3 interview mistakes to avoid

Here are some of the biggest fails I’ve seen whilst interviewing and hiring during my career, and how to avoid them. 

1. Treating an interview as a pitch as opposed to a negotiation

Do you find you talk too much in an interview? When we get anxious about trying to impress someone we tend to talk way too much. But the hiring manager doesn’t want a pitch, they want a conversation; a negotiation to see whether there is a good match.

The ability to listen in an interview shows a level of maturity that a hiring manager is looking for. They are also looking for someone who is interested in a conversation between two people, not the broadcast of one. Think about a good and a bad date you’ve been on. The back and forth is enjoyable, but when one person is doing all the talking it’s hard to get to know each other. 

2. Not having any questions 

DO NOT leave the interview without asking the questions you need the answers to. Having questions shows a level of maturity and confidence that you know what you want and aren’t willing to take just any job. Again, imagine being on a date where you ask lots of questions to find out if your date is right for you and worth a second date, but they don’t ask you any questions. All they want to know is when they’ll find out if they’ve got the second date. Sounds a bit desperate doesn’t it? Have your questions ready. 

3. Complaining about the previous employer

Keep your opinions about past employers in check and don’t bring any negative energy into the interview. When an applicant displays any bitterness or resentment towards a previous employer it distracts from the good stuff and is often the thing you remember the most as an interviewer. Even if you don’t say anything, if you feel it, it can still come across through your energy field. Be graceful and work on releasing any negative feelings before attending an interview. 

I hope this advice serves you well during your job search, if you have any others to add please do so in the comments!