Interviewing for a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience! Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way in overcoming the nerves and nailing it in crunch time. Not only do you need to prepare your answers, but make sure you avoid things that throw up an instant red flag! Pitting out your shirt isn’t necessarily a red flag, but you may want to consider wearing a jacket just in case...
Since this is such an important topic, we’ll give you a bonus fact in this one!
Here are Six Fast Facts on things to avoid in an interview:
- 🎯 Focus, Daniel-san - When you’re doing an interview, DO THE INTERVIEW. Make good eye contact, don’t look at your phone, and don’t (if you’re virtual) keep looking off screen. All of these make the interviewer feel like you’re not paying attention, and therefore not all that interested in the job. Practice with a friend. You might not want to pretend they’re naked, though. Or maybe you do, we don’t judge.
- ⌚ Time It Right - Everyone knows not to arrive late, but it’s also important not to arrive too early, either, or the interviewer may think you can’t manage your time well. Get to the location in plenty of time, but don’t actually go into the office until 5-10 minutes ahead of your scheduled time. Follow the Goldilocks timer and get it just right!
- 👀 The Little People - Remember that the interview begins the moment you interact with someone at that company. Interviewers will often talk with the receptionist or doorman to see what you were like on your way in. Be friendly and say hello, smile, hold the door…all that good, neighborly stuff! Those small kindnesses just might put you ahead of the other candidates.
- 🤔 What They Mean - Interview questions often have a hidden agenda. When they ask about your biggest weakness, they don’t really care about that; they’re checking if you’re self-aware and working on self-improvement. If they ask why you want the job, they’re really testing if you’ve done your homework. Do you know what the company is about? Do you share their values? Are you up-to-date on their latest news? Yes, earning money is important, but that’s the outcome, not the reason. And seriously, know what the company does—like Finn in Star Wars, it’s kind of a big deal!
- 😉 Say It Without Saying It - One strategy is to share your best skills without running down the laundry list. When they ask about something that is key for them (it’s probably in the job description), incorporate whatever skill you have that fulfills that thing in the form of a story of how you once handled a similar situation.
- ❓ Your Turn - At the end of most interviews, they’ll ask if you have any questions. The answer is YES. Then, hit them with the most brilliant, mind-blowing question you’ve got (yep, you’ll need to prep). This shows you’re proactive and know the company’s challenges, meaning you’re ready to tackle them. Toss in an open-ended question like, “Is there anything else I can share to prove I’m the best fit for this job?” This gives you a chance to fix any weak answers or cover missed topics. And don’t forget to ask about the next steps—what, when, and who.
🔥Bottom line: It’s okay to be nervous! Interviews are a big deal, and can change your life. But with some preparation you can walk confidently in there and nail it. Even if you pit out your shirt in the process.
What’s your best interview tip or strategy?
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