Interview Mistakes: 5 Things You Should Avoid in Job Interviews
Interview Mistakes: There are several specific missteps to avoid when facing the pressure of a job interview.
A seasoned interviewer will quickly identify any attempts at deception and will likely respond with a series of probing questions designed to reveal your lack of knowledge. (Image: Freepik)
A successful interview can be likened to a finely-tailored suit that enhances an individual’s personality, while a poorly-conducted interview can unfortunately reveal aspects of a person’s character in a negative light. The significance of creating a positive first impression during an interview is paramount.
To achieve this, it is essential to understand the qualities the interviewer is assessing, which typically include your confidence, maturity, composure, and overall demeanor. There are several specific missteps to avoid when facing the pressure of a job interview:
1. Disrespectful Responses
Responses that are short, dismissive, arrogant, or confrontational are unequivocally unacceptable. It is advisable to seek feedback from peers regarding your perceived friendliness and approachability. Remember, the interviewer holds significant influence over your potential employment, but their role is not solely to challenge you. The purpose of placing you in a stressful situation is often to evaluate your behavior under pressure. Displaying agitation may indicate a lack of coping abilities, whereas handling such challenges with poise not only alleviates potential issues but also earns you favorable recognition.
2. Deception
A seasoned interviewer will quickly identify any attempts at deception and will likely respond with a series of probing questions designed to reveal your lack of knowledge. Even if you manage to evade detection initially, you may inadvertently steer the conversation into unfamiliar territory, prompting inquiries that will require you to continue the charade until you are either exposed or compelled to admit, “I don’t know.”
This insightful statement can assist you in steering clear of subjects in which you lack expertise, potentially rescuing the interview by initiating a new line of discussion. However, frequent reliance on this statement may lead the interviewer to conclude that your knowledge is limited.
3. Responding Defensively
If you find yourself in a situation where you have made an error and have been justly corrected, it is essential to acknowledge your mistake gracefully and allow the conversation to continue in a respectful manner. Leave behind the notion that “offense is the best defense,” along with any excessive pride that could significantly hinder your chances of success. You may still salvage the interview despite a few honest missteps if the interviewer perceives your sincerity. Conversely, aggressive behavior will undoubtedly be met with disapproval.
Avoid engaging in a battle of egos with the interviewer; even if you emerge victorious in that confrontation, you risk losing the interview itself. It may be beneficial to reflect on any negative, automatic reactions you have towards criticism and adjust your responses accordingly. It is also important to recognize that the interviewer can make mistakes as well, as they are human too. Sometimes, their errors may be intentional, designed to assess your knowledge or social skills. In situations where you are confident in your perspective, maintain your stance, but do so with grace. Present your argument politely yet assertively, and after some discussion, consider agreeing to disagree in order to transition the conversation to a new topic.
4. Unprepared Responses
Certain questions are commonly expected in any interview, such as those concerning your aspirations, personal background, motivations for applying to the specific position, and your interest in the organization. To create a positive impression, it is essential that your responses to these inquiries are well-prepared, articulate, and unambiguous, ensuring clarity for the interviewer. This does not necessitate having a rigid ten-year life plan or knowing precisely what you will do at every moment. Instead, your thought process and overall direction should be organized and clearly communicated to the interviewers. Conducting thorough preparation in advance can secure you a significant advantage even before you enter the interview room.
5) Absence of Interview Strategy
During the selection process, the interviewer must evaluate the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. This requires guiding the conversation and exploring various facets of the candidate’s personality. However, if you learn to navigate the interview yourself by providing open-ended responses that encourage further questions in areas of your expertise, you can facilitate a smoother experience for the interviewer while also enhancing your own satisfaction. It is crucial to either take the lead in the interview or allow yourself to be guided; failing to do so may divert you from your areas of strength or, in the worst-case scenario, place you in unfamiliar territory.
