Please watch out for these costly interview mistakes!
#1. Arrogance. The #1 mistake is being too cocky (business and finance majors, beware). People in general don’t like bad attitudes especially when it comes to picking your colleagues.
#2. Can’t Wait To Show Off. Don’t drop hints that you’re interviewing at my rival firm. I know you are and I don’t care, because we’re better than them.
#3. Arriving Late. Will you also be late to work? Leave early and shoot to arrive at the interview 30 minutes early. Wait somewhere outside and enter the office about 10 minutes early.
#4. Inappropriate Attire. What you wear is one of the most important non-verbal communicators. It should be comfortable, conventional, conservative, neat and professional. Always wear a suit. Always.
#5. Poor Posture. Sit up-right to give a smart, confident impression.
#6. Excessive Bodily Movement. Scratching, nose rubbing, chewing gum, playing with jewelry… they very distracting.
#7. Looking Around. It shows that you are either easily distracted or uninterested. Don’t stare down the recruiter either, be natural.
#8. Shallow Breathing. Gives off the impression you’re nervous, the interviewer will sense it.
#9. Weak Voice. Gives the impression of a weak candidate. Talk in an enthusiastic, cheerful and confident tone.
#10. Monotone. Don’t bore me.
#11. Speaking Too Quickly. Gives off the impression you’re nervous, the interviewer will sense it.
#12. Not Listening. Having a conversation conversation with you’re interviewer is important. If the conversation flows, you’re doing it right. The interviewer will remember this. Listen.
#13. Getting Grumpy. Talking negatively about your school and/or any company (including the competitors) is not appropriate and certainly not appreciated by your interviewer.
#14. Freaking Out. You know that you did badly in the previous interview question. If so, forget about it and move on! Twist it into your strength that you can keep your cool in adverse environment.
#15. Not Asking Questions. It is a common practice to ask a few questions at the end of an interview. It is not only a good opportunity for you to learn about the company, but also a way to show your interest and enthusiasm to the firm.
