How to lose an Interview ?

Lose an Interview in 5 Simple Steps!

I  bet over the years you’ve read loads of interview guide books in preperation for your next big interview.

1. Nervous mannerisms – no matter how experienced you are and able to convey this verbally at interview, little ques that you give off can give a hiring manager a real insight.  Things such as limp handshake, continually avoiding eye contact and constant fidgeting…with hands, hair etc are sure to turn off employers.
2. Lack of self confidence – you want to come across as confident in yourself and your abilities.  After all, an employer is buying your experience so if you don’t demonstrate this at interview you will be letting yourself down and unlikely to get the job.  Things to avoid here include:
   1. Pitch of voice – speaking so quietly you can’t be heard or so loudly that half the corridor hears you.
   2. Downplaying or being self critical about yourself and your achievements
   3. Interrupting the interviewr
   4. Answering questions hesitantly or with one word answers.
3. First Impressions - We all know that first impressions count, so be aware that in your eagerness to please that you have not overdone the perfume (or aftershave…for the gents out there!) or that you have bad breath – smelling of garlic, tobacco or strong drink is a definite no no too.
4. Consideration for others – during the interview, more often than not, a hiring manager will be assessing your ability to fit into the exiting team structure.  Not necessarily a “face fits” approach, just considering whether you will be able to work alongside others within the department. So committing offences such as being extremely critical towards a previous employer, or lack of courtesy to the person arranging the interview or the receptionist are all tell tale signs that will put doubt in the hiring managers mind.
5. Your personal values – not this is a personality contest as such, and yes it is about your skills and experience, however a successful working relationship requires trust and confidence on both sides, so major put off’s such as lying, lack or motivation, arrogance to others and irresponsibility are likely to make an employer think twice about offering you the post.

In summary then, reference books will give you plenty of hints for effective interview preparation and countless example interview questions, however few will offer inside information about what really put’s off employers at interviews.

If you take time to consider the above offences before your next interview, I am sure you will sail through with no problems.