Four Interview Mistakes That May Cost You the Job

Not to be pessimistic, but there’s a lot that can go wrong during an interview. Even with thorough preparation, you never completely know how things will unfold. Here are four specific interview mistakes that may cost you the job and should be avoided at all costs.

Showing Up Too Late or Too Early

Being on time is tremendously important. Your promptness or lack thereof will be one of the first things an interviewer will be assessing. It doesn’t matter to them what the traffic was like or if there was major construction. They expect you to show up on time without any excuses.

So when is the ideal time to arrive? Generally speaking, be there approximately five to 10 minutes early. Plan on leaving early so you’ll have some wiggle room in case there’s heavy traffic or some other unforeseen issue. However, you shouldn’t show up any earlier than that.

Dressing Inappropriately

It may sound superficial, but appearance is everything at a job interview. You want to make the right impression and show you’re professional. It’s important to choose your attire carefully and ensure that it corresponds with the type of job you’re applying for.

While you won’t typically need to overdress and wear a suit and tie for most light industrial positions, wear your best clothing and make sure it’s clean and unwrinkled. For more information on what to wear, check out this article from ZipRecruiter.

Negatively Criticizing Previous Employers

If an interviewer hears you bad-mouthing your last employer, it’s going to be a red flag. This type of behavior suggests you have a bad attitude, are unprofessional and hold grudges. None of which are going to do you any favors when it comes to landing a new job. Even if you’ve been burned in the past, keep it professional and use tact when speaking of previous employers.

Having Poor Etiquette

Finally, there’s the issue of etiquette. There is a laundry list of poor behaviors that can leave a negative impression, but here are some particular ones to refrain from:

  • Not turning off your cell phone
  • Chewing gum
  • Bringing in food or a beverage
  • Yawning
  • Bringing a friend or your kids
  • Discussing compensation right away
  • Forgetting the interviewer’s name 

By knowing which mistakes can hurt you, you’ll know what to avoid during your next interview. This should increase your chances of making a positive first impression and ultimately landing the job.

Looking to accelerate your job search? Contact the professionals at Encadria Staffing Solutions today.

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