4 Things Not To Do In Your Interview

Interviews are one of the most nerve-wracking, tedious parts of the hiring process. Yet they are a necessary dance to dance if you want to land the job. 

Preparing for interviews, knowing what to do and what pitfalls to avoid is crucial. Make sure to bring your authentic self to the conversation while avoiding these four mistakes.

1. Don't Be Late

This should be obvious, yet some people still show up late for their interviews. Being late to your interview will, undoubtedly, leave a bad impression and significantly hurt your chances of getting hired.

If you have a virtual interview, always do a technology check. If you’re using a platform such as Zoom or Teams, install the latest version and make sure they work on your computer.

If you have an in-person interview, arrive early and plan for circumstances such as traffic and finding a parking space. Ideally, check Google Maps for the expected driving time at the day and time of your interview and add additional time.

In case you’re still running late, let your interviewer know right away. Send them a quick email or ideally, call them.

Remember, how you do one thing, is how you do everything. 

2. Don't Forget To Ask Questions

Asking good questions during an interview allows you to inquire about topics that are important to you and watch out for potential red flags.. This is a great way to promote a positive dialogue while figuring out if the position is a great fit for you. 

Interviews go both ways - starting and establishing yourself in a new job is a big deal. That’s why it’s important to make sure your future position is aligned with your values, your desire to grow and make a difference.

3. Don't Talk Down Your Job Experience

It may seem tempting to play down your achievements when speaking about previous work because you're worried that they might sound "big headed" to the interviewer.

Don't do it. While you don't want to come across as insincere or arrogant, it's perfectly okay for you to take pride in your work and speak about your achievements. The STAR story format is a great way to speak about your accomplishments without bragging. :)

4. Don't Forget To Follow Up 

When you've finished interviewing, thank the interviewer for their time. Always follow up with a thank you email.

In your email, be sure to recognize the skills and experiences that you would bring to the position, and mention how excited you are about the opportunity. It's simple, but it can make all the difference. 

--

So before your next interview, remember to be on time, come prepared with good questions, avoid talking down your experiences and always follow up!