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7 Mistakes that Kill Any Job Applicant’s Chances

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Mistakes that Kill Any Job Applicant's Chances - job interview mistakes

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Getting invited for job interviews is a significant milestone in the job-hunting process. Whether seeking a career shift or coming fresh out of college, nothing feels better than landing interviews after sending applications to different companies. While receiving invites to job interviews is exciting, it is also an unsettling part of the application process.

Applicants typically review their role’s job description and proceed to job interviews without further preparation, leading to unsuccessful results. Consequently, interviewers do not call them back for other application stages. For this reason, learning more about the companies you applied to and having the right mindset is crucial.

Feeling nervous before job interviews is normal, but you cannot allow yourself to succumb to complacency. You need to prepare adequately to boost your chances of acing your interviews.

Common Job Interview Mistakes Made

Here are seven errors you should avoid committing before and during job interviews.

1. Not doing the research before having the job interview

Coming to a job interview without prior preparation is unimaginable. It is one thing to accept an interview from recruiters and another to answer questions intelligently.

Before your interview, use your free time to research the company. Know as much as possible about it, including its history, employer branding, major contributions, work culture, and mission vision. Recruiters will appreciate your efforts in learning about their company because it shows you are invested in your application.

Review your job description thoroughly. Refrain from settling with a general understanding of the role you applied for. Go over the specifics and see which tasks you will likely carry out the most. You must show recruiters you are serious about the job and willing to learn the ropes if they provide training.

2. Losing sight of your objectives

Get enough rest the day before your interview to keep your mind sharp. Make sure to get ample sleep to feel fresh and alert the next day. Job interviews require undivided attention and concentration, so avoid sleeping late.

Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions on the day of the interview. Give appropriate and intelligent answers. Be engaging throughout the interview. The goal is to show the interviewer how knowledgeable you are about the role you applied for and leave a positive first impression.

3. Not asking questions

Job interviews are a two-way street. They are your opportunity to discover more about your role and the company you applied to. Take advantage by asking interviewers about internal work processes. Find out what it is like to work for their company. Learn about their company culture and values.

Knowing these things will help you see if you should continue or forgo your application.

4. Skipping job interview practice

Part of preparing for a job interview is not just doing additional research on the company you applied to and familiarizing yourself with the job role. It is also good to simulate a job interview to help compose your thoughts and answers.

During your free time, work on answering general and technical questions. Take note of errors to avoid making in the actual interview. Ask someone to observe you and provide feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. The earlier you practice, the better you will handle job interviews.

5. Using an outdated resume

Each time you gain new work experience, make sure to fine-tune your resume. Add brief but substantial details regarding new work experiences. Remove past work experiences unrelated to the roles you intend to apply for to make your resume more relevant. Remember, interviewers typically look for candidates with the right work experience.

6. Wearing inappropriate clothes

Maintaining professionalism is always a must. This behavior should reflect through your work ethic and how you present yourself. Pick your clothes wisely. Wash and iron them to keep them clean and fresh. Avoid wearing clothes that are revealing or too casual. If the dress code allows it, opt for a smart casual outfit.

Interviewers will assess you based on how well you answer their questions and how appropriately you dress.

7. Arriving late for the interview

Interviewers have a lot on their plate, so you cannot afford to waste their time. Arriving late is more than just an inconvenience for your interviewer. It also shows a lack of professionalism.

Leave your house early to avoid traffic. Know the address of the company’s office, so you do not get lost on the way. Set a reminder on your phone to keep track of your day. Arriving on time tells the interviewer you are punctual and respect their schedule.

Go the Extra Mile to Achieve Terrific Interviews

Job interviews entail tedious preparation. From thoroughly researching companies to understanding the demands of the job positions you are applying for, taking these extra steps means all the difference between good and terrific interviews.

Remember the interview mistakes above to put yourself on the right track, nail your job interviews, and possibly receive job offers.

Kass Monzon is the co-founder and CEO of Workbean, an HR tech startup building Asia’s only culture-first job search platform. She is an employer branding advocate who has helped organizations uncover stories of their workplace, people and culture. In her free time, she takes care of her two naughty dogs named Orpheus and Loki while concocting new coffee recipes. To learn more about employer branding, visit our website at www.workbean.co or contact me at kass.marketing@workbean.co.

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