When a candidate is going forward for a job interview there are some things that they could potentially do that will guarantee rejection. While issues like turning up on time for an interview may be perfectly obvious, common sense is not always so common. Here are 10 things that interviewer’s absolute hate.
Tip #1 – Lack of Preparation
When going into an interview environment preparation is and will always be a key factor. Potential employers love to see that you are keen to join them and will be an asset to their organisation; therefore you must always make sure that you are well prepared for your interview.
If you have time, do a dummy run of the journey to your interview location; this will ensure that you know how long it will take you to get to the interview. Remember first impressions count, being late is a bad start. Read up on the company, find out: Who they are? What do they do? How do they do it? Why do they do it and how they are making a difference in the community? When you have attained an answer, ask yourself how you can be an asset and contribute to these answers within the position that you are applying for. Prepare at least 5 questions that you would like to ask the interviewer after the interview has taken place. Make sure that you have thorough knowledge of the role that you are applying for. Arriving with no idea about the job that you are being interviewed for and your responsibilities in that job role is a huge no-no!
Tip #2 – Inappropriate Dress Code
You must ensure that you are dressed appropriately for your interview. If in doubt remember the general rule: No Jeans, no T-shirts, no trainers and no hats. You can find more information on how to dress appropriately for an interview at: http://www.london-works.com/news/how-dress-job-interview. Even if the interview will take place over a platform such as Skype, please ensure that you are appropriately dressed. Our advice is to act as though you would if you were directly in front of the interviewer; do not wear your pyjamas, and even if the interview is in the morning and you would like a lie in, get up brush your teeth, fix your hair, get dressed and set up your interview device in a comfortable place with good signal.
Tip #3 – Turning up hungry
Opt for a well-balanced breakfast before the big day; this will help you to avoid the mid-interview rumbles. Do not turn up to your interview with an order of fast food, especially if it is high smelling food. This will not impress your interviewer. Furthermore do not eat during your interview – this is rude and highly unprofessional.
Tip #4 – Candidates who forget: This is your interview and your one chance
No matter how nervous you are or how supportive you feel that your mother, father, extended family or best friend may be; please, please, please do not bring them to your interview. The interview process is a time to show that you can stand on your own two feet, take charge where necessary and be independent. Taking your mother or friend for moral support does not prove this in any way.
Tip #5 – Asking for smokers break during the interview
If you are a smoker, please do not ask for a cigarette break during your interview. Interviews last for approximately 30mins – an hour surely you can also last that long.
Tip #6 – Asking the interviewer out on a date
No matter how attractive you may feel that he or she is; do not ask your interviewer out on a date. Yes, yes, I know…you may not get the job and so this may be the first and final time to see him/her so you would like to ask and see where lady luck will take you – don’t. Most interviewers hate this and it may very well work against you. Be aware of your personal space. We do not want you being so close that you make the interviewer feel uncomfortable.
Tip #7 – Think about Parking
If you are a driver, please ensure that you park your vehicle in a comfortable spot. It is not a good idea to rush the interviewer because you are parked in a spot where you will have to rush though the interview process in order to avoid a ticket. Being parked in a spot where there is fear of being fined could also result in your mind being preoccupied and therefore you may not be able show the interviewer the best you have to offer.
Tip #8 – Listening to music during the interview
If you were listening to music on the way to your interview, please ensure that you remove your headphones and put them away upon entering the building. Do not leave your headphones on while the interview is being conducted even if you have turned off your music.
Tip #9 – Bad Personal Hygiene
If it’s a hot day, then please remember to wear deodorant. Being stuck in a packed bus or train with many other people on a hot day can really do something to a person, even if they do usually have great hygiene.
Tip #10 – Applying for inappropriate jobs
If you are not qualified or have severe phobias do not apply for a role working in close proximity with that which you fear. Always check the area in which your interview is being conducted to ensure that you will be able to cope. Applying for a job working with the thing you fear may not be the best way or time to cure that fear – the last thing the interviewer will need is to see you running out their door screaming.
Best of luck with your interview,
London Works