GO GET THAT JOB!
The actions that you take during a job interview, or lack thereof, can be extremely influential on the outcome of the job interview and the overall outcome of your job application process. Whatever you decide to do, do not “wing it” while trusting yourself and your natural charm or abilities. This is a very big mistake, to say the least.
Let’s survey the “do not do” practices during a job interview. While it is difficult to advise what not to do via such an article for every person, every job position, every employer, etc. there are still some common best job interview practices and some ill-advised job interview practices.
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#1: Avoid strong colors unless the company is about boldness, color, strength, or their logo is made of strong colors.
#2: Avoid clothes with patterns and slogans, especially political or social slogans when possible. In some cases, it might work to your advantage, most likely not.
#3: Avoid coming across as “cheap” as much as possible. This may be the result of your clothing or lack thereof, your language, and the amount of skin exposed (intimate areas etc.).
#4: Avoid the use of slang (soldier’s language) as much as possible.
#5: Avoid the use of acronyms and abbreviations as much as possible, unless you are completely sure it is well known.
#6: If you are not sure what a word or term mean, avoid using them.
#7: Do not attribute more importance to one interviewer than the other, even when you know that a certain interviewer is of a more executive role for the employer.
#8: Avoid phrases such as “I hate” or “I don’t care” or “I can’t stand”.
#9: Avoid being monotonic (using the same tone all the time).
#10: Avoid redundancies as much as possible.
#11: Although it is hard for anyone, avoid saying “ummm” and/or “oh”.
#12: Do not answer only the person that asked the question, it will send a message that the other interviewers are not as important. They might have an equal vote and influence…
#13: Do not play with your body unless it is crucial to making a point. Thus, avoid playing with your hair, ears, clothes, picking your nose (thinking that no one will notice), cracking your knuckles, etc.
#14: Do not slouch.
#15: Do not get too close (“in their face”) and do not stand/sit to far.
#16: Do not use excessive hand movements.
#17: Do not argue with the interviewer as many perceive an argument to be a fight or power-struggle.
#18: Do not contradict an interviewer unless asked to as part of an exercise. Find a way to convey your message in a way that complements theirs.
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#19: Avoid mentioning former or current employers as better than the one you are interviewing with. Find a way to suggest without mentioning where you have learned it (unless asked to do so).
Last, but not at all least – good luck!
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