Job Candidate Errors During Interviews – Check If You Are Not Making Them

Prestigious Studies, Rich Experience, Impressive CV, and a Well-Written Cover Letter are Not Enough to Land a Great Job. Many candidates are unaware that proper preparation for the job interview is equally important. How we present ourselves in a meeting with recruiters has a huge impact on potential employment. We have examined the most common mistakes made during recruitment interviews. What to avoid?

A lot depends on the job interview.

The job interview, which is the first meeting between the employer and the candidate, is the most crucial stage of the entire recruitment process. The purpose of the interview is to get to know the potential employee better, verify the information provided in the submitted CV, check if the expectations of both sides align, and present the job details.

The outcome of the job interview often determines our future prospects. Unfortunately, it’s easy to jeopardize our chances. What are the common mistakes made during job interviews?

Lack of preparation for the job interview – it all starts from here.

Most of the mistakes made in job interviews result from candidates’ lack of preparation for the meeting. A person applying for a position in a particular company should have basic knowledge about the organization. Questions like “What do you know about our company?” or “Why would you like to work with us?” should not come as a surprise. Unfortunately, many candidates assume that being invited to a job interview is synonymous with being hired. Nothing could be further from the truth. A candidate who knows nothing about the company and cannot answer simple questions, despite claiming knowledge, appears unprofessional and diminishes their chances of getting the job.

It’s worth remembering that being unprepared for the meeting also includes a lack of control over stress, unfamiliarity with etiquette rules, or a failure to ask questions to the potential employer.

See also: https://eduexpress.pl/en/change-in-the-remote-work-law-in-poland-what-can-we-expect/

Complaining about the previous employer and former colleagues

During job interviews, questions about the previous place of work are common. It’s a good opportunity to calmly and rationally talk about the previous position, responsibilities, and things you learned. Unfortunately, some people see it as a chance to make unfavorable comments about their former company. Criticizing the previous employer is a straightforward way to damage your professional image. This can portray you as entitled, disloyal, and untrustworthy. Focusing on negative experiences can raise concerns about potentially hiring the candidate. An unprofessional attitude of a potential employee carries the risk of them spreading negative things about the new company, which can negatively affect its reputation in the job market.

Remember that a job interview is not the right place to vent your negative emotions. If something went wrong in your previous workplace, you can address it with your former employer.

Revealing details about previous work- a recipe for disaster in a job interview

It is also not advisable to provide detailed information about your previous job. Every company has its secrets, established methods, and procedures that should not be shared with others. It is not allowed to point out mistakes and stumbles, talk about plans or adopted development strategies. An overly talkative candidate creates an image of someone who is indiscreet and cannot be trusted.

Some companies protect themselves from such practices by having employees sign confidentiality agreements that are valid even after the end of the collaboration. Violating the terms of the agreement by a former employee can have legal consequences, such as a hefty financial penalty.

Lack of respect and low personal culture

The way we react to questions and feedback from the recruiter also matters greatly. An arrogant attitude is not the best way to hide nervousness or lack of preparation for the interview. Being rude and condescending is perceived as a lack of respect for the potential employer. Lack of enthusiasm and focusing solely on oneself are disqualifying behaviors.

Being late is also unprofessional. Recruiters may interpret it as a dismissive attitude towards the meeting. Answering the phone during the interview (permissible in exceptional situations, but it’s advisable to inform the interviewer in advance), playing with jewelry, glancing at the watch, or chewing gum during the interview are all negatively perceived. No employer will want to work with someone who lacks respect and behaves unprofessionally.

Excessive talkativeness, interrupting the recruiter, or not allowing them to speak are also not recommended. It’s difficult to assess a candidate’s true competencies if their statements are not substantive and deviate from the topic. The key to success is attentive listening to the interviewer and providing factual answers to their questions.

Inappropriate attire

Even if there is no dress code in the company, it’s not appropriate to come to a meeting with a potential employer dressed in just anything. Of course, you don’t need to wear a formal suit and the best shirt, but a wrinkled t-shirt and shorts are also not a good idea. A neat appearance is essential! It’s worth treating every job interview like an official business meeting during which you want to make a good impression.

Non-verbal communication also matters, meaning negative body language.

A candidate’s image is the result of many factors. Non-verbal communication also plays a huge role in making a first impression. Unfortunately, many people struggle to control their reflexes, especially in stressful situations like a job interview. Inappropriate facial expressions, fidgeting with hands or a pen, avoiding eye contact, or excessive nervousness are not only perceived as lack of confidence but can also distract from the verbal message.

Absence from a meeting without prior notice

A candidate undermines their chances of employment right from the start if they fail to attend a scheduled meeting. Such behavior is unprofessional and shows a dismissive attitude towards the potential employer. If for random reasons we cannot attend the interview, it is sufficient to inform the recruiter well in advance and mutually agree on a new, convenient meeting date.

Golden rules of a successful job interview with a potential employer

The recruitment meeting is a matter of several dozen minutes to present your skills and present yourself in the best possible way. The potential employer or recruiter will observe the candidate closely throughout this time and draw conclusions. What to do to make a good impression?

1. First of all, prepare thoroughly! Find detailed information about the company and the position you are applying for, analyze your CV, and think about answers to likely recruiter questions. Also, consider the issues you would like to address during the interview. The questions you ask during the job interview will help you make a decision about cooperation. Bring a notepad, pen, and a copy of your CV to the meeting – let the future employer know that you take the recruitment seriously and are committed to being hired.
2. Dress appropriately, silence your phone, and control your body language
3. Behave politely and courteously during the interview – smile, listen carefully, and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
4. Present your arguments well – answer questions comprehensively and truthfully. Emphasize why you want to work for the company. Avoid telling personal stories and do not get too familiar with the recruiter. Remember that asking questions to the recruiter will help you avoid any misunderstandings
5. Do not speak negatively about your previous employer – it’s already in the past. If the recruiter asks you about your former company, try to answer neutrally or positively
6. Manage stress! Stress management techniques are very useful in everyday life – not only during a recruitment meeting.

If you have received an invitation to a job interview, you have a good chance of getting a new job. The employer has shown interest in your CV and wants to get to know you better. Now everything depends on you! Prepare well and go to the meeting with a positive attitude.