Candidates get rejected from jobs for many reasons. Lying on your CV, reaching late, being unprepared or underprepared top the list. Then there are people who ruin their chances by appearing overconfident and rude, while some others get tossed aside because of their lack of social skills or simply because they seem too nervous.
Now that you know all the common and dangerous interview mistakes, let’s talk about other, little ways you could be sabotaging your chances at landing a job.
Lack of eye contact – Any hiring manager will tell you how important eye contact is when it comes to judging a candidate. It shows you’re confident (just the right dose), interested in the job, and can hold your own among the bigwigs of the company. Having said that, try not to stare at your interviewer or you’re likely to come across as a creep.
If interview nerves typically cause you to avert your gaze, then practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to see how you can improve on it.
The Handshake – There’s nothing worse than a limp, weak and awkward handshake. Because it is the first thing you do when you meet the hiring manager or your potential boss, you’ve got to nail it to make the right impression.
Monster experts say the key to a winning handshake is to reach out first, lock eyes, get the right grip (not too tight), and hold on firmly for a couple of seconds. Watch this video to learn more.
Wearing the right clothing – Your dress code is an important part of your nonverbal communication. Wearing the right outfit on the day of your interview won’t automatically guarantee you the job, but it will make the right first impression, and help you stand out.
As a rule, try to keep your outfit choices, simple, sensible and sophisticated. Also, take the time to ensure you smell good, keep your nails clean and have no food stuck in your teeth.
Small talk – It might not be part of the main questionnaire, but it is key to building a rapport with your interviewer and showing that you are a good cultural fit for the company.
Whether it’s about your weekend plans or your TV viewing habits – take advantage of the lighter moments to build a personal relationship with the person interviewing you.
Bad mouthing your old boss or company – So things ended on a sour note with your ex-boss, but that doesn’t mean you air your dirty linen in public. Complaining, even in jest, can damage your chances and make the interviewer switch off.
If asked about your past work experience, keep things professional and to the point.
