Avoid making these job interview mistakes…
As mentioned in our previous blog, once you have gained the interview, it’s important that you deliver an interview which lives up to your CV & experience on paper (or screen!)
You cannot control everything about the interview, but there are definitely things you can do to keep yourself top of their list and even if you don’t get the offer this time, you leave them with a positive impression as there are times when later down the line you become their first choice for the job or even a more suitable one.
Always top of our list, is arrive on time, being late is not the very first impression you want to make. Arriving out of breathe or feeling stressed or anxious (common interview feelings), will also have an impact on your first few moments of the interview. You may well be able to make up for it, but our advice would be… leave extra to time make your arrival less stressful.
Sometimes we are only applying for a job because it’s the ONLY job you want, but sometimes we are also applying for A JOB. Both reasons are great, but if you are applying for A JOB, do deliver your interview like it is the ONLY job. Do your research, know why you would be great and think about why you are applying (not just because you need it!)
It’s always on our list, dress to impress. Going back to first impressions, whether it be face to face (or face to screen), showing you are keen by making an effort, really doesn’t go unnoticed.
Another point we always share with our candidates is that the interview is just as much about you liking the company (and the job) it’s not all about the client deciding if you are their new employee. Whilst most companies will train, progress and develop their staff, do avoid talking too much about everything you want in the job and your career. Definitely mention it but do ensure you have the right balance.
If you are having a telephone or video interview, do treat it as if it were a face to face, all the above apply. If you are being interviewed by telephone, ensure you are in a quiet place, you have dedicated the time to speak and have your CV and the job description in front of you. If you are being interviewed by video, dress smart, set your device up in a dedicated place, so they can see you and tell everyone in the house that for the next 30 minutes or an hour you are attending an interview.
If you are still as interested in their vacancy at the end of the interview, tell them. It’s great for them to feel confident if they were to offer you a job you’d accept. If there are any small concerns mention them, it could be something they could answer there and then to put your mind at ease or if you need some time, that’s OK too.
Finally, don’t be afraid to blow your own trumpet, this is your chance to shine. If you have experience or you have been given fantastic feedback or you have used a system they use – tell them… it may not be on your CV or they may have over looked it.
GOOD LUCK for smashing that interview!
Should you be looking for a new job or you have a vacancy which you haven’t been able to find the perfect person for, do get in touch with us as we’d love to help 0117 9055035 or [email protected]
