Job Seeker Tips for “DON’T’S” in Interviews
If you have reviewed the other two articles – “Job Seeker Tips for “Do’s” in Interviews” Part 1 and Part 2 you will have a good idea as to what to DO before, during and after your interview. What about the “Don’t’s”? Yes, there actually are some DON’T’S!
I could start by giving you the pointer around spouses and the tip NOT to bring them to your interview. Yes, this did happen. Someone brought their spouse to their interview and the spouse was not pleased when she was not let into the interview room to be with her husband
during his interview. So…tip here…as much as you love your spouse, please plan to attend
the actual interview on your own. 🙂
OK, now to the general DON’T’S…
DON’T:
Wear too Much Cologne or Perfume
So this doesn’t mean don’t shower and arrive with B.O. but it doesn’t mean bathe in cologne or perfume either. You may think you have a beautiful scent and you may, but too much of it can overpower the room and turn the attention away from the task at hand. It can also make interviewers very uncomfortable should they have an allergy.
Leave Your Cell Phone On
Please remember to – just like the movies – turn your cell phone off. How embarrassing would it be should you receive a call during your interview? It is extremely disrespectful to accept a phone call during the interview – yes this has happened as well. So, remember before entering the interview room to ensure your phone is set to “silent”.
Be Late
Being timely is extremely important. Being late sends all kinds of negative messages that you don’t want to send. Know where you are going, research it and ensure to arrive 10 minutes or so beforehand.
Curse or Swear
Do you have a potty mouth? Well if so, leave it at home. The interview is where you need to be on your best behaviour. Flush that potty mouth and bit your tongue!
Talk Badly About your Previous Employers
When you talk badly about your previous employers, you make the interviewers wonder about
who you really are. You never know either if they may know the company you are speaking about.
Always do your best to talk about previous employers in a positive light – or don’t go deep into detail if there was a negative situation.
Lie or Make up Stories
Usually we as interviewers can tell if you are making up a story, either that or should you be hired, it may one day come out. The best practice is to be truthful about your accomplishments,
responsibilities and history.
Oversell Yourself or Sound Desperate
Some people when they are extremely interested in a job, they present themselves as being so
full of energy and so positive it is almost overwhelming. Contrast this to others who almost beg you to give them the job. This doesn’t give the interviewer a good impression.
Be unprepared
Ensure you have researched the company and you are coming prepared with information on the
job and details of the company. Review their mission statement, and any details you can on their website to be prepared. Have questions ready to ask should you be given the opportunity. Practice your interviewing skills – be ready for a variety of different questions. Bring extra up to date copies of your resume. Review our “To-Do’s”.
Ok, as I promised you some Doozies… Here is a list to make you chuckle – these did actually happen during the many years of interviewing:
Don’t:
* Come to the interview with something hanging out of your nose
* Pick your nose during the interview ·
* Sneeze on the interviewer
* Come to the interview without knowing anything about the company or job you have applied for
and ask for the title of the job that you applied to
* Arrive an hour late and expect to just be “fit in” for an interview without offering an apology or even
a call as to why you were late
* Insult the interviewer(s) or company
* Beg for the job
* Take over the interview
* Offer a book of an answer to simple questions
* Crack rude jokes
* Insult the sex of the interviewer letting them know that their sex is not superior
There are so many more, but I think you get the picture 🙂 We wish you the very best with your interviewing and hope that these articles have helped you to prepare. Please note that 1 Stop
HR provides in depth interview training that is geared directly to the type of job you are applying to.
If we can help you with this, or with a professional Canadian/US resume, please do not hesitate to contact us for a quotation.
www.1stophrconsulting.com
Email us at:
info@1stophrconsulting.com