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Ever Been Guilty of These 7 Classic Interview Mistakes?

You receive a positive response after making applications: an invite to the interview.

Congratulations!

The real battle begins. So don’t mess up things. Prepare well for the interview because, in a competitive job market, it is a daunting task to secure the next placement.

You may have created a fantastic CV that highlights the key skills and achievements but all the hard work can be undone in seconds during the interview.

Have you been wondering why you didn’t get that job even when you were the best candidate on paper?

Could be that you are committing one of these interview mistakes. 

1. Turning Up Too Early or Too Late

We usually hear that if you want to be on time, turn up early but arriving too early and sitting in the waiting bay for an hour before the interview puts pressure on the employer.

14% of the candidates fear being late and the ideal time for arrival should be around 15 minutes earlier.

Interviews are like a trial period for a position and being late without a valid reason will show that you are interested in the position.

2. Using Your Phone

Studies show that 60% of employers say that the use of a mobile phone is the biggest job interview mistake made by applicants and this shows that the interview is not important to you.

Switch it off and put away your phone because putting it on the table shows disrespect to the interviewer.

3. Inappropriate Dressing

50% of employers regard inappropriate dressing as one thing that could cost an interviewee the job. Personal hygiene is important and minimize the use of make-up and accessories unless you’re applying for a job where dressing creatively is part of the role.

Dress for the part and business casual is the best way to go because it ensures that you are presentable with professional looking.

4. Not Doing Your Research

You should research the role and the company. Employers are enthusiastic about the candidates who attend the interview while prepared. Find out the services, products, or culture of the company. Have enough information to ask questions and to demonstrate how you will add value. Preparing for the interview shows that you are taking the opportunity seriously.

5. Not Asking Any Questions

Never say ‘no’ when asked “do you have a question for us?

Asking questions during the interview shows that you are interested in the position. 32% of employers think that candidates who don’t ask questions are either rude or not interested in the job.

6. Lying On Your CV

58% of employers have gotten candidates who lie on their CV and 31% of candidates have admitted that they have lied on their CV. Lying on your CV will force you to lie during the interview. This leads to not providing enough details when asked to give an example of how you attained some achievements. Do not attempt to lie because if found during background checks then you will not get the job. Use the STAR system, to show situations, tasks, actions, and results as this will give answers in a clear, concise, and structured manner.

7. Talking In Clichés

‘I am a team player, hardworking, and perfectionist’ are among the words employers are tired of hearing. When allowed to talk about yourself or give your greatest weakness, do not answer with obvious answers.  Answer in a unique way that will differentiate you from other candidates.

Conclusion

Making the above mistakes can cost you a job and they might be holding you back from landing your dream job. Understanding what not to do during the interview is important hence you should dodge the mistakes and create a great impression.

Want to understand ways to turn common mistakes into passing your next interview?

Book this One-on-One Interview Coaching Today!

12 Comments

  1. Hi Wilson, thanks for your inquiry. This is a common question asked in most interviews. First, explain your expertise and profession, the experience in the industries and your goal towards achieving the company’s success. Alight this with your career profile. You should explain your current role and hit the major key points in your professional journey. Quantify your achievements as possible and explain how you experience will make you successful in the role to improve the bottom line of the company as you alight this with your career goals.
    For more details, please check these links https://youtu.be/rnGQTYTKKs0 , https://youtu.be/Xdv4fSPCWyY and check Perminus Wainaina Youtube channel for more insights.

  2. Hi Grace, we appreciate your question, in this case, personalize your answer according to your personal weakness and the ways that you’re adapting and improving yourself.
    Though often one of the most dreaded interview questions, when you take the time to prepare a thoughtful response, you can use this question to create a unique story about who you are and where you want to go. As you prepare your answers, remember to turn weaknesses into challenges that you’ve overcome and show you are a great fit for the job.
    Being aware of your weaknesses is a good sign; it shows that you know where your boundaries are
    Use the weakness question as an opportunity to share how you’ve overcome a professional challenge and how you now are better because of it.

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