Common Interview Mistakes That Can Substantially Derail Job Search Efforts
It would certainly make matters less stressful for job seekers if they had carte blanche to choose an ideal position with a preferred employer without the need to substantiate their worthiness over other prospective candidates to a hiring manager or committee. In this utopian setting, expressing an interest in the job would be sufficient evidence to support the candidate’s selection, and both the employee and the employer would, to cite many fairy tale endings, live happily ever after.
Unfortunately, job hunting in the real world does not mirror such an idealistic approach; good-faith hiring practices have repeatedly proven to be ineffective and costly for many employers and detrimental to the career paths of many people chosen in such a manner. Therefore, in an effort to avoid these respective situations, applicant screening and the subsequent interviewing of high-potential candidates are fundamentally non-negotiable phases of the hiring process; an employer simply wants (needs) to make the best choice to satisfy their requirements for the position and for their company as a whole.
From a candidate’s perspective, looking for employment has an inherent level of anxiety on its own. However, because multiple candidates typically apply for the same position, there is the additional stress associated with competition, which can often be intensified by the fact that the competitors are not known to each other; consequently, a candidate needs to convince a prospective employer that they are the best person for a job without the benefit of knowing the strengths and weaknesses of their opposition.
So what does this mean for any candidate? In effect, it means that they can only control their own behaviour and responses during any interviews, and that their performance, so to speak, will ultimately determine whether they receive a job offer; unfortunately, there are far too many examples of job opportunities that have been squandered, by even the most highly-qualified people, due to mistakes that they have made in their interviews.
This leads to the question: how do candidates know what things to avoid or not to say during an interview? By capitalizing on the knowledge of experienced interviewers, such as the professional recruiters at Winters Technical Staffing; the consultants from Winters Technical Staffing have conducted a substantial number of candidate interviews, and as a result, have developed a profound understanding of common interview mistakes made by job seekers across all levels of work experience.
Based on this degree of familiarity, these specialists from Winters Technical Staffing offer the following suggestions on things to avoid and/or not to say during an interview:
- Arriving late (particularly without the courtesy of calling to explain)
- Wearing unsuitable clothing – too flashy, too casual, or too revealing
- Wearing an overpowering after-shave, deodorant, cologne, or perfume
- Talking too much, listening too little, and/or interrupting too frequently
- Displaying poor body language – lounging, reclining, slouching, fidgeting
- Telling jokes (of any kind); using foul or inappropriate language/gestures
- Appearing overly aggressive, overanxious, edgy, or perhaps disinterested
- Initiating discussions on topics/events that may be sensitive/controversial
- Leaving cellphones on (and responding to calls, text messages, and e-mails)
- Sharing personal or confidential information to ‘connect’ with the interviewer
- Making derogatory comments about current or former employers/colleagues
- Embellishing educational background, past work experience, or achievements
- Being ill-prepared to answer questions or to ask about the job or the company
- Asking about compensation/benefits packages at the beginning of the interview
While reviewing this list, one might express skepticism, supported by the contention that common sense would override such actions. However, many recruiting professionals will confirm that they have seen more than one of these interview mistakes demonstrated in the same interview, thus substantially derailing that candidate’s job search efforts.
Professional Recruiters Can Help Candidates Avoid Common Interview Mistakes
Job seekers looking to prevent or eliminate interview mistakes might find it beneficial to consult with a recruiting professional from Winters Technical Staffing in Toronto. These specialists can guide and coach candidates on the proper conduct and demeanor during an interview, in turn helping to address the types of things to avoid or to not say in such interactions.
As part of overall interview preparations, the recruitment experts from Winters Technical Staffing can assist job hunters in the following ways:
- Creating a fact-based resume/cover letter
- Instruction on proper interview behaviours
- Researching employers, markets, industries
- Anticipating questions interviewers might ask
- Developing/delivering responses to the above
- Planning questions that the candidate can ask
- Expectations about compensation and benefits
Individuals currently seeking new employment opportunities who would like to capitalize on the support available from the Winters Technical Staffing consultants can learn more about their services by visiting our Services page.
Contact Winters Today
For expert advice and direction in preparing for job interviews and avoiding the common mistakes that can derail your candidacy, call the recruitment professionals from Winters Technical Staffing today at 416-495-7422 or Contact us to arrange for a no-obligation consultation with one of our placement specialists.
