Interviews are purposed for you to communicate why you are the right candidate for the job. However, many other things can get in the way and here are 10 ways which can ensure that you do not get the job.
1. Arriving late
Yes, in fact, make everyone wait for you to arrive. Even if you are still having your breakfast when the receptionist calls you to hurry you, just tell her that you are on your way. Also, plan to arrive on time because if anything unexpected does occur, you will definitely be late.
After all, you are a busy person, right? And it’s surely their privilege to be able to have you over for an interview…
2. Dressing inappropriately
Feel free to underdress for the occassion or wear anything you feel like for the day. The job is more about your skills, talents and qualifications and not really about the clothing you cover yourself with, right?
3. Poor body language
If the conversation is getting dull and monotonous and you are starting to feel uncomfortable, just show it. It doesn’t hurt to be honest about your feelings and it’s best that you communicate that with your potential employers.
4. Misrepresentation of information on your CV
The media and advertising industry is infamous for sensationalising, twisting and sugarcoating information that is presented to the public. Since that is already happening, why not use that to your advantage?
Worked 4 years and 2 months in your previous role? Why not just round it up to say that you had around 5 years of working experience in that field?
5. Lack of research
If you don’t do your homework, just wing it! Improvise on the spot and use industry jargon to make yourself appear well-informed and sophisticated. Mention things like “you looking forward to be an instrumental member in the organisation and helping it become the market leader in its industry” and you will surely whet the appetites of the interviewer.
Terms like “pushing the envelope”, “market penetration”, “core competencies”, “competitive advantage”, will definitely make you stand out from the rest of the other candidates.
6. Not asking questions
Don’t bother with asking questions because that will only protract the interview session and waste everybody’s time.
If the interviewer asks if you have any questions or queries, just say “no” and move on.
7. Vague and unclear responses
“Describe in detail your previous experience in leading a team”: Erm…I like leading teams because they bring everyone together for a common purpose.
“Why are you choosing to join our organisation in the midst of all other possible choices?”: I like your company’s logo and I possess a strong set of leadership and problem solving skills.
“What would you do if you encountered a client who was being unethical in his practices and unreasonable in his relationship with your team?”: I will continue to do my best in my role and my responsibilities because I believe in adding value to the organisation I work for.
8. Badmouthing your previous or current employer
If you had bad experiences with your current or previous employer, feel free to be frank and honest about it here. After all, you get to vent all the built-up resentment in you and the interviewer gets to learn how to be a better employer.
A win-win situation for everyone!
9. Prematurely asking about pay and benefits
It’s perfectly alright to bring up the question about pay and benefits because you’ve got bills to settle and a life to live, right? And there’s no such thing as a free lunch, so just go ahead and be upfront about these because that is indeed part of the deal in you wanting to work with them.
10. Not following up
Once the interview is over, don’t bother about sending an email of thanks for their time and for them allowing you to come in for an interview with them. After all, life is short, you’re a busy person and you’ve got more interviews to go for.
Do you have more ways to guarantee one’s interview suicide? If so, share them in the comments section below!
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Image courtesy of Mònica Prats Castellví .
