If you snagged an interview during a time when unemployment rates are still pretty darn high, congratulations! However, the interview is the most important step in the road to a job offer. To ensure your stakes are high in actually getting hired, avoid making these five potentially detrimental mistakes.
1. Showing up late – The single worst thing you can do is show up late for an interview. A good rule of thumb is to show up at least fifteen minutes prior to your interview time. Be sure to leave the house early to allot for extra travel time, unforeseen circumstances, etc.
2. Dressing inappropriately – You should dress according to the profession you’re applying for. If it’s a corporate job at an accounting firm, you’ll likely need to be in a suit. If you’re interviewing for a job within a creative field like graphic design, you might be able to tone it down a bit with a dress or blazer and pants.
3. Arriving unprepared – Prior to an interview, it’s important to do adequate research on the background of the company, be able to clearly state what you can bring to the company and be ready for any question the interviewer may ask. You’ll also want to bring extra copies of your resume along with a portfolio of your work. Consider doing a test drive to the location of the interview site a couple of days before to familiarize yourself with the route, parking, etc.
4. Not asking questions – If you don’t ask questions throughout and after your interview, the person interviewing you might assume that you have a lack of interest in the position. To avoid this mistake, come up with a list of questions beforehand. Remember, an interview is not only a way for them to decide if you’re a good match, but also a way for you to figure out if the company is a good match for your career.
5. Failing to Send a Thank You – Sending a thank you email or note is the best thing an interviewee can do after an interview. It allows you to show that you genuinely appreciate the time they took out to meet with you, and restate your interest in the position and why you’d be the perfect match for the position.
—— By: Crystal Tate
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