8 common mistakes at a job interview: learn and avoid!

If the recruiter has reviewed your resume and invited you for an interview, it means that you have already passed the initial screening process. If they decided to meet with you in person, it means that your education and work experience are quite suitable for the employer.

Go for the interview! Be yourself and avoid the common mistakes that are usually made due to overexcitement.

Mistake 1. Imitation of indifference or unhealthy fanaticism

Excitement is a natural thing. Especially when it comes to your dream job. Many people try to build up a price on themselves, pretending that they are not really interested in the job. Others come to interviews looking like they’ve done employers a favor.

But don’t pretend at the interview that you don’t care. First, it will probably look stupid and fake. And secondly, it won’t make the employer like you, it will only alienate him. So don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm.

It’s better to honestly admit that you’re excited, that the prospect of becoming an employee of this company inspires you, but don’t go overboard. It’s one thing to say, “This is my dream job,” and quite another to state, “I’ll die if you don’t hire me.”

Mistake 2. Critical Attitude

Having fresh ideas and a desire to improve the organization you’re applying to is fine. But tactless criticism of the organization itself can reduce your chances of employment to zero.

If you see many shortcomings in the company’s work, it is not worth laying out your considerations head-on. But you don’t have to flatter and distort the truth, either.

Just tell the interview what you can do to improve processes. Can you increase sales by 20% – speak up.

Mistake 3. Excessive modesty

The interview is not the time to downplay your strengths and merits. If you do not talk in detail about your talents, achievements, successes, how will the employer know about them?

Sometimes at a job interview it makes sense to talk even about your skills that are not directly related to the position. For example, knowledge of languages or psychology, creativity, etc.

Mistake 4. Bragging won’t do any good

The opposite mistake is excessive bragging. One thing when you calmly set out their objective merits and achievements: “I did so-and-so project,” “I graduated with honors from the university,” “I created the site, which has such and such attendance.

It is quite another when you start throwing around words like “cult,” “guru,” “leader,” “pro. Instead of them, give specific numbers and facts that confirm your success.

Mistake 5. My tongue is my enemy

Employers may ask difficult or unpleasant questions. Your job is to find the correct answer. For example, if they ask you to name the disadvantages, you should not say that you do not have them, as well as to list your shortcomings such as laziness, short temper, stupidity, etc.

Answering the question about negative qualities, you do not need to name abstract or “good” shortcomings. Your task is to show that you are aware of your shortcomings, know how to deal with them and work with them. Such a presentation can make a positive impression on the employer more than a list of your merits.

Mistake 6. “I’m going to stay with you for a while.”

Employers often try to learn about your plans for the future. For example, where you see yourself in five to ten years. When talking about your dreams and plans, be careful.

It’s a deliberate mistake to say you don’t know what tomorrow will bring, let alone such a long term perspective, to talk about the personal and very little about the professional, or to talk about entrepreneurship.

Most employers like to know that their employees have a desire to grow and develop. A moderately ambitious answer might be, “I want to learn the ins and outs of this industry and become a professional in it.”

Mistake 7. Sugar-Faced Lies

In an attempt to impress us, we often try to appear better than we really are. However, outright lies often turn against us. So do not lie about knowing everything and knowing how to do everything.

Mistake 8. The question of price

The question of salary is one of the most important and difficult at a job interview. Therefore study in advance all similar vacancies and compare the offered salaries. Study how the amounts depend on specific requirements.

Prepare in advance a short speech, in which you describe your skills, achievements and professional contribution to the development of the company. Give reasons why you deserve this position and this salary. But don’t be too stubborn. Even if the employer offers you a lower salary than you bargained for, don’t be too quick to refuse the offer. Clarify the details. There may be good prospects for career advancement, pay raises or bonuses in the future. Ask for time to think it over and agree on an exact deadline for making a decision.