{"id":7169,"date":"2020-04-12T17:48:38","date_gmt":"2020-04-13T00:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/?p=7169"},"modified":"2024-05-28T23:43:22","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T06:43:22","slug":"7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Mistakes You Should Never Make in a Job Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few sweaty handshakes, no glass of water and a chair that squeaks with every movement. We\u2019ve all had that dreadful interview. Many things can go wrong between receiving an invitation and the end of your job interview. We have compiled a list of 7 mistakes that could tank your interview, from preparation to communication skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_50 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-69ebf2980f37c\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-69ebf2980f37c\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#Preparation_Mistakes\" title=\"Preparation Mistakes\">Preparation Mistakes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#1_Not_doing_your_homework\" title=\"1. Not doing your homework\">1. Not doing your homework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#2_Lacking_passion_and_positivity\" title=\"2. Lacking passion and positivity\">2. Lacking passion and positivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#3_Lying_on_your_resume\" title=\"3. Lying on your resume\">3. Lying on your resume<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#Impression_Mistakes\" title=\"Impression Mistakes\">Impression Mistakes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#4_Dressing_poorly\" title=\"4. Dressing poorly\">4. Dressing poorly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#5_Showing_up_late\" title=\"5. Showing up late\">5. Showing up late<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#Interviewing_Mistakes\" title=\"Interviewing Mistakes\">Interviewing Mistakes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#6_Having_a_poor_attitude\" title=\"6. Having a poor attitude\">6. Having a poor attitude<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#_7_Being_a_bad_communicator\" title=\"\u00a07. Being a bad communicator\">\u00a07. Being a bad communicator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-mistakes-you-should-never-make-in-a-job-interview\/#About_the_Author\" title=\"About the Author\">About the Author<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preparation_Mistakes\"><\/span><b>Preparation Mistakes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to a successful interview does not start when you enter the room. There are a few things you can do days before the interview to help you walk in confident and prepared. Here are 3 mistakes to avoid when preparing:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Not_doing_your_homework\"><\/span><b>1. Not doing your homework<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you\u2019ve received an interview opportunity is to walk in without established knowledge and research.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be prepared for the interviewer to ask you questions about the company, the position you\u2019re hiring for and why you will be the best fit. Make sure you research the company and the position you\u2019re applying for. Have answers prepared that will showcase your research and dedication, giving you a boost to rise above the competition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Lacking_passion_and_positivity\"><\/span><b>2. Lacking passion and positivity<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make certain that your research inspires feelings of passion and positivity. Pay attention to company values, work atmosphere and benefits if the actual position isn\u2019t inspiring. There is a lot more to work than just your technical job. The more positive you feel, the more that will<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.co.uk\/blog\/5-positive-affirmations-help-smash-job-interview\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> affect your mentality<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when you sit down with your interviewer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A confident and passionate attitude before you step into the building will be a great support if the interview starts rocky &#8211; hang on to that attitude and it may just be your saving grace!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Lying_on_your_resume\"><\/span><b>3. Lying on your resume<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many interviewers, the only perception they have is the paper version of who you are. Make sure you measure up in person if you\u2019ve got a great resume and under no circumstances should you lie or exaggerate on your resume or in your interview.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">85% of recruiters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> believe that candidates exaggerate or lie about their qualifications and competencies. You may lose the offer or be fired when you\u2019re found out. Make sure your references are solid and will back up your experience and credentials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impression_Mistakes\"><\/span><b>Impression Mistakes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Psychology Today<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, first impressions are a powerful tool at your disposal. The impression you give when you first walk into a room can sometimes be more convincing than facts. You may have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, but first impressions are often used to judge character traits. You want to establish professionalism and responsibility with your first impression. Consider two common mistakes which could affect the first impression you give in an interview:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Dressing_poorly\"><\/span><b>4. Dressing poorly<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of us have experienced a last-minute panic to find the right outfit for an interview. Save yourself the stress, pick out a few clothing items that will translate well for different interviews. It comforts most recruiters or interviewers when a prospective employee has taken care to look well dressed.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re unsure of what classifies as \u2018professional\u2019 or \u2018business\u2019 styled clothing, check out The Balance Career\u2019s suggestions of interview attire for<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> women<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> men<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Showing_up_late\"><\/span><b>5. Showing up late<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may seem like an easy decision to most, but we cannot stress enough the importance of timeliness. Employers want to know that they can depend on you to show up on time for work, clients and meet deadlines. Your first opportunity to prove this is usually when you\u2019re invited for an in-person interview.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule your route ahead to make sure you have lots of time to make it to the location. The best time to arrive for an interview is 5-10 minutes before the meeting is to take place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interviewing_Mistakes\"><\/span><b>Interviewing Mistakes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you are shaking hands and smiling at your interviewer, it can be anxiety-inducing for some. You want to project confidence, so here are two mistakes to avoid when you\u2019re in the interview room:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Having_a_poor_attitude\"><\/span><b>6. Having a poor attitude<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As previously mentioned in the preparation section, your attitude speaks volumes about who you are and what your personality will bring to a company. If you walk into the building with slumped shoulders, a limp handshake and a negative attitude, you will not get the job. Instead, work on \u2018impression management\u2019 which is the change of behaviour or tendencies to give the best impression of yourself. Recite some positive, affirming statements to yourself, straighten those shoulders, give a nice, firm handshake and best of all &#8211; smile.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A positive attitude and warm personality will help you stand out as a candidate.\u00a0 Many recruiters and employers pay close attention to interpersonal skills. The combination of technical skills and an engaging attitude is hard to find. Employers will look out for this combination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_7_Being_a_bad_communicator\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a07. <\/span><b>Being a bad communicator<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may be the most important mistake to avoid. As a species, we communicate with more than just words. If you have followed our previous advice, you can communicate that you are warm, responsible, and timely. Now it\u2019s time to have an actual conversation. However, conversations involve speech, body language, and facial expressions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A communication skill often missed when discussing interviewing is appropriate levels of eye contact. Eye contact is important, but can also overwhelm &#8211; make sure you know the right amount of eye contact to maintain. A tip for maintaining the delicate balance of eye contact is to avoid it when speaking or thinking about an answer and to make eye contact more regularly when listening. A great pairing is eye contact and a smile, so use that combination throughout the conversation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The last communication mistake to avoid is to not listen well in the interview. You may be so excited about the job, or eager to prove yourself that you ramble on and on &#8211; it\u2019s a bad look. Make sure you take the time to pause and listen carefully to the questions given and when you answer directly address the question. It\u2019s not a bad idea to ask for a minute to think about the question if it\u2019s complicated, but speak confidently when you answer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope this helps you in your next interviewing process, preparing you for a successful experience. Best of luck!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related Posts:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/7-things-every-first-time-job-seeker-know\/\">7 Things Every First-time Job Seeker Should Know<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=4084&amp;action=edit\">Top Job Search Tips for the Unemployed<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/8-things-remember-your-phone-interview\/\">8 Tips for Your Next Phone Interview<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span><strong><em>About the Author<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Nan Mu<\/strong> is a seasoned talent recruiter and career advisor at Alba Inc. She has designed recruitment processes for Fortune 500 companies, specializing in senior and executive-level talent. In 2018, she brought her years of human resources and client servicing experience to a major IT and data consulting services firm, where she is currently a director.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A few sweaty handshakes, no glass of water and a chair that squeaks with every movement. We\u2019ve all had that dreadful interview. Many things can go wrong between receiving an invitation and the end of your job interview. We have compiled a list of 7 mistakes that could tank your interview, from preparation to communication [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":7174,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11,15,152],"tags":[324,322,321,323,325,317],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7169"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/109"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7169"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8011,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7169\/revisions\/8011"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}