Listen to the Musn'ts
(Aimen Rafique, Karachi)
Hand Picked list of the 5 common killer interview mistakes
Job interviews are pretty much
like first dates. Good impressions count. Awkwardness can occur. Outcomes can be
unpredictable.
Or as Rosemary Haefner puts it
more appropriately; ‘Interviews are a job audition’. ”The employer isn’t hiring
a list of skills and accomplishments. They’re hiring the whole person: their
personality, their resume, their critical thinking and creative ability. The
impression you make during the interview, regardless of how competitive the job
market happens to be, will most always be the determining factor in landing your
next job.”
So following are the ten outrageous interview bloopers that you would probably
want to avoid in all cases if you wish to stand the slightest chance of acing
your job interview.
1. Hugging your boss!
Where in most cases hugging is a lovely gesture of kindness doing it in an
interview is a big turnoff. It is extremely unprofessional and honestly speaking
awkward times thousand. And more importantly never hug your boss. That there
would be your ticket straight out of the company or in worst cases you might
even get a little spanking from the security guards. So, Do not Hug period.
2. Telling your bad habits out loud!
No matter how bizarre it sounds there are reported cases of candidates who read
out a list of their sloppy habits in front of the recruitment managers, like how
they totally despise reading or waking up early for work. Why on earth would
they want to hear them? There is no need of being that honest unless you want to
screw up your interview. In that case there can never be a better way.
3. Emptying the employers candy jar!
Until and unless you are suffering from hypoglycemia there is absolutely no
reason you should be fishing for your favorite candy during the interview let
alone emptying the whole jar. It is very unethical and also a glaring
representation of your bad snacking habits. Nobody wants and employee who keeps
munching around all day during work and meetings. It is very, very uncool.
4. Making calls and texting.
Using your cell phones or any of the smart devices during your interview is a
big no, no. They are so very distracting and make you lose your focus. Result,
you end up giving confused answers and come out as a blabbering idiot. Also the
employers get the negative impression that you do not really care if you get the
job or not. So turn off your phones or switch it to the silent mode even before
you enter the interview room.
5. Bad mouthing!
It is one of the detrimental mistakes you can make whilst giving an interview.
Never ever speak badly of or insult your employers; current and previous. You
may be one hundred percent justified in your complaints but you certainly do not
need to tell your interviewer about it. It shows your lack of positive attitude
and inability to form healthy relationships with your coworkers.
So from now on whenever you are on the job hunt and are trying to score an
interview in a reputable firm of your choice make sure to avoid any outrageous
mistakes especially the ones mentioned above. They are sure fire ways to make
you look like a nut job in front of your employer.
Also do not forget to get maximum information regarding the job details and the
skills required in particular. A well informed candidate is very often the first
choice. Along with that practice vigorously and finely tailor your resume to
suit the company’s requirements every time you apply for a new job.
Lastly dress becomingly, stay focused, and make eye contact. Most of all act
confident throughout the interview. Don’t let those people on the other side of
the desk intimidate you in anyway. Stay calm, listen each question carefully
then answer and smile always. All these things are very important to create a
first impression which in most cases the basis on which jobs are given.
All the success.