Interviews can be nerve-racking, especially when you care about the position. Many mistakes can be made during the interview process that should be avoided. Be mindful of these potential mistakes so you don’t make them.
Being Unprepared 
Being prepared for a job interview is crucial. You wouldn’t want a prospective employer to be unprepared for you, so don’t be unprepared for them. Being prepared can improve confidence and allow you to be ready for the interviewer’s questions. To get yourself prepared read up on the company’s background, its market, and its competitors, and familiarize yourself with its key members. Make sure you understand the role you are interviewing for. Not understanding can look like you’re lazy on uninterested.
Make sure you are on time for your interview. Be prepared for traffic, re-routes, and any other delays. There are no excuses for tardiness, so ensure you have a plan and give yourself a buffer time. Make sure you have your contact for the interview saved so you can easily contact them in case you run into an unavoidable delay.
For virtual interviews make sure your technology works and is set up properly. Make sure everything is logged in, distractions are minimized, and your surroundings are tidy.
Dressing Inappropriately
When you go to an interview you want to ensure you look professional and presentable. Choose your outfit carefully, they should be clean and freshly ironed. Knowing the company you’re interviewing for can give you an idea of what the dress code is. You can use Pinterest as a resource to get inspiration for what interview attire should look like. You need to look the part and feel confident with what you are in.
Talking Too Much or Not Enough
Find a balance between talking too much and not enough. Rambling can be a result of the interview nerves and talking about everything at once can be a mistake. Sell your skills and experience, but keep it short and sweet. When the interviewer asks you another question pause for a couple of seconds, take a breath, and gather your thoughts before answering. Don’t interrupt your interviewer, allow them to finish what they are saying before speaking.
Not giving enough information and forgetting to mention important details can be just as bad as rambling. Don’t undersell yourself. Practice before your interview and figure out potential interview questions so you can be prepared with your answers. Have some of your previous work and experience to bring up to draw on your skills.
Interviewers understand that nerves happen. If you are nervous and struggling to answer questions, be upfront about it and let them know. Ask for a couple of seconds to get your
thoughts together or if it’s okay to come back to that question at the end so you have some time to think.
Criticising Current or Previous Employers/Colleagues
Another mistake that is made during interviews is talking badly about your current employer and/or co-workers. This gives the wrong impression and can cause the interviewer to question how you may talk about them in the future. If you don’t like your current position and are asked why you are leaving the interviewer think of a more general answer that doesn’t include you talking bad about your position.
Failing to Ask Questions
Typically as the interview comes to an end the interviewer will ask if you have any questions, have some questions prepared. You might try to ask questions in between their questions as things come up. Turn the interview into more of a conversation than one-sided. Asking relevant questions shows you are interested in the company and position. Ask questions about the day-to-day, the culture, their values, etc.
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