5 Things You Should Not do in a Job Interview
It’s a potential life-changing event—yet so many people get it wrong. Going for an interview for a position you really want, which could have a dramatic impact on the rest of your life, is daunting. Here are 5 things NOT to do on a job interview.
1. Don’t Be Unprepared.
Do not make the mistake of going into an interview without researching the industry, the company, the boss, and as much as you can about the specific position. The person interviewing should have gone out of his way to become knowledgeable and find out in advance everything he could about the enterprise he wants to work for.
2. Don’t Trash Your Current Employer
You may not be happy at your current company, but an interview is not the time or the place to vent. If you speak ill of your current employer what’s to say you won’t speak ill of the company you are interviewing for? Don’t trash talk anyone. You don’t want to gain a reputation for negativity.
3. Don’t Be Evasive
A good interviewer will ask plenty of direct questions. Be ready to provide direct answers. Honesty is the best policy. A good interviewer will watch your body language and inflection of voice for any telltale evasions.
4. Do Not Talk Money
There’s a time and a place to discuss salary, bonuses, and perks of the job. And it’s not at the initial interview unless it’s something the interviewer raises. Your compensation package is obviously a matter for major discussion—when you know you’re going to get offered something. Then you can always negotiate from a position of strength.
5. Not Following Up
You might not think you have performed well in an interview but a simple email reiterating your interest in the position is a courtesy that might just pay off in the long run.
Even the most seasoned professional can get flustered and spoil their chances at landing a job they are interviewing for, so with a little preparation you can avoid falling foul of these common interview blunders.