With the job market being extremely competitive, every information and experience counts, especially when you're on a job on interview. First impression is essential - make a bad one and that's the last you will see of that dream job you wanted. This is why it is so important you know what to say and do at the appropriate time.
With all that in mind, here are the seven deadly sins of job interviewing you should not commit.
1. Don't be late
Always ensure you are on time for an interview. Getting stuck in a bad traffic or you got lost finding your way to the location are all very bad excuses and shows that you are disorganised. Even if you have a legitimate excuse, chances are it's hard for you to bounce back. Employers are much attuned to excuses like these because they hear it all the time. On the other hand, you don't have to show up too early lest you appear desperate, but you do want to be there at least five minutes early or at the very least on time.
2. Don't go unprepared
There are numerous people who go on a job interview with little knowledge of the company they are interviewing with. At this day and age it is no excuse when all it would take is a simple search on the internet to find out. People who go for interviews unprepared are likely to ask the most obvious questions — questions like where does the company originate from or how long it's been in business indicates to the interviewer that you are sloppy and ill-equipped. As the saying goes, sharpen your pencils first before you go to school.
3. Don't ask about salary or benefits
Your initial interview with a company shouldn't be about what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company. That means the interview isn't the time to ask about the salary package, annual leave or medical plan. Instead you should be selling yourself as to why the company should hire you. Your focus should be about your job function and responsibilities. As the interview progresses and if your interviewer brings out the subject of your salary and benefits, then you know it's an appropriate time to discuss it.
4. Don't be over-ambitious
You need to be interested in the job you are actually interviewing for. Sure, a company wants to see that you are a go-getter, but they also want to see that you are committed to the job you're being hired for. The job interview is not the time or place to ask about advancement opportunities yet.
5. Don't blow your horn
Job interviewers are skilled in meeting and speaking with potential employees. So when they ask you about your weakness and you say you work too hard or you are a perfectionist - you'd think that this might blow them away but chances are they are more likely to roll their eyes than be impressed. Instead channel strengths into your weakness by talking about the skills you don't have that will add value, but aren't required for the job.
6. Don't lie, don't exaggerate
Lying is not going to get you the job. Many people think it is ok to overstate their experience or overplay their capabilities but even if you get through the interview process with your half truths, chances are you won't be equipped to handle the job you were hired to do. Not to mention the more you lie the deeper the hole you'll sink in. Don't exaggerate and don't claim credit for accomplishments you didn't achieve.
7. Don't badmouth past employers
We all have had bad experiences with our previous jobs. However telling your interviewer about what an awful place you have worked before or how your ex-boss mistreated you is strictly inappropriate. Your interviewer does not need to know how miserable your previous job was - even if your ex-boss or work environment deserves the unkind remarks. You will just come across as having a lousy and disgruntled attitude.
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