My First Interview - What Not to DO

So now that we have looked at some of the things that will always make people look good in Interviews, there are those things that can take away that amazing opportunity. You know, that feeling when you are on a roll. Yep, we have all had that moment. Unfortunately that moment can always be messed up by one question, or that silly statement one should have never made. This is that, "What NOT TO SAY or do in Interviews."

Dress Code

Unfortunately looking like a Christmas tree will not get you the brownie points. I always say, its very important that your dress code represents the level of respect/ the job you seek. If you are going to dress like you are going to a spring bash, then we clearly have something wrong here. Your outfit should also be comfortable. Dress for comfort. Have your realized that the way you dress normally affects the way you talk or portray yourself. For the gentlemen, you will never go wrong with a suit and Tie. Ladies, i know most of the people watch Suits, and many people always talk about Jessica. Have you seen the confidence in that woman? Well, the point is not to dress like her, however, a business look always wins in Interviews. Rather be over dressed. Remember, if you are over dressed, your interviewers are more likely to inform you to be less formal next time. This applies to FRIDAYS too. I know most organisations have casual day on Fridays, however, there is nothing like that in an interview.

Being too comfortable

This is a mistake that most people make. Remember, just because the interviewer has used one or two swear words, this does not mean you should join in the band wagon. I know there is a saying, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do." Well, in interviews that rule does not apply. Remain professional at all times. You have nothing to lose afteral.

Posture

This one is the same as the dress code. So, if i was to wear my photography hat on for this one, i always advise people to sit at the edge of the chair when being photographed, same as when being interviewed. Try it out wherever you are right now. Sitting at the edge of the chair helps straighten your back, gives you a better posture. Your posture affects the way you communicate/ speak in any interview. DO NOT sit like you are at home watching Suits. This will likely give people the impression that you are arrogant, and your message gets lost in your posture.

What not to Ask

Salary

• Avoid asking about salary in interviews. I think this one is extremely sensitive. I always say, if you applied for a role at any company, your reasons were not money related, so DO NOT MESS that opportunity up by talking about money. In some instances, your interviewer might be someone in the team you will be joining, or it could be someone you are replacing. Imagine that person finding out that you could potentially be earning more than what they were earning when they did the role, or you even earning more than them even though they got promoted. Do you think that person would motivate for you to get hired? NOPE. They will make it a point that they highlight how expensive you are.

Benefits

• Different companies have different benefits. Rather ask the HR person interviewing you what those benefits are, DO NOT ASK ABOUT benefits in any interview. Unfortunately it gives people the impression that you are chasing after Benefits and not career. You can always google the benefits anyway, so do not mess that opportunity up with such a small thing. You can only ask this question if the company's benefits are a deal breaker.

Leave days

• Is this a Deal breaker? If not, then leave it alone. You will ask when the business has fallen in-love with you. Different companies have different leave policies, so once again, do not mess up this opportunity with something that is not a deal breaker.

Flexi hours

• Can i do the job from home? This normally says you are lazy, unless once again, its a deal breaker. Before you ask that question, ask yourself why you want to work for that company.

Lastly, do not ask questions for the sake of asking. Its okay to say you do not have any questions at that stage. But remember that research i spoke about in my 2nd opinion piece, well, it helps when you get to this stage.

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