Five Spooky Interviewing Mistakes to Avoid
It’s spooky season, and the scariest part of a job search still haunts us all: interviews! But no worries, Staff Management has you covered! With help from Porter & Chester Institute and Indeed, here are five spookiest mistakes to avoid during a job interview:
- Arriving late.
It is always best to arrive at your interview 15 minutes early. The day before, be sure to look up the route and plan for detours. Things like the weather, road closures, and car accidents can be unexpected, so it is always better to plan ahead of time. If you are too early, use that time to your advantage by reviewing the company website, studying your resume, and practicing some answers to potential questions.
Arriving late to an interview gives off red flags to the employer. You want to show that you value the time that was dedicated to the interview. Otherwise, you are seen as someone who is not a team player and lacks time management skills.
- Dressing inappropriately
No matter the dress code for the job, one should always dress professionally for an interview. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing and flashy jewelry. Men should avoid wearing shorts or overly tight clothing. You could never go wrong with black slacks, a button-up shirt, and dress shoes. Also, make sure your hair is tamed.
- Losing focus
The root of a focused mind is rest and a balanced meal. Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before an interview and have a nutritious breakfast. Not only will you be more alert, but you will also look more refreshed.
During the interview, be sure to listen to what the interviewer is asking so that you know what is relevant to share. It is important to practice active listening skills so that the interviewer does not question your interest in the job.
- Being unsure of resume facts
It is important to know the details of your resume before you come in for your interview. You may be asked about the dates of employment or the different tasks given by previous employers. You want to be sure not to mix up dates and job descriptions. Confidently speaking about previous employment experiences not only shows the interviewer that you were prepared, but also that you are knowledgeable about your field.
- Speaking poorly about previous employers
If you have had a negative experience with a previous employer, it is best to focus on what you learned from that experience during your interview, rather than how negative it was. Otherwise, you would come off as someone difficult to get along with. During the interview, you can tell of a scenario that led you to gain transferrable skills and explain how you can use those skills if you were to get this job. Such an approach shows interviewers that you have conflict-resolution skills and can work well with others.
During a job interview, employers just want to know how you will meet company needs. Be sure you understand the company’s mission and values and highlight how you fit into it if you were given the job.
Finally, always reach out to your interviewer about two days after the interview thanking them for their time. Doing so tells the employer that you are not only very interested in the job but that you also respect them and the time they set aside for you.
Now it’s time to take this advice into the real world! Apply for our open positions here and show us your newfound interviewing skills.