Surveys of experiences of many employing managers focus on avoidable simple mistakes. Here are some such instances and suggestions.
Don't underscore your needs
- A job seeker told his prospective employer that he applied for the job not because he is interested in it but because the company gave lot of free time.
- Another applicant didn't bat an eye lid while telling the interviewer that he was planning a lot of leave next year and their leave benefits were very attractive.
- When the interviewer asked an applicant why she was quitting her present job, she said her manager was a stupid like all mangers.
Don't hesitate to know about the position you have applied for, scope for growth and such other things.
Don't forget your responsibilities
When you have applied for a customer service job, don't tell your interviewer that you don't like to deal with people.
Even if you had come to know at the time of your interview that you were seeking a job in the company that you don't like, don't divulge your dislike for the company.
In the heat of the moment you may lose your balance. Be careful to be calm at the interview and don't give irrelevant and irresponsible responses. The best thing to do is to rehearse an interview with your friend or a family member. Your “interviewer” may help you know where you were nervous and had faltered. Such mock interviews will put you at ease at the real ones.
Proper dress is a must
Don't attend an interview in pajamas and slippers; don't go along with your pet; don't wear the uniform of your former employer; don't leave the dry cleaner tag on your jacket to show that you are clean.
However casual may be the atmosphere at the potential employer's work environs, you have to dress yourself to impress your prospective employer and as such don't hesitate to wear a suit or any other professional dress. It is okay even if you have overdressed. Casual dress may give an impression that you aren't a serious person and you aren't professional. These may look a bit small but they make or mar your chances. So don't take any chances.
Don't tell lies
You may think that little lies are okay to show yourself as more qualified. Mind you, in these days of Google and social media, many employers do contact the references and make background checks before you are called for an interview. If you are caught lying, your reputation goes down the drain, besides not getting the job you are seeking.
Even if your lies are not detected in the beginning, you are going to be caught some time or the other. Had you overrated your skills or experience, you won't be able to come to the expectations of your employer and may lose the job. It is better to tell the truth as far as your abilities go so that you and your employer can be sure that the job is right for you.
Keep in mind that you should never make false statements at the interview. Try to impress the interviewer with your actual skills and experience.
On your part you should be able to show enthusiasm to take up the job and let your personality come up. Anyway, none wants to hire a highly qualified applicant who is not interested in the actual job. Remember to be honest and organized and try to convince the interviewer that you are the right choice. Be relaxed during the interview.
