6 Interview Mistakes that Could Cost You the Job

A lot of time and effort is spent discussing things you should be doing to prepare yourself for an interview. But what about the things you should not be doing?

Here are 6 interview mistakes that could cost you the job.

1.     Failing the basics

Admittedly, this first mistake is more than one. That said, these mistakes are so common and so obvious, they should be grouped together and only briefly discussed. First, dress appropriately. Second, arrive on time. You would be surprised how many candidates are immediately written off because they show up late or improperly dressed.

If you are unsure how to dress, err on the side of formality. It is easier to lose a tie and look more casual when you need to dress down than it is to turn a t-shirt into a suit for a more formal interview.

2.     Not doing any research

An easy way to filter out candidates is for interviewers to ask a candidate what they know about the company or about the role. This is an easy way to remove those who are simply mass applying with the hope of just getting a job, without any real draw to the business itself.

Take the time to browse the company’s website and About Us page. Look at social media. Even consider an internet search to see if the company was in the news lately. Also, try to find out as much as you can about your role and how it fits into the overall business.

3.     Not asking questions

When your interviewer asks if you have any questions, the answer should almost certainly never be No. You are not expected to come up with the most in-depth, analytical question the recruiter has ever heard. But questions are a great way of signaling interest and showing that you have been paying attention and done your own research.

Prepare for your interview by knowing in advance what questions you should be asking.

4.     Overtalking and oversharing

Ever heard of the expression less is more? When it comes to a good interview, the principle normally applies. Having lots to say is not always a good thing, especially if you are rambling, repeating yourself, and going off topic.

There is no need to share your whole life story. Practice keeping your answers succinct and learn how to properly answer interview questions.

5.     Bad mouthing a former employer

You may have hated your last job. Maybe your formal boss was your least favorite person on the planet. That does not mean you should disclose it. Professional circles can be small, and you never know who your interviewer might know. Not to mention, expressing your distaste for a former employer may signal that you cannot work well with others or handle conflicts in a mature manner.

So, if you are asked about a time you did not get along with a supervisor, do not take that as an invitation to vent and complaint.

6.     Lacking confidence

Many people struggle with one-on-one communication. They often find it awkward to look directly at the other person and instead look elsewhere when speaking or when being spoken to.

This does not make a good impression. For one, it can show a lack of interest. But it can also signal a lack of confidence. If this is something you struggle with, now is the time to practice. It may be weird at first, but if you can learn to look at the person you are speaking with, and speak with confidence, you will make a stronger connection with your interviewer.

There are many ways to use nonverbal cues to convey confidence.

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