Top mistakes to avoid during an interview

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially for the first time. The stakes are high, and you want to do everything in your power to give yourself the best chance at getting the job. 

But it can be easy to make mistakes during an interview that could lead employers to rule you out of contention straight away. In this article, we'll explore some common mistakes people make when being interviewed for jobs—and how you can avoid them!

Arriving late

Arriving late is one of the biggest mistakes to make during an interview. You don’t want to be the person who shows up late, especially if it’s your first impression for a potential employer. Arriving early is a good way to make sure you get there on time and that you won't be stressing about being late when it's time for your interview. 

If you are running late, let them know as early as possible and at least offer to reschedule. If you do arrive late let the interviewer knows the situation and why they're seeing someone who isn't quite as polished as they may have originally hoped.

Dressing inappropriately

When the interview is scheduled, you should dress appropriately for the job. Don't overdress, but do wear clothes that are professional and right for your role. Ask for any dress code guidance and take notice. Even if the interview is via video, your head and shoulders will still be seen and dressing the right way will set the tone and help you give your best performance. 

Wearing the right outfit and tidying yourself up is a great way to showcase your presentability and professionalism, so use your interview as an opportunity to show your best self.

Being unprepared

When you're interviewing for a position, make sure you're ready. This means having your resume and cover letter ready to go, along with any other documents or information requested by the employer. Research the company through its website and if you have the details of who is interviewing you, check them out on LinkedIn.

If there is something you need from your potential employer, ask now so that everything can be arranged in advance of when they call you in for an interview. The more prepared you are, the better impression it will give during those first few minutes of meeting face-to-face.

Not asking questions

Asking questions shows that you are interested in the job, prepared and a good listener. It also shows curiosity about the position and company.

Being interviewed for a job is hard enough as it is, so don't make it any harder by not asking questions about the position or company.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you stand out in a crowded job market, impress hiring managers and land the job you want.