INTERVIEW ADVICE
Common mistakes to avoid in interviews
Your hands are clammy, your mouth is dry, and you can’t remember your own name. Where are you? That’s right, in an interview. Unfortunately, if you’d like to get your hands on one of those elusive jobs, interviews are a necessary evil.
Employers often see the same mistakes again and again. Competition is fierce, so it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re standing out for all the right reasons. Here are eight common mistakes students make when interviewing for roles:
Turning up late You’ve managed to secure an interview, amazing! Don’t scupper your chances by turning up late. If your interview is at 10am, make sure you’re there and ready to go at 9:50am. Travelling by train? Check the times. Get an earlier one so you can avoid cutting it fine. If you’re driving, triple-check the route and bear in mind traffic. It’s far better for your mindset if you get there early. You can get your bearings, take a few deep breaths, remind yourself how fantastic you are, and start your interview with a calm and composed mind.
Forgetting to put your phone on silent Pretend you’re getting ready for the cinema. Either put your phone on silent or turn it off completely before you go in. The sound of Beyoncé coming from your bag doesn’t scream professional.
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GradJobs.co.uk | Directory 2019/20
Not considering the first impression Did you know that within the first seven seconds of meeting, a person will have formed an impression of you? That is all it takes, so make each second count. Shake hands with the person interviewing you and make eye contact while you’re doing it, just don’t stare or break any fingers. It can be tough to get the right balance, so practise on someone you know first.
Wearing a bright orange mini skirt There’s an expected dress code in an interview, and it generally doesn’t include a bright orange mini skirt. Some companies will expect you to dress smartly, while others might accept something slightly more casual. If you’ve got a friend who works at the company, ask their advice. If not, dressing smartly is best. If you’re unsure of what counts as ‘smart’, a quick internet search can help.
Not doing your research It doesn’t look good going into an interview knowing nothing about the role and the organisation you’re applying to. Research the company beforehand. Read the company website and check their social media channels. There’s a world of information out there if you look.
Rushing to answer a question You’ve practised your answers and you’re ready to shine. The interviewer asks you a question, and you blurt out the answer you’ve rehearsed.
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