An interview is your first achievement on the path to employment. The fact that you were invited for an interview already means that your resume stood out from the rest. Now you need to make a positive impression at the interview, which has already been formed about you in absentia based on your resume. Here are some tips based on common interview mistakes that candidates often make. These mistakes are especially common among young or novice candidates who have little experience. But, alas, experienced candidates and even older applicants also make similar mistakes, although, probably, somewhat less frequently than beginners. In any case, even if you consider yourself an experienced candidate, take a look at these common interview mistakes to make sure you don't make them.

It is believed that average duration The interview lasts 40 minutes. Moreover, in every third case, the impression formed about the candidate in the first minute and a half of the interview will not change until the end of the interview. The first impression is made from competent speech interlocutor, from what he says, from how he dresses.

Mistake: Forgetting to say hello

Any interview begins with an introduction. Saying hello when meeting someone is taken for granted by everyone. educated people. It is difficult to imagine that any of the candidates does not consider themselves well-mannered. However, in practice, some candidates quite often forget this obvious rule. To be fair, it should be noted that a situation where a candidate does not say hello at all is rare. However, some applicants forget to say hello to other people in the company who, in their opinion, are not directly related to the interview. In the eyes of these employees, the applicant may seem ignorant, although their opinion may not be so secondary. For example, if your route to an interview is past a secretary, through an “open space” (an open space in which many employees are working) or in an elevator where other employees are gathered, it would be good form to say hello to those who happen to be nearby who are looking at you. you or drew attention to you.

The handshake deserves special attention. Perhaps you shouldn’t ask the first person to shake hands at an interview. However, if you are extended a hand in greeting, you simply need to respond with a handshake, which should not be too strong, like that of old friends, but also should not be soft and sluggish, as if the interlocutor is completely indifferent to you. The biggest mistake when shaking hands is having wet hands. Such a handshake will definitely cause hostility in the interlocutor. If you feel your hands getting sweaty, discreetly dry them before shaking hands. Even if this action becomes noticeable to the interlocutor, it will be better than shaking hands with wet hands.

Error: Taking a seat before it is offered

You should pay attention to this feature, especially if people older than you are participating in the interview. Taking a seat without an invitation or being seated before others is considered disrespectful of age. If even before the interview begins you give the impression of an impolite person, then it will be extremely difficult to correct it during the interview. For positions that involve working with clients, this may generally be a failure.

Mistake: Sitting on a chair as if you were trying to slide under the table or, conversely, lie down on the table

During an interview, your interlocutors will not only listen to what you say, but also look at your behavior, your emotions, your posture and gestures. Sit upright but naturally in your chair. You shouldn’t sit as if you’ve swallowed a yard, but sliding under the table or hanging over it is also unacceptable. The upright position expresses self-confidence. Companies usually look for confident and persuasive employees.

Mistake: Repeating resumes verbatim

If you go to an interview with an employer, proceed from the assumption that your interlocutors have read your resume. It is very doubtful that an employer will invite a candidate for an interview just because he received his resume after reading only his first name, last name and telephone number. By inviting you for an interview, the employer wants not only to get to know you personally, but also to clarify questions that remained open after reading your resume. When answering questions, you do not need to quote or refer to your resume, as if you were answering an exam. Provide details that are not included in the resume, but may be interesting to the employer. For example, if your interlocutors are interested in your work experience, tell them what you liked most in your previous places of work, what results and professional successes you achieved there, and what benefits you were able to bring to the company or to the common cause.

Mistake: Not being able to answer awkward questions

Interlocutors always pay attention not only to words, but also to the behavior and reaction of the candidate to questions. If a candidate is afraid or embarrassed, it usually shows. The interlocutor’s uncertainty can be revealed by confused speech, stuttering, etc. To prevent this from happening, you need to prepare for awkward questions before the interview. Imagine that your virtual interlocutor, having read your resume, is trying to find your weak sides. What are they? You must know them in advance! Knowing your weaknesses will help you prepare for awkward questions in advance. To find your weak points, try answering questions for yourself. What did you leave out on your resume? In what subjects did you usually receive bad marks? In what areas are you incompetent and how can they affect the applied vacancy? Knowing your weak points, you should prepare answers to possible awkward questions in advance.

Mistake: Ask about vacation first

Having free time is very important for every person. The more of it, the better. Of course, the employer understands this very well. However, you should not give him the impression that this issue is your top priority. If, when asked by your interlocutor, you ask your questions, the first thing you will begin to wonder about is: what is the working schedule in the organization, when is lunch and when can you get your first vacation, then the interlocutor will get the impression that exactly free time You are interested first and only then in work. This is a natural conclusion, because people are usually the first to ask the questions that concern them the most. Most likely, during the interview the employer will provide you with the necessary information. If this does not happen or something is unclear to you, then of course you need to ask questions about the work schedule, days off and vacation. But these questions should not be the first.

Mistake: Lying about your salary at your previous job

Sometimes during an interview the question of the candidate’s salary at the previous place of work may be raised. Some applicants often overestimate the amount of salary they received at their previous job, assuming that it is still impossible to verify this information. However, this technique does not always benefit the candidate. Firstly, information about the average salary in the industry is obviously known to your interlocutors; they have experience communicating with other candidates for the position, so an obvious lie will be obvious to them. Secondly, having learned that at the previous place of work the candidate received a salary above the average level, the employer will assume that the applicant has some special merits, exceptional professional skills, etc. As a result, the employer will expect some special outstanding results from such a candidate during the probationary period. The candidate, after being hired, may think that he has successfully deceived the employer and, having become an employee, probationary period, relax and show very mediocre results, which will ultimately lead to mutual disappointment between the employee and the employer.

Mistake: Doesn't look the other person in the eye

Most common mistake An applicant is considered to be at an interview if he does not look the interlocutor in the eyes, avoids making eye contact, or hides his eyes. This manner of conversation in most candidates is due to shyness or excitement, but to the interlocutor it seems like the candidate’s insincerity, it seems that he is hiding something.

Error: Doesn't smile

A less common mistake, but with the same cause and strengths Negative consequences- the candidate does not smile during the interview. Most likely, the candidate simply feels awkward, but to the interlocutor he seems like a boring, gloomy person.

Error: Constantly fixing hair or touching face, fidgeting, gesticulating too much

Another mistake in the candidate’s behavior caused by uncertainty or embarrassment, which the applicant needs to pay attention to and try to get rid of it. Sometimes, due to excitement, the candidate does not know “where to put his hands.” Despite the fact that from the outside it looks quite normal when your interlocutor does not do anything with his hands during a conversation, some people during a period of excitement feel that their “hands are not in the right place.” They start fiddling with the end of their clothing or, even worse, constantly adjusting their hair or touching their face. On the part of your interlocutor, such actions may reveal your nervousness, or, even worse, he will get the impression of an unbalanced or sloppy person who constantly itches.

Error: They don’t know anything or know little about the company they came to work for.

This is an unforgivable mistake. If before the interview the candidate did not learn at least basic information about the company, what it does, what it specializes in, how many people (approximately) work in it, perhaps the history or features of the company, in which regions it is represented, whether there are branches, etc. .d. Usually, all you need to do is look at the company’s website, especially the “about the company” section. It may only take a few minutes, but if the candidate doesn't find them, it's unlikely to be an advantage in the interview. It would also be good if the candidate, before the interview, had a rough idea of ​​which department he plans to work in, what other departments he will have to interact with, and what his responsibilities might be. Try to find out if the company you are applying for a job has certain requirements for a dress code (clothing style). If you are applying for a job through a recruitment agency, then you can clarify this issue with them. When offering a job directly to an employer, this question can be asked to a member of the HR department.

When going for an interview, you need to clearly understand that the interviewer will see you for the first time. He doesn’t yet know how good you are as a specialist, so he will meet you “by your clothes” and project your behavior, appearance, manner of conversation on attitude towards work.

So if you are interested in the outcome of the interview, try to match as much as possible with the image of the “ideal candidate” in HR’s head. Here are common job interview mistakes that can seriously ruin your first impression.

Late

Inability to plan your day- Not best characteristic for the applicant.

The recruiter may conclude that you are constantly late (and, most likely, he will be right).

Looks too relaxed or unkempt.

Inappropriate clothing and general sloppiness- a clear indication of a frivolous attitude towards oneself and, probably, towards work too.

Bad habits

It is clear that an invitation to an alcoholic party on the eve of an interview should be declined. As for smoking, it is often this habit is synonymous with wasting working time, so you shouldn’t advertise it right away. And, by the way, it is better to spit out the chewing gum about a block before the desired building.

Accompanying the interview

The company of a friend, boyfriend, mother and any other “support group” - evidence of the candidate’s complete immaturity.

An exception is if you need help moving, but even in this case, you should ask the accompanying person to wait outside the office.

Preparation

How to prepare for an interview, what mistakes should be avoided? Many mistakes can be easily avoided if collect more information about a potential employer.

Visit the company's official website, ask your friends, ask a few clarifying questions to the employee you contacted by mail or phone.

1. You will make a good impression if you know the history of the company (year of foundation, place in the market, main production), its achievements, and navigate the product range.
2. Find out in advance how strict the company's dress code is. However, even if everyone in the office wears jeans and slippers, it is better to prefer a business attire for the first interview.
3. Be sure to ask HR for directions to the building where the interview will take place. Arrive early to have plenty of time for unforeseen situations. It is better to apologize for arriving early and wait a bit than to apologize for being late.
4. Read the job description carefully. Write down in advance all the points on which you will ask questions.
5. Pay attention to corporate culture. Large employers value candidates who can explain how their personal goals and aspirations align with the company's values ​​and mission.

A story about yourself

At any interview you will probably be asked, “Tell me about yourself.” When answering, it matters what you say and how you say it.

Speech

The ideal candidate speaks fluently and confidently, in a well-trained voice with clear intonations.

To everyone who cannot boast of such a thing, in order to prevent typical speech errors During an interview, it is better to follow a few simple rules:

1. During a conversation, look at your interlocutor. Don't lower your head or support it with your hands- this will make your speech less clear, not to mention the strangeness of such behavior.
2. Control the volume and speed of speech. Try not to speak too quickly or quietly, but don't shout either.
3. Grammatically correct speech can be your advantage, do not make obvious mistakes like “ringing” and “laying down”.
4. Any reduced language during an interview is strictly prohibited. Even in companies with a very creative atmosphere and free morals, it is better not to allow yourself anything stronger than professional slang.
5. Do not mention terms whose meaning you doubt. Such an attempt to show off your knowledge can lead you to a dead end.

What should and should not be discussed at an interview?

Talk about what the employer will be interested in knowing and will present you in a favorable light:

• successful projects and other achievements in last couple years;
• new knowledge and skills, obtained in the process of work or study, with an emphasis on how they are useful for business;
• professional goals for the foreseeable future that you can achieve in this position.

What should you not say at an interview? It is not recommended to paraphrase your resume verbatim. and talk about your education in detail unless you are directly asked to do so.

It is better to leave complaints about life and purely personal goals for meeting with close friends.

Far-reaching career plans for the coming years may alert the interviewer if the position does not clearly imply such.

Try not to interrupt your interlocutor. It is better to answer any question in as much as possible. in 2–3 minutes. Sketch out the main points in advance to quickly navigate during the interview.

How should you behave?

Even for the most confident person, an interview creates some stress.

Try not to give it away too clearly.

Typical behavioral mistakes during an interview: closed postures (crossed arms and legs), frequent touching of hair, manipulation of objects in hands.

This should be avoided. However, even nervous foot tapping will not be as destructive as demonstrating qualities that are completely unacceptable in the opinion of any HR:

Tendency to lie

A mistake during a job interview will be considered outright lies about experience, personal qualities and even hobbies. This information quickly comes to light as soon as a potential employer decides to check your person.

Obsession with money

No more the right way alienate the interviewer than start a conversation about salary without knowing the duties and responsibilities of the proposed position.

Quarrelsomeness

Criticism of a previous employer is a bad idea, the recruiter will immediately try on all your attacks. Even worse is to tell how you complained to the labor inspectorate and sued for compensation for illegal dismissal, even if it was completely fair.

Arrogance

It’s best to keep an expert opinion on how everything is wrong with a potential employer and how you can immediately improve it until you’re officially hired.

Take time to prepare for the interview and remember to smile and light humor - they will not deprive your image of seriousness, but will help smooth out rough edges in the conversation.

Useful video

This video discusses the main mistakes made by applicants during an interview:

We at the site have been providing assistance in finding and getting a job for a long time and have noticed that most people make two main mistakes during an interview. Keep them in mind and you can make a better impression on your employer or HR than other applicants.

Mistake #1: Not being prepared to answer behavioral questions

IN Western culture It is not customary to stay in one place of work for a long time. In the USA and English-speaking countries, good specialists always strive for career growth and choose more profitable terms labor. The only exceptions are Japan and South Korea, but even here when moving to more high position you need to pass an interview and test.

Behavioral questioning is a common HR technique that is especially popular in large companies. Based on the applicant's answers, the HR department employee makes a general impression about the person, his ability to communicate and his speed of reaction.

At an interview you may be asked:

• “Tell us about any unusual situation at your previous place of work. What did you do?
• “Have you ever worked with a difficult client or colleague? How did you cope?
• “What mistakes did you make in your work? What did you do to eliminate their consequences?

Or the HR employee will inquire about any other situation. Your task is to talk about your actions, feelings, and experiences. When answering a behavioral question, it is important not only WHAT you say, but also HOW you say it.

What you need to talk about:

• How did you perceive the current work situation;
• actions aimed at solving the problem;
• results and conclusions.

Key points that an HR specialist will pay attention to:

• your reaction to the question posed;
• coherence and clarity of speech;
• logic and persuasiveness of the story.

The mistake most job seekers make is that they get confused when they hear this question. If you appear embarrassed, slur your words, or refuse to answer, you will be judged accordingly.

When interviewing for their first job, we recommend that young professionals prepare in advance a story about an incident from their student, school, family life. Remember what situations arose during educational practice and how you solved them. Any experience is important. The main thing is to be able to talk about something beautifully and coherently.

When answering a behavioral question, build a story according to the scheme - situation, action, result. We recommend that you prepare answers to the most common behavioral questions, speak them out and be able to give a beautiful answer.

Mistake #2: Perceiving an interview as an interrogation

The second common mistake when applying for a job is to assume that you are only required to answer questions from an HR specialist. But this is a fundamentally wrong approach. An interview is not an interrogation. Your task:

• install trusting relationship with a representative of the employer;
• have a conversation during which both parties learn useful information;
• make a good impression.

At the company's office you are greeted by people with whom, if the interview results are positive, you will work every day. Therefore, first of all, set yourself and the HR department employees in a friendly, positive mood. Prepare counter questions for employer representatives that will help you have a useful and interesting conversation.

The key to a successful interview is establishing a positive attitude. If the conversation is relaxed and easy, you will gain an undeniable advantage with HR specialists and increase your chances of getting the desired position.

An interview is a half-hour or hour-long conversation that determines a person’s fate for the coming years. In order to get the position and the desired income as a result of this conversation, and not be turned away, avoid ten common mistakes that job seekers make.

Mistake #1. I'll come in an hour so as not to be late

Precision is the courtesy of kings and also of applicants. Ideally, you need to show up at the office 10 minutes before the interview to tidy up your disheveled hair or slightly smudged makeup. You shouldn’t arrive earlier - the manager will not be happy to change his plans and see you before the appointed time. Or it won’t be there at all, and you will create chaos in the office: employees will have to figure out what to do with you before the interview.

You shouldn't arrive too early, but you shouldn't be late either. Leave the house early, having previously checked the route and the address of the company.

But even if you set your alarm for early in the morning and left early, there are still sometimes force majeure events that can cause you to be late. The fatal mistake that applicants make in such a situation is not showing up for the interview at all or arriving late, out of breath, and making excuses for a long time. “If for some reason you are unable to be at the meeting on time, then you need to warn and apologize for the current situation. It’s best not to keep yourself waiting, but to offer to reschedule the meeting for a later time or another day.”

Mistake #2. I'll wear my best

In an effort to please the employer, applicants sometimes wear the best clothes they have - a festive dress or a New Year's suit. As a result, such a smart visitor may give the impression of a person who does not know how to dress appropriately for the occasion. Another mistake is to dress plainly and unpretentiously. Sitting at home, sometimes some applicants do not attach much importance to clothing and show up for an interview in their usual worn sweater. Perfect option- choose business-style clothes, dress elegantly but modestly.

It is very important to think about your appearance. Neatness, neatness and well-groomed appearance are certainly in business style, will create a good impression and will attract business conversation. Be sure to have neat hair and makeup when you plan to wear to work, so that during the interview you can also assess how suitable you are for the job in question.

Mistake #3. Silence is gold

Silence may be golden somewhere, but not during an interview. The employer expects to receive answers to all of his questions at the interview. And it all very often begins with the bewildered silence of the applicant in response to the request: “Tell me a little about yourself.” The request confuses the applicant: what to tell, where was he born, who are the parents, how many children? In fact, the employer is only interested in what is directly related to professional activity. And this is education, work experience and your personal attitude towards the profession. It is better to prepare and rehearse a story about yourself in advance. Start with what kind of education you received. Then talk about your most meaningful jobs and positions, especially focusing on those that provided you with the most valuable experience. Your story should take no more than 3 minutes. It can also include some details about why you chose this profession, if the choice was truly conscious. You can also mention professional awards and achievements. And end the story with a message about what your future plans are and why you want to get a job in this particular company.

Being tense and closed during an interview is one of the mistakes applicants make. — Often candidates are not ready to talk about themselves, or limit themselves to closed answers, believing that the data provided in the resume is enough. We have to “pull out” information. The completeness of your answers will allow you to create a more holistic picture of you as a potential employee and make a choice in your favor.

Mistake #4. I didn't really want to

Sometimes applicants are afraid to show how much they like this particular job. On the contrary, they are trying to “increase their worth” feigned indifference. But for an employer, employees who truly want to work for them are very valuable. If the interlocutor senses how much you want to get a job in this particular company, with what enthusiasm do you look at future job responsibilities, he will definitely be interested in you. Your interest in the vacancy and the work should be demonstrated in everything, including the need to be willing to answer the employer’s questions and show sincere interest in the conversation itself when applying for a job.

One of the common mistakes of applicants is template answers to questions, lack of argumentation, and answers that are not relevant. Listen carefully to the interviewer, try to grasp the essence of the question, avoid cliched phrases. One of the main components of a successful interview is to support your answers with real examples from personal experience. Positive attitude and self-confidence will add brightness and help make a positive impression!

It is better to prepare answers to expected questions in advance and be willing to tell the employer about everything that will be of interest to him. Print out your resume and bring it with you so that the employer can look at it if necessary.

Even if you are asked unpleasant questions, react calmly and with restraint. Sometimes applicants for positions that involve working with people are specifically asked provocative questions during interviews to test their resistance to stress. If they ask you: “Why did you even think that you could work for us? Why are you still sitting in this position and not growing?” and the like, answer calmly and with a smile.

Mistake #5. Former director- pig

A big mistake job seekers make is complaining about their previous employer. You will definitely be asked about the reasons for leaving your previous job, and these reasons can be very unpleasant: conflicts with colleagues, unfair treatment from management, low salary. You may deep down believe that your manager was a “complete fool,” but you shouldn’t tell your new employer about this. It is best to name neutral reasons for dismissal: the desire to develop professionally and grow career, the desire to find a job in a more large company, inconvenient location past work etc. Of course, these reasons must have a real basis.

When answering questions about the reasons for leaving the previous company, candidates sometimes begin to sharply criticize the previous management, which, of course, is unacceptable. Yes, there are conflicts, you shouldn’t keep silent about them, but this can be discussed in a correct form, without getting personal.

If you have to talk about a conflict at an interview, it is better to emphasize that the cause is a misunderstanding and you have made every effort to improve the relationship. Employers are very wary of conflict-ridden applicants and highly value people who know how to avoid conflicts or resolve them peacefully.

Mistake #6. I'm so shy

Excessive modesty is a hindrance during an interview. Say something like: “Of course, I don’t have much experience, but I’ll try...”, “I’m not sure, but it seems.”, “I wasn’t good at it, but maybe I can handle it in a new position.” and other ways to demonstrate uncertainty about own strength and professionalism - it’s absolutely not worth it.

It is necessary to remember that there is no need to praise yourself too much, but excessive modesty is not decorative either. You need to realistically assess your strengths and weaknesses and, if necessary, name them.

At the interview, you do not have a lawyer nearby who could tell you what a responsible and wonderful employee you are in all respects. You yourself must “sell” yourself to the employer, advertise for yourself, talk about your merits. Of course, there should be a measure for everything; try to remain objective and not overly exaggerate your achievements. To confirm your words, bring certificates, Thanksgiving letters, recommendations from previous employers.

A story about what shortcomings you have will help complete the picture. Applicants are often confused when asked about their shortcomings. But most employers ask it, so you need to be prepared for this question. “I have no shortcomings,” such an answer will create the impression of you as a person with inadequate self-esteem. It is best to come up with an answer in advance and, as your shortcomings, name qualities that will not interfere with working in a vacant position. For example, you should not report that you tend to be late or delay completing errands. But it is quite possible to report, for example, that you are very emotionally experiencing problems at work.

Mistake #7: I like your salary

“What attracts you to our company?” - a popular question during interviews, especially in large federal and foreign companies. Incorrect answers: “I am attracted by high salaries, social benefits. package is that the work is close to home.” The employer is not interested in your personal motives; he wants to once again hear arguments in favor of hiring you. Try to name reasons that will show you as an energetic, goal-oriented employee interested in the success of the company. For example: “I want to work for you because I am interested in tasks on a federal company scale, because the new position provides opportunities for professional self-realization“I am attracted by the company’s corporate culture, its business style, and corporate standards.” In general, the more personal interest you show in the company and the job, the better.

Mistake #8. I will cut the truth

Being open and communicative is good, but it doesn’t mean you have to tell your employer everything. For example, you shouldn’t tell him that in winter your child often gets colds and you have to take sick leave. Perhaps in the coming winter you will not have such problems or you will be able to involve your grandmother in solving them. And if not, then perhaps the employer will be loyal to your sick leave.

It’s not worth informing him about them from the very beginning. Relatives you need to care for, financial and housing problems, health problems - all this is not directly related to your professional activity, but can negatively affect it. Therefore, it is better not to tell the employer about your problems, otherwise you may not get the job.

If you don't know anything about the local corporate culture, it's best not to reveal information about how you build relationships in your team prematurely. For example, if you say that you like to be close friends with your colleagues, a manager who advocates strict subordination may not like this. And vice versa. Of course, not only may you not fit into the team, but the team may not suit you, but it’s better to get a job and try to fit into new team than not getting a position at all.

Mistake #9. How much money are you offering?

This question is usually left “for dessert”. Never talk about the salary at the beginning or in the middle of the interview. It is customary to first discuss all other aspects of cooperation, and then the money issue. If, according to your feelings, they liked you as a candidate for the vacancy, the conversation went well, it is quite possible to ask a question about the size of your salary. Often, employers themselves ask applicants to name their desired salary. You need to prepare for this question in advance: find out the size of the average market salaries for this moment, see how big the salaries are offered by this particular company, evaluate what kind of income will suit you. As a result, you must determine the range of an acceptable salary for yourself and at the interview name the upper limit of this range, and if the employer offers less, do not agree to less than the lower limit.

Job seekers should generally not be the first to ask about salary. It's better if we talk about wages a company representative will begin. There is no need to worry if financial issues were not discussed at the first interview. If your candidacy is interesting, this issue will definitely be raised at one of the subsequent meetings.

Mistake No. 10. Sailors have no questions

And applicants must have them. Employers usually ask applicants to ask questions they have at the end of the interview. It is a serious mistake to say at this moment that you have no questions. Your questions are an indicator of interest in the vacancy. If you ask only about salary and work schedule, it is immediately clear that you are only concerned about the financial side of the issue and personal convenience. But by asking what your job responsibilities will be, how the result of your work is assessed, what the plan is for the month, what the strategic goals of the enterprise as a whole are, you show yourself as a professional. Feel free to ask questions. Be sure to take a notepad with you and record all useful information in it. This will show that you take your work seriously.

Another mistake job seekers make is insufficient preparation for the interview. Before meeting with an employer, you must find out in detail about the specifics of the company, the number of branches in it, the features of the work, and if the applicant plans to move into a new field of activity, then it is also necessary to collect information about this field.

Summary

If after the interview you are not immediately invited to work, then after a day or two it is best to call and clarify whether a decision has been made on your candidacy. If suddenly the decision turns out to be negative, be sure to ask why you were not suitable for the vacancy. Ask to answer in more detail so that you can draw conclusions for yourself in your future job search. Sometimes employers provide very useful information. For example, they say that you were uncertain about your past work experience, that you did not have the necessary skills. And then you rehearse a more confident story, with a special emphasis on your skills and examples of their implementation, go for an interview with the next employer and get the coveted position from him. Don't make common interview mistakes, and if you do, you always have the opportunity to improve at your next meeting with a new employer.

So, you've finally been invited for an interview. But what do you need to do and how to behave in order to get hired?

In principle, the answer is relatively simple, but many candidates behave in exactly the opposite way. Employers look at them and are amazed.

So, what are the top mistakes job seekers make in interviews?

If you observe the behavior of applicants during interviews, you can quickly compile an impressive list of mistakes that they make. It seems that applicants are very creative people, just not in the right places.

So, let’s list the main 20 mistakes potential employees make atinterviews . Try not to repeat them.

Mistakes applicants make during interviews

1) Being late for an interview.

Being late for an interview is a very common mistake many job seekers make.

Calculate your time in advance so that you have at least 10 minutes left before the interview begins (including time for orientation, getting through security, etc.).

2) Inappropriate appearance.

Create a favorable impression of yourself! Dress for the interview in office style, be neat and tidy.

Even if a company employee is dressed more casually, you will still look advantageous.

3) Appear for the interview with accompanying persons.

This is one of the most ridiculous mistakes you can think of. Nevertheless, there are job seekers who do this.

Understand: the interviewer does not need “bodyguards” or “witnesses.” The employment process is completely individual.

4) Lack of knowledge of any information about the company - a potential employer.

Not knowing information about the company is one of the main mistakes candidates make during interviews. About Usindicates the candidate’s disinterest and passivity.

Moreover, going into an interview so unprepared is essentially bad form.

Not only should you not ask what the company does, but by your answers and questions you should demonstrate that you know quite a lot about the company and came to the interview absolutely consciously. And that this is the company you want to work for.

5) Uncertain behavior of the candidate during the interview.

Showing uncertainty in an interview can ruin your chances of getting hired, even if you are, in fact, a qualified candidate.

Therefore, take courage and boldly go to a meeting with a potential employer. In any case, no one will “eat” you there.

6) Interrupting interviews with cell phone conversations.

Turn off your phone before the interview so that no one (especially other employers) will disturb you. Otherwise it will not only be a mistake, but also a sign of disrespect.

7) Inability to talk about your advantages as a specialist.

While still at home, analyze your experience, strengths, skills, education, etc. Think about yours in advance answers to employer questions.

Only then can you say that you are fully prepared for the interview.

8) during an interview, “neither fish nor fowl” type of behavior, dismissive attitude.

Nobody needs indifferent candidates. In such cases, the recruiter thinks: “Why did this person even come here?”

Therefore, if you this company and job vacancy are initially uninteresting, it’s not worth wasting your time or anyone else’s.

9) The candidate has no understanding of what kind of job he wants to find.

An interview is not the time to figure yourself out. And the employer will not help you with this.

Decide on yours first goals and then send itsummary .

1 0) Obsession with money.

No (even the most generous) employer wants employees who work solely for money.

So don't ask a question about salary at the very beginning of the interview: this will be a serious mistake. Find out more about yourself first work.

11) Incorrect behavior of the candidate during the interview, failure to comply with business ethics.

Be friendly and respond appropriately. Act as you would like others to act towards you.

12) Inflated self-esteem, arrogance, self-confidence.

It is clear that such people are unlikely to arouse sympathy, and not only at an interview. It is unlikely that an employer would want such a person to appear on their team.

13) Irritated reaction to questions.

Employer questions during an interview indicate his interest in you. Even if the question is provocative, it may be a test, so respond calmly in any case.

14) Excessive frankness of the candidate during the interview.

Answer the interviewer's questions honestly, but also do not say too much that could harm you.

15) Verbosity.

Speak clearly and concisely. Then, during the allotted time for the interview, you will be able to discuss many more issues.

16) Absence.

The absence of questions to the employer indicates the candidate’s disinterest. A big “minus” during an interview.

17) Fussiness.

Be calm and collected during the interview. Vanity will only do harm.

18) Criticism of former bosses.

Good bosses have long been included in the “Red Book”. But, nevertheless, when you criticize your former boss at an interview, it looks ugly from the outside, even if you are right three times.

So we can say that criticizing former employers is prohibited.

19) Lie.

It doesn't matter that it's just interview. The deception will sooner or later be revealed, and it is unlikely that you will be forgiven for it.

20) Lack of feedback.

After the interview, send the interviewer a short letter of gratitude for your time. If during the interview you agreed to call the recruiter back on a certain date, be sure to do so.

Remember how you behaved at your last interviews, which of the above errors committed and take note for the future.

Let’s not argue, the interviewers themselves do not always behave appropriately; they take various “liberties”, mistakes, stupidities and simply strange actions during interviews. But in any case, you don’t need to rely on this, especially since only you are responsible for your own actions.

And one more note.

Even if during the interview you realized that this the job doesn't suit you, and have lost interest, still behave with dignity. So that the employer, in any case, has the most favorable impression about you.

P.S. Read detailed tips on how to find a job during a crisis.