Interview sessions are supposed to be occasions for
prospective employees to showcase their skills and why
they deserve to be employed, however, for most job seekers
this opportunity is usually flunked because many
candidates inadvertently shoot themselves in the leg by
doing what they are not supposed to do or otherwise.
So, what are some things you must avoid at an interview?
We will look at 8 of such things to avoid for you to
ace your next interview session.
1. Dressing wrongly
Experts say that 65% decisions are made about you based
on how you dress and appear. Interviews are formal
occasions and you must dress formally and look like
someone who means business. Though ‘formality’ does not
necessarily mean wearing shirt, tie and suit; but it does
mean looking smart and fit for the job or position you are
applying for. So the next time you attend an interview, make
sure you look like you mean business.
2. Not well groomed
True, your dressing is part of grooming, but it is much more
than dressing. It encompasses your total outward look. As
a male, your hair needs to be well cut and trimmed. As a
lady, you shouldn’t wear a multi-colour hair for interviews.
Also watch out on your colour combinations, there mustn’t
be any riot. As much as possible, keep your colour
combinations within 2 colours, but not more than 3 at the
maximum. A simple Google search for ideas on colour
combinations can help.
3. Arriving late for interviewThis will definitely score you low. If you arrive late for
interview, it will be assumed that you don’t have regard for
time and that is how you will be coming late for work
should you be employed. Make sure you take time to know
where your interview will take place before the day. Arrange
everything you will need at least a day prior to the interview
day. If need be, set alarm so you can wake up early and
finish on time to leave the house. You don’t want to take
chances if you leave in a place like Lagos where traffic
hitch is the order of the day.
4. LyingIt is common practice for some people to lie about quite a
number of things during interview so they could secure the
job. But it is better to remain on the side of honour and
integrity and miss the job than to lie and get it, because
sooner or later the wind may blow and your lies would be
found out. And then you would be sacked for lying and
deceiving your employer. If you do not meet the age or
qualification requirement, then don’t apply and if you do,
just tell them the truth about what you truly possess, that
may even be the reason they will employ you.
5. Slanting your current boss or employer
No matter where you work, you will always come across
people who step on your toes. People can do things that
are even unethical and sometimes, they can really get on
your nerves. But mal-aligning those during an interview will
be your ‘Achilles hills’. Unwittingly, you are sending a
signal to this prospective employer that you will do the
same to them should you want to leave their company.
Watch it!
6. Not knowing some basic information about the company
How can you claim to want to work for an organisation and
you know nothing about them? It is almost certain that one
of the questions you would be asked during an interview is,
“What do you know about this company?” And if you say
you don’t know anything about the company, then you are
not qualified to work there. Visit their website if they have
one. Read about them, when it was established, what
landmark achievements they have, and their current staff
strength. Get to know their vision/mission statements and
core values. These are things that show you really have
interest in the company.
7. Being too nervous or too confident
The two are alike working in opposite directions. Being too
nervous shows lack of confidence and being too confident
shows a sign of arrogance. You need to create a balance
by being cool headed. Answer questions simply without
over embellishing. And also being too confident may seem
you are not a team player; someone who might be bossing
everyone around without listening to others’ opinions.
8. Being rude
It is likely that in some instances there will be people in the
interview panel you are older than or more qualified than.
However, that is not a reason to be rude to them. At this
point, your age and qualification don’t matter. What matters
is to be humble and respectfully respond to questions
posed to you. If you find yourself being rude, apologise
politely and move on. Also do not get too close with
members of the panel. Just be polite and friendly.
Avoid all the above then expect your appointment letter.
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