking like a slob, you are going to turn heads for all the wrong reasons. The company you are interviewing with may have a ‘casual Friday’ each week, but that does not include the interview day, even if it is a Friday. If you are unsure about what to wear, always err on the side of caution and overdress. Provided you look smart, with a well-pressed suit and perhaps stirrup shirt stays, you will convey a clean and professional look. Either that, or turn up in your dressing gown, and walk away without a job.
Have a bad attitude
We don’t want to judge you on your personality, but if you are generally a rude and arrogant person, it may show at interview. If you do have personality issues, at least make an effort and act like you’re a decent person, from a friendly hello to the receptionist on arrival, and a courteous and respectful attitude to the interviewer. No matter how wonderful you think you are, a bad attitude will not do you any favours. Of course, you are probably the nicest person in the world, so remember to show everybody you meet on interview day your shining personality, and go forward with a cheerful and friendly demeanour.
Don’t sell yourself
Yes, you will be nervous, but if you don’t sell yourself to the interviewer, you aren’t displaying the qualities you have for the job role. Your references will help, and your resumé may also be glowing, but you need to prove your credentials when sat in front of the interviewer. You will be asked all the expected questions, such as ‘Why do you want the job?’ and ‘What do you have to offer the company?’ So make sure you have the answers why. When we told you not to be arrogant in our previous point, don’t fall into the trap of being too humble, either. Sell yourself, highlighting your skills and past experiences, as this is one of the rare opportunities when talking about yourself in detail is acceptable – provided you don’t waffle on and take up the entire meeting with your life story.
Final word
While the job market is tough to break into, you stand a better chance of getting employment if you heed the advice given to you above. You will be able to walk into the interview with added confidence, knowing that you have done all you can to stand above the candidate who just wandered in late. Good luck!
