1. Making a weak first impression
Unfortunately, no matter how hard the interviewer tries, a lot of “don’t want to hire them” decisions are made in the first few minutes of contact. If you make a strong first impression, the interviewer will be more inclined to overlook “imperfections” in your answers.
2. Not Being Prepared or being Rude and Arrogant
Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You’d be surprised how many people can’t remember what they wrote on their CV. And if you remember what type of person the job advert was looking for, it’s easier to demonstrate that you have those qualities. Make sure you’ve brought with you anything you were asked for. It’s fine to bring a note and pen, but make sure they’re tidy. It’s even o.k. to bring notes with you; particularly if you have any questions you want to ask. It shows you’re taking the job application seriously. Bad-prepared candidates rarely get job offers.If you find you were accidentally rude, then apologize calmly and genuinely. Then leave it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. If you dwell on it, it will affect your performance. What’s “rude”? Well, that depends on your audience. As a rule of thumb, avoid cracking jokes about potentially sensitive topics and beware of being too “pally” with the interviewer: polite and friendly is enough. After all, you’re not in the pub with them. So stay professional. Also bear in mind that everyone you meet could be involved in the selection process. So blanking the receptionist or talking down to the junior members of staff could cost you the job.
3. Fabricating answers
If you’re hit with a curveball question, try to avoid diving straight in with an answer, taking a moment to consider all elements of the question so that you can provide an honest and considered response. Often rushing in with an answer can lead to unnecessary fabrication, despite this being intentional or not.
4. Not asking questions
This is a step which should not be missed. Likewise, asking questions at the correct times throughout the interview will stimulate a natural flow of conversation, demonstrating your ability to think critically as well as naturally engage with the interviewers.
5.Interrupting the interviewer
The best case scenario is that you’ll appear overeager; the worst case scenario is that you’ll appear disrespectful or downright rude. No matter how excited you are, make sure you’re listening actively and carefully for the interviewer, and wait for him or her to finish speaking before you respond.
6. Not being clear while answering
Questioning you is the interviewers only medium to know about you and answering to the questions is your only way to express yourself. So, while giving answers to their questions, try to be specific, relevant and obviously straightforward. Take your time before answering a question. Think about it. Organize your thoughts and then deliver it. If you are unable to answer it, then frankly tell them. Do not try to give wrong or irrelevant answers. It may do more harm than good
7. Speaking bad about your current or past employer(s)
Avoid saying negative things about your current or past employer(s). Being negative will show a lack of tact and diplomacy in communication and may portray you as a disgruntled or angry person – not a person they’ll want to hire.