Sometimes we get nervous during a job interview and we say or do things that don't really give our best impression. Here are 10 things you shouldn't do at a job interview.
Don't Dress To Seduce
Don't dress to seduce the interviewer, and on the other hand, don't dress for the gym with the hopes of appearing relaxed and flexible. Most proficient businesses are looking for employees who will representative their product or service with quality and professionalism. They are not looking to be entertained. So, line your appearance up with what they expect, not with how you want to impress them.
Don't Lead The Way, Don't Choose The Chair
Don't lead the way into the interview room and don't choose which chair to sit in. This is one of the first hidden tests that will help the interviewer to determine your true character. If you take the lead, it's an act of disrespect to the interviewer and to the company because it shows them that you believe you are more important than they are. You need to be submissive, establishing that you are coachable and willing to accept their leadership.
Don't Laugh Or Joke Too Much
During the interview, this shows an undisciplined character and a lack of sincerity towards the business. You want to be pleasant, smile and even laugh at their jokes IF they laugh, but you do not want to be the class clown. You want to show that your personality is compatible to the general personnel of the office, and not give the impression that you like to socialize.
Don't Chew Your Nails or Play With Your Hair
You may be nervous but this is a definite put off and must be avoided at all times. Bring along a pen or pencil and hold it in your hands. It shows the interviewer that you are prepared to write down anything they might ask for, but it's actually an unknown stress reliever for you to help you get over your nervousness.
Don't Chew Gum or Candies
No one wants to hear you chew gum or candies or see it jumbling around inside your mouth when you are talking. You want to give a good impression of your ability to talk to people showing respect at all times.
Don't Bring Coffee Into The Interview Room
For one, it's just bad manners because you should have brought one in for everyone, not just yourself. But then, that would give the impression that you're trying to gain some favouritism from them, which won't go over well. Secondly, it could give the impression that you think you are better than the interviewer and don't want to drink anything that might be offered to you. It would give an unwanted self-righteous image of yourself.
Don't Discuss Personal Issues
Let the interviewer lead you into any conversations and then keep your answers professional and to the point. Don't mention issues of personal concern that are bothering you such as a recent divorce or problems with your children. This could leave a negative impression on the interviewer as they may brand you as someone who is over burdened with personal issues and not able to be responsible or committed to the job.
Don't Ask Questions That Have Established Answers
If the job description states that you must work weekends, don't make yourself look unintelligent by asking if you HAVE to work weekends. This shows the interviewer that you are not compliant with their requirements and that your nature is to undermine their authority.
Don't Let This Opportunity Pass You By
Don't pass the opportunity to ask questions when the interviewer asks if you have any questions. You need to show that you have an interest in joining their team and that you support their product or service. In order to ask quality questions, do some research in advance on the business before the interview and learn about its history, mandate and future goals. If you don't have any questions to ask, it could suggest that you don't care.
Don't Answer Interview Questions Impulsively
You need to give thought to what is being asked and then reply with the appropriate answer. By answering too quickly you could miss the point of the question and answer incorrectly. And never give a quick response of "I don"t know'. Think about the question and if you don't understand it, ask for it to be rephrased. If after concentrating on the question, you still don't know the answer, don't guess at it. Say you don't know the answer.
You may have the skills and qualifications to succeed in the job position, but if you don't present yourself correctly, you could lose the opportunity to prove it.
Excellent article, yet I think it's weird that sets of rules always come in tens....
#2 by shanna, May 20, 2008
regarding comment#2 ---- sets of rules always come in tens....
just for fun.. may be rules copy the 'the ten commandments?'
#3 by Eddie Starr, May 20, 2008
Wait a second, I agree with most of the things on this list except number two, I am not submissive , I am a natural born leader, and with my qualifications and education, I believe I have the right to dominate in a situaion, even during an interview, it has proven very helpful in receiving some hi-ranking jobs. Now, if your not as established, its understandable that you may want to be more submissive as thast what some companies want, another "drone" to do their bidding. Alas, my sympathy goes out to those who have no choice but to get a job like that.
#4 by ashley rowell, May 21, 2008
Like the above poster, I agree with all of your 10 except “Don’t lead.” I would say this aspect depends on the job you are applying for. If you are applying for a management or authority position you do not want to seem submissive or meek. In this case you would want to show initiative and ability to lead in decisions. However, you are right on spot with the rest of your 10. BTW -I get a knee jerk reaction to anyone interviewing with gum in their mouth. Before I became a stay at home mom I was the Director of Nurses at a nursing home and if someone interviewed smacking on gum their resume generally went into the trash.
#5 by Jigger Jones, May 21, 2008
Very informative. I have one more item that's taboo: Don't swat at a hornet. I once went for a job interview at a lumber yard. There was this darn hornet in the office and it kept buzzing my head. I couldn't take my eyes off it, for fear it would sting me. The interviewer asked me if I was bothered by insects. I told him, only when they insist on getting in my face. I took off my hat and swatted it. I didn't get the job.
#6 by Glynis, May 21, 2008
Very important points, one of the things I hated is when I interviewed prospective employees were the ones who came armed with case loads of papers with no order to them and they are so nervous they are on the floor in seconds gathering up their 'portfolio', so I would say have a list of important facts about yourself that may not be in the cv and questions you would like to ask about the job, this shows initiative and organisation. A light spray of Aftershave and perfume is also ideal, I have spent many an interview with a headache brought on by overpowering perfumes and I could not concentrate on the interview properly. Good article thanks
#7 by skeptical, May 21, 2008
Appears like a direct path to achieving absolute mediocrity in a career. You must be submissive...laugh, but don't laugh too much, smile, but don't smile too much. Don't show signs of self respect and if you have to make it look like you don't immediately understand a basic question...and please don't ever try to clarify something that's listed in a job description because everyone knows that a job description is an accurate, well thought out and unambiguous document.
#8 by Josey, May 22, 2008
These are all good tips. It is so easy to get nervous during a job interview and mess things up. This is a good list to go by!
#9 by crappy tips, May 23, 2008
I agrree with skeptical.
These are pretty terrible.
I guess thats the kind of jobs you get in 'business'
thank god i am not in that rat race.
#10 by Heart Stone, May 23, 2008
Hey,
Brilliant and great tips. However, it varies from person to person. These tips might work for one person but to others, maybe not.
In some ways, Keep up. Very good advice.
#11 by valli, May 23, 2008
Great suggestions.
#12 by Athlyn green, May 25, 2008
Good insights, Sara.
I like the pencil idea, so that one doesn't fidget under stress.
#13 by Kev, May 25, 2008
I am wondering about the "don't show that you want to socialize" part.
I have always found that if no socialization happens in corporations,then the workers will have difficulties in informing eachother about their progress and will have difficulties suggesting improvements and recieving comments and criticism, which I believe to be very important in, say, gaming companies etc.
#14 by swapna, May 26, 2008
wonderful suggestions.... i like it...
#15 by RJ Chamberlain, May 27, 2008
Some excellent suggestions. Thanks.
#16 by Mathieu, May 28, 2008
pas mal
#17 by anonymous, May 28, 2008
those were so blatantly obvious and idiotic a 16 year old that has never been to an interview knows them
Excellent article, yet I think it's weird that sets of rules always come in tens....