So, you’ve finally landed a job interview. After countless applications and resume tweaks, your hard work has seemed to pay off. However, you aren’t out of the woods yet. Once you land the interview, you must continue to work hard to stand out and hopefully receive an offer.
Just because you are invited to interview for a job, it doesn’t mean that you are a shoe-in to getting an offer. Chances are you aren’t the only candidate being considered, so if you want to convince the hiring manager that you are the best option, you must be prepared to knock the interview out of the park.
While we have covered some top interview tips to help you prepare, there are also some things you should NOT do if you want the job. As you’re getting ready for your next job interview, be sure to avoid these snafus.
Not Knowing Anything About the Role/Company
You should never go into an interview without doing your research, regardless of whether or not you want the position. Even if you’re doing the interview more for experience than actually wanting the role, do your research on the company. You never know who the hiring manager may be connected to and what doors he or she could open for you at other companies.
By going in blind, per se, you will not make a good impression on the company, which could hinder future chances at getting hired. Regardless of your interest in the role/company (you probably have some if you applied, right?), you should at least know the basics. Considering the amount of information available at your fingertips, there really isn’t any excuse not to know at least something about what you’re interviewing for.
Trash a Previous Employer
An interview with a potential new employer is certainly not the time to trash your current or previous employer. While you may have your reasons for looking for a new job, knowing what to disclose can speak volumes. “The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things,” according to Melanie Benwell, managing director of PathWorks Personnel, a recruiting firm.
There is a time and place to vent, but an interview is not one of them. The hiring manager will be wary of what you may say about him or her when you inevitably decide to move on from their company and most likely not extend a job offer.
Forgetting Resume Copies
You likely applied to this new job online and haven’t printed copies of your resume in a while. However, you should still bring more than enough copies of your resume to the interview. Chances are not everyone you will be speaking with has had ample time to comb through your resume prior to the conversation, so bringing a copy for them is helpful. Additionally, you can reference your experience on your resume and the hiring manager can see it in front of him or her immediately.
Not Ask Questions
In your research for the role/company, you are bound to have a few questions. Sure, they may be answered during the course of your conversation, but you should absolutely create additional questions to show your interest and research. Asking questions also shows that you have been paying attention during the interview, which is key.
You should prepare a list of questions in advance, being fully aware that some will get answered during the interview. Having additional questions may serve as inspiration for continued discussion, and the conversation itself may provide a spark for new questions to ask.
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