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Hacks to avoid interview screw-ups
The most crucial thing you can do to win the job is to perform well in an interview with the hiring manager. Managers are more likely to hire persons who match their standards. That is why it is critical to comprehend such expectations. This article addresses some of the most common interviewer complaints and shows how to avoid making mistakes.
1. Making a Good First Impression
Dress to impress. In general, blue jeans and flip flops are not good interview attire. Short skirts and low-cut blouses aren't appropriate, and a three-piece suit isn't either. What is appropriate is determined by the available job. When interviewing for a banking position, you should dress differently than when interviewing for a position as an assistant to a rising fashion designer. As a general rule, dress as if you were going to work in that position.
Make a positive first impression. Are you adequately attired? Is your hairstyle appealing to you? Are your fingernails clipped and clean? Is your makeup subtle enough for a professional setting? Did you show up for the interview with your phone in your hand? Furthermore, showing up for an interview with your mother may indicate that you are not yet ready to be self-sufficient for younger candidates.
Arrive on time and be punctual. This is a must. Take a ride to the interview site a day or two before the interview to ensure that you will arrive on time. Leave an hour earlier than usual because traffic delays and severe weather often occur at inconvenient times. Take a few moments to settle your anxieties, say a prayer, and check yourself in the mirror if you like. When it's time to enter the room, arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin. Arrive on time every time. If something unexpected happens, such as a road accident, phone the firm right away to inform them of the situation.
If you're under a lot of stress, you can misread and forget simple things like the time or agreed-upon meeting location or charge your phone if it's a phone interview. This is a well-documented aspect of human psychology. Check the time and place at least twice, preferably on different occasions, as amusing as it may appear.
Always act professionally. Professionalism is highly regarded in the workplace. Do you have gum in your mouth, smoke, or tap your pen on your portfolio? The interviewer will judge you in some way for whatever you do. Anything that would exclude you from further consideration as a job candidate should be left out.
Put your phone in only one mode, and turn it off. Leaving it on during an interview, and even more so when taking a call, is simply impolite.
2. Using Effective Communications
Speak clearly and concisely. "Never use two words when one would be enough," as the saying goes. Address everyone you encounter as "Mr." or "Ms." and use good grammar when speaking. Also, make your responses brief and to the point. Not merely to fill the silence in the interview but to express a message. So that your interviewer doesn't inquire, "What did you say?" speak out and out.
Pay close attention. Few things irritate an interviewer more than a candidate who consistently wants to have questions repeated or whose responses are off-the-mark. Continue to participate in the conversation's back-and-forth. When necessary, ask clarifying questions. Provide appropriate responses. Lean forward a little. Maintain appropriate eye contact. These actions show that you're paying attention.
Pose specific queries. The only thing that is worse than asking wrong questions is not asking any at all. Questioning that focuses on what the company can accomplish for you is a bad idea. Questions concerning health benefits, income, and paid time off are among them. These inquiries should be postponed until after an offer has been received. (This is also consistent with successful bargaining strategies.) Reasonable investigations focus on what you can contribute to the firm. "How do you evaluate success in this position?" and "How would you define your ideal employee?" are examples of questions that indicate you 'get it.'
Provide a sufficient number of responses. When candidates are unprepared to speak about themselves or their accomplishments, it is unexpected. These folks tend to be caught off guard by interview questions or give concise replies that don't convey much information. Interviewers interpret this behaviour as sloth or disinterest. Take some time to research common job interview questions and plan ahead of time how you will respond. Make a habit of telling (brief) stories about your achievements.
Revise a few common questions that have been asked before. You may believe these are straightforward questions, but you may not be able to deliver the acceptable answer without prior rehearsal due to nerves or preoccupation.
Demonstrate that you've done your homework on the firm. Too many candidates have interviews with firms about which they have no prior knowledge. If you can't be bothered to do primary research, the interviewer will assume you won't go above and beyond. This will be much more inexcusable if the organization grows more prominent.
Make sure your queries are well-thought-out. You will miss out on vital information if you forget to inquire about the prior person's tenure in the position. You should also figure out what priorities need to be addressed right away. If everything was left in order, or if you'll have to deal with mountain turmoil, this will inform you. It should also state how much time you will get from your boss to clean up the problem. Find out what kind of corporate culture you'll be entering and what you'll need to accomplish to advance in the company. You may choose to respectfully excuse yourself and go after receiving answers to all of these questions.
Benefits aren't something you should inquire about. In a first interview, or perhaps a second, this is irrelevant. The salary, perks, and other benefits will be discussed, and the employer will make an offer. It's not a good idea to ask for it. You don't want to come across as someone only interested in the money or the prestige.
You'll know what happens next when you leave the interview. You must know what will happen next. This knowledge can help you avoid worrying about an offer and, more importantly, allow you to follow up effectively. "When do you think you'll make a decision?" or "When might I expect to hear from you?" are good questions to ask.
3. Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Your arrogance should be left at home. Interviewers frequently complain about candidate arrogance. Candidates often cross the line between confidence and arrogance. There is a slight difference between the two. Confident people treat interviewers as equals, whereas arrogant people are condescending, as though they believe they are superior to others in some way, whether socially or otherwise. When you're interviewing with someone younger than you or for a position that's a step or two down from your previous job, be extra wary of hubris
If your nerves make you appear arrogant, develop a coping method to help you get around that terrible impression.
Keep your complaints about your previous boss to yourself. It is impolite to criticize your former employer. If you speak poorly of a past boss, the interviewer will presume you would treat him or her similarly. It's usually self-defeating to criticize the company, your management, or your former coworkers. When the interviewer seems more like a friend than a decision-maker, you may be tempted to confide, but don't! It tells them you're disloyal, quickly dissatisfied, and a loose cannon ready to erupt.
Demonstrate that you're interested and engaged. Acting indifferent, answering your phone, making constant eye contact, not meeting the interviewer's gaze, talking incessantly, and being overly familiar are examples of inappropriate interviewing behaviour. Interviewers have preconceived notions about how you should conduct yourself. These requirements are consistent with etiquette guidelines. You'll do well if you're polite, businesslike, courteous, attentive, and suitable.
Remember that the interview isn't finished until you've exited the building. Nothing is more painful than acing an interview only to mess it up right before you leave. This occurs far more frequently than it should. "By the way, how did you manage to get time off today?" one interviewer might question casually as applicants approach the door. The number of people who say, "I phoned in ill," is surprising. Be cautious about casual conversations within the company's building or facilities as well. Don't say or do anything that could be used against you if the hiring manager hears about it.
Keep your eyes peeled the entire time. Yes, it appears that this is a touch excessive, but at an interview, you can never be too cautious. You want to eliminate everything that could prevent you from being considered for a job. Remove as many potential trouble areas as possible so that the employer can focus on your qualifications. Also, don't makeup something just because it appears to be a problem. Your interviewer might think you're lying. It's a different story if you genuinely neglect to say something.
4. Providing assistance to the interviewer
Adapt to your interviewer's preferences. Some interviewers despise the procedure and express their dissatisfaction, although they may be swayed more by a kind demeanour. Furthermore, if you are fortunate enough to be interviewed by a relaxed and kind person, you will feel more at ease and find it simpler to deliver great responses. Just remember why you're there and don't get too comfortable!
Bring extra copies of your resume, as well as a separate list of references. Your résumé most likely landed you an interview. Having additional copies on hand, on the other hand, will ensure that the interviewer has access to it. References are only checked when a firm is serious about an applicant. If your references are requested during an interview, that's fantastic! Make sure you'll be able to provide them if they ask.
Maintain a positive and natural demeanour. Show interest and passion by smiling. Simply maintain a good attitude in your body language and voice. If you radiate positive energy, it will spread to those around you.
