Job interviews are a platform where hiring managers and job seekers connect, understand each other’s goals, and share ideas, values and needs so that they can make the right decisions. General transcription of these interviews allows HR managers to analyze each candidate carefully and choose the right one. For job seekers, it is an opportunity to show how their skills will align with the organization’s needs. In addition to performing well in your job interview, there are certain mistakes that you should avoid making:
- Not making eye contact: It is quite natural to be a little nervous during an interview. This can lead you to look away instead of maintaining eye contact with the interviewer. Making eye-to-eye contact is important to let the hiring manager know that you see eye-to-eye and that you’re presenting yourself sincerely. So take care to keep eye contact with the interviewer. If you are unsure about your response or worried that you are talking too long, speak slowly, but don’t lose eye contact. This will show your sincerity and maturity.
- Lack of confidence: The interview is a chance to present yourself well and land your dream job. So be confident about what you are saying. Avoid sounding like you are reading out of a script.
- Being over enthusiastic: Some people become very calm when they’re nervous, while others talk too much. If you are overly excited throughout the whole interview, then the interviewer may doubt your sincerity or think that you are putting on a show. So avoid being loud and sounding too excited. Instead, smile and look professional.
- Not asking any questions: Job seekers must ask questions to show the interviewer that they’re interested in the job. If you don’t ask any questions, the interviewer may think that you are not interested in the job. So have two or three questions ready. The ideal time to ask them would beat the end of the interview.
- Not expressing your personality: Assessing culture fit can help both a team and an individual thrive. So be your true self and express your personality in your interview. An individual’s success and productivity depends on how happy they are at work.
- Rehearsing too much: Job seekers often have the habit of rehearsing too much before the interview, but this makes you sound like a robot. It will make the interviewer feel that you’re not showing your true self. If you are unable to answer, don’t lose your confidence – admit that you don’t know the answer. This will show you are sincere and comfortable with yourself.
- Avoid fidgeting: At interviews, many people fidget, intentionally or unintentionally. But over- fidgeting is a sign of nervousness. Cross your legs or ankles to avoid tapping your toes or jiggling your leg. Keep your elbows to your sides and keeping your shoulders down and back.
- Poor research about the interviewer: Make sure that you go to the interview with all information about the company and the interview panel. This helps you to discover shared interest between you and the employer and it helps to build rapport. Moreover, to ask good questions to your interviewer you need to do a thorough research of your interview board and the organization.
- Use of cell phones during the meeting: Never look or even steal a glance at your mobile phone during the interview as it may look rude. It is best to switch off your mobile phones before going into the interview room.
- Asking questions with obvious answers: Do not ask questions with obvious answers because it shows that you are ignorant about the company’s basic information.
- Getting too personal: It is always good to maintain a friendly tone with your interview board but always remember your limits and stay focused on professional accomplishments and the company’s needs. Do not waste time on sharing too much personal stories because you will get only limited with the interviewers.
- Discussing salary and other benefits too soon: Talking about the salary in the beginning of the interview shows that you are only interested in perks. So it is best to discuss the salary once you get the job.
- Too much gushing or rambling: Saying good things about the company and the interview board or interviewer is good but remember not to go overboard with gushing because you may sound insincere. Make sure to avoid unnecessary rambling because it is a waste of time. Good communication skill is the key to impress your interviewer.
- Bad mouthing your past employer: Excessively criticizing and bad mouthing your current or ex-employer creates a bad impression about you and your interviewer would think you would talk bad about him or her or the company if you are hired.
- Poor body language: Having good body language like making eye contact, good communication, a firm handshake, and a good sitting posture shows your confidence.
Being aware about these interview mistakes can help candidates avoid them. The transcripts prepared by interview transcription services allow recruiters to evaluate a candidate’s personality and abilities and choose the best person for the job.
