So you've applied for a job and secured an interview - congratulations! Now it's time to prepare for the interview process that will determine whether or not you actually get the job.
Though that may sound a little intimidating, if you can avoid these common job interview mistakes, it should all be plain sailing:
1) Forgetting to research the company
This mistake is the mark of an amateur interviewee. You know the job description off by heart, you know you're the perfect match for the role, but you don't know a thing about the company itself.
It may not matter to you what kind of organisation it is, but it'll matter to your employer. If you don't know the company values or their aim, how can they know whether you'll work to achieve their vision?
Be sure to conduct plenty of research prior to your interview. Learn about the company history, what they're working to achieve, and how you will fit into their team.
2) Not dressing appropriately
Even if your interview invitation said to dress casual, this does not mean wearing your favourite hoodie and torn jeans. Not making a good first impression may be a mistake that you cannot rectify no matter how well you actually perform in the interview.
Apparently, 6 minutes and 25 seconds is how long it takes for an interviewer to make up their mind about a candidate. So if you wear somewhat questionable clothing, you don't want the employer to spend those six minutes wondering about your dress sense instead of listening to your responses to their questions.
3) Failing to make yourself available during work hours
If you are in the process of leaving your current job, it can undoubtedly be difficult to find time for interviews. However, it's important to keep in mind that your potential new employer probably also works during usual office hours. Suggesting they stay late to interview you or do it on the weekend can be a major faux pas.
The best way to avoid this is to try and take your annual leave on the days you've been asked to an interview. If this is not possible, ask the potential employer if they would be happy to conduct a phone interview during your lunch break instead.
It's important to show your potential employer that you're willing to go out of your way for them.
4) Speaking negatively about a previous employer
Even if you didn't have the best time at your last company, a job interview is not the time to discuss this.
Though you may want to be honest when asked 'why are you leaving your current job?' or 'why did you leave your last job?', you should always try to stay positive. For example, if you left due to personal reasons, just say 'I did not feel like it was the right company for me' rather than airing your personal views.
5) Showing off
Yes, the employer wants to know about your experience but they don't need to hear that you single-handedly saved the company from almost certain doom. Egotistical remarks will do nothing but leave a bad taste in your interviewer's mouth. Remember, they already have a lot of information about you thanks to your CV.
If you did achieve something notable at your last job then by all means mention it, but only do so if it comes up naturally. Randomly interjecting a brag into a normal question is a job interview mistake that's best avoided.
To see more things that could put off a potential employer, check out this Buzzfeed article:
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See also: Why Didn't I Get the Job?
