While we do highly recommend that you focus your energy on what to do during an interview – make sure that you have at least a preliminary grasp of the no-nos. These can hurt or kill your chances of landing the job, and they are all very preventable. Make it second nature to avoid these and you will be in a very good spot when it’s time to interview. Remember, there are a lot of other people who will be committing these interview sins. This alone can help you make it past the first wave of interviews.
- Don’t talk too quickly.
- Don’t digress from your points. Answer questions directly.
- Don’t use slang.
- Don’t use words you don’t know the meaning of.
- Don’t be arrogant.
- Don’t talk about your personal life.
- Don’t give the employer any reason to think you will not perform well.
- Don’t act nervous. You probably will be, but it is best if you take a few seconds and clear your mind; your answers will be less jumbled. If you find yourself getting really nervous, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom to get some air. Don’t take too long but it is better to collect your thoughts than to plow ahead when you can’t focus.
- Don’t fidget. This might be something you have to practice but it is worth it.
- Don’t get defensive. The interviewer will be asking technical questions. Everyone has their weak spots and that is okay – work with it and practice for it.
- Don’t bring coffee. Sipping a drink is a sign of disrespect during an interview.
