Job interview mistakes

1. Leaving your phone on loud

You go into the office and start your interview. Your phone rings, it’s on loud, it puts you off what you are saying and gives a bad impression. Avoid this situation altogether by turning your phone off beforehand. If your phone does ring, sincerely apologise and then turn it off so the interviewer knows you are serious about the role.

2. Dressing like you’re on holiday

Yes, a lot of workplaces nowadays do have a relaxed dress code, but this doesn’t mean that you should take the same dress code into an interview. Also, even if the weather is baking outside, you should still dress smart. If you turn up in shorts and flip-flops, you will most likely be shown the door.

3. Arranging your interview on your lunch break

You may think it’s clever fitting in an interview on your break, but think again. You may like the idea because you won’t use up any holiday and you won’t need to go after a long day at work. Although they are both great perks, it’s a very dangerous thing to do. Interviews often overrun, or don’t even start at the arranged time. This means that you could return to work late. Another thing you should never say in this situation is that you have to leave early to get back to work – this is a very bad idea.

4. Overconfidence and low self-confidence

Arrogance and overconfidence are attributes that are despised everywhere, including interviews. Of course confidence is needed, but bragging about achievement after achievement that only you had a part in isn’t the way to go. You will need to display how you work within a team as well – remember that.

The same goes for someone who has a lack of self-confidence. If you go into the interview thinking that you won’t get the job, this will most likely be reflected in your body language and the way you answer questions. Believe in your own abilities and your confidence will shine through.