What are the 10 commonly made mistakes in interviews?

You have done all the hard work of earning a degree, securing a good grade, building a compelling resume, and applying for a job. Now the only crucial thing that stands between you and the job you desired is the interview. By now, you might be aware of how to prepare for an interview, what are the prospective questions you’ll be asked, what documents you need to carry, etc., but there are certain things that you should avoid in your interview to make a strong impression on the recruiter. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the critical mistakes that you should avoid in interviews. 

Common mistakes job-seekers must avoid during their interviews

Not researching the company beforehand: It is very important to have a good understanding of the company’s mission, values, and recent developments before an interview. The candidate must know the basic information like who is the founder of the company. Who is the current CEO? Where is the company’s headquarters? What is the current employee count? This will help you tailor your responses to align with the company’s needs and show that you are genuinely interested in working there. Additionally, researching the interviewer’s background and experience will help you tailor your approach to the conversation. 

Failing to demonstrate your accomplishments effectively: It is important to clearly communicate your qualifications and how they align with the company’s needs. Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience and to provide specific examples to back them up. Additionally, be sure to communicate how you can contribute to the company’s success and help it achieve its goals. 

Also read: The different types of interviews & how to handle them

Not being punctual: Being late for an interview can make a bad first impression and can show a lack of interest or respect for the company and the interviewer. Plan your route in advance and allow extra time for traffic or other unforeseen delays. Even if it’s a virtual interview, joining on time is must. Sometimes, when you join an online interview meet, you notice that the other members have turned off their video and you quickly do the same. This is a bad practice, as it leaves a bad impression on the interview panel. As soon as you join the call, you must greet everyone in the meeting and then gently turn off the video if it’s not required. 

Appearing unprofessional or unkempt: First impressions are crucial, and the way you present yourself can make or break an interview. Let it be a virtual interview or an in-person interview, you must dress up and groom yourself appropriately. Avoid wearing too much cologne or perfume, and make sure that your clothes are clean and pressed. 

Not thinking before responding to questions: Another common mistake that candidates make is answering the questions quickly without giving it proper thought. You should always take a few seconds to understand the question, its context and then give an answer. If you need more clarity on the question, you can request for the same. 

Not asking questions or showing interest in the company: Asking questions and showing interest in the company can demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in working there. Make sure to ask questions about the company’s mission, values, and recent developments, as well as about the role you are applying for. Additionally, make sure to show your enthusiasm for the company’s products or services. 

Check out: Commonly asked interview questions and how to answer them

Inappropriate body language and attitude: Nonverbal communication such as eye contact, posture, and facial expressions can have a big impact on how you are perceived. You must control your anxiety or nervousness and have a calm and composed body language. You are under observation every moment during the interview. Appearing arrogant or entitled can make you appear difficult to work with and can turn off potential employers. Avoid boasting about your qualifications or accomplishments and making demands about pay or benefits. Instead, be humble and show that you are willing to work hard to earn a spot on the team. 

Not having extra copies of resume and other documents: Amidst the process of preparing for an interview, you may lose or forget some of the important documents like a resume. So, it’s recommended that you carry extra copies of every important document. Also, whether it’s an in-person interview or a virtual interview, it’s a good practice to keep the resume ready for presentation or reference within least time. 

Speaking negatively about past employers: Speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues can make you appear unprofessional and difficult to work with. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your past experiences and how they have prepared you for the role you are applying for. 

Falsifying information on the resume: You must not use inaccurate information on your resume because it shows you’re dishonest and will hurt your career. Using accurate information will make you answer the interview questions more confidently. Focusing on how to present the information on your CV so that it adds value to the organization you’re applying to might be helpful. 

Also read: The role of placement support services in bridging the job readiness gap

Online Manipal – Your destination for top-quality online education

Getting a job in today’s highly competitive corporate world is not easy. Besides having strong academic credentials, you must be well prepared before attending an interview. Additionally, you must avoid the above-mentioned mistakes as it helps to leave a good impression on the recruiter. Online Manipal offers placement training for all students who have successfully completed their online programs to make them job ready. Enroll for an UGC-entitled online UG or PG degree from Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) and pave way for a successful career.