Avoid These Rookie Interview Mistakes
J.T. O'Donnell
Founder & CEO, Work It DAILY | Board of Directors, McCoy | Career & Professional Development | Job Search | HR & Recruiting | Employer Branding | Recruitment Marketing | Talent Management | Executive Coaching
I recently had a conversation with a hiring manager who personally interviewed 300+ people in the last 2 years. We discussed how uncomfortable it is when people make some truly rookie interview mistakes. People think the interviewer has the easy job, but it's just as stressful for them. It's not fun to watch someone make a mistake in an interview that you know is costing them the job. Trying to keep a poker face and finishing the interview can be tough. Here are some of the top mistakes we both have seen first-hand:
- Failing to do any research on the company so they are unable to answer the most basic question, "Tell me what you know about us?"
- Making the first question when it's their turn to ask questions, "What's the job pay?"
- Showing up under-dressed, looking disheveled and chewing gum.
- Arriving clearly hungover, sick, and smelling of booze.
- Taking calls and/or texting during the interview.
- Showing up late.
- Trash-talking a former employer.
- Swearing.
- Telling the employer what they think they are doing wrong in their business model without being asked for their opinion.
Interview = Thousands of dollars ($$$) on the line.
Interviews are hard to come by. Each time we fail to fully prepare for an interview, we are putting an entire year's salary (and more) on the line. Even if we aren't excited about the job, it's still worth it to prepare. Who knows? They may have a job that isn't posted that we'd be perfect for. Or, they may remember us when a job does come available that we're a better fit for. No matter what, there's no excuse for not preparing for any interview that comes our way.
And yet....
How many times have smart professionals chosen to "wing it" in an interview? I hear justification for the lack of preparation all the time. Things like:
"I'm better when I don't sound rehearsed."
Or, "I don't want to look to over-the-top about the opportunity."
They forget the cardinal rule: in an interview, you are a business-of-one and the employer is your customer. If you don't show them you're working hard to earn their business, why should they bother picking you?
I'm not suggesting we put the employer on a pedestal.
I'm saying the best way to show the hiring manager we want to work "with" them and not "for" them is to come to the table ready to prove ourselves worthy of a partnership. Here's an article on why top performers always have the "work with an employer" mentality.
Don't you agree?
I'm curious, what's other rookie mistakes have you all seen or heard of? Please share them in the comments below.
And for those of you who are thinking, "Hmm. Maybe I should re-assess how I prepare for interviews," here's a checklist of 18 things you need to succeed in interviewing.
If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.
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P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of the career advice site, CAREEREALISM, and currently run the career coaching program, CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!
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CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here!
Image above by Shutterstock
I am a contributor to Bizcatalyst 360. I am a pediatric and adult echocardiographer.
8 年Excellent piece on intervieing JT J.T. O'Donnell.A interview is not something you want to take lightly.
Senior Manager, Privacy - South Asia and Metropolitan Asia @ Kenvue
9 年I once interviewed a candidate who had stated in his resume, his awareness of a US legislation (I am an India lawyer). When I asked him questions about the said legislation, he showed me a printout of the said legislation and was unable to answers questions additionally! Needless to say, he wasn't hired!
Data Analyst
9 年It's sad that some recruiters send you on interviews with ZERO Information about an employer, the position or even the pay. How can you prepare for that?
Creative Mind | Artist - Illustrator, Photography , more | Seeking Opportunities
9 年There'd definitely being prepared and funnily enough , most times I've done the research and come dressed for success the job never happens.I can figure out that basically i over present myself and unfortunately in the south and in a blue-collar area it as i can best guess seem egocentric or just crass. The flip is when I know the bare minimum and even do what i consider to be a poor interview with just what i need to know and ect i just seem to get the job.I have no explaination for it. -Be prepared but not overly is a key rule. -Try to never leave a job without having a job lined up(doesnt make sense but theres an element of discrimination if you're not employed when job hunting by employers even if you've left with 2 weeks notice)
Writer | Google Career Digital Marketing & E-Commerce | digital marketing | Content Writer | Marketing Specialist
9 年Great advice. I definitely agree with doing your research on the company. Every time I have a phone or in person interview, I also do my research. It helped me greatly with being prepared for interviews.