You’ve looked at a dozen resumes for the same position. They’re all qualified, and they’re all coming in to interview.
First impressions are all-important. I’ve seen too many applicants who are great on paper blow their interview by making easily-avoidable mistakes. Here are some red flags for any employers interviewing more than one candidate. If they make these easily-avoidable mistakes, it may be time to show them the door!
1. BEING LATE: I know they’ve heard this an infinite number of times, but it is still the most important rule! Being late for an interview shows that a candidate is irresponsible or not serious about the job/company. An applicant should get directions beforehand, check traffic, leave early, and if for some reason they ARE late, they should call the office/interviewer and ask to reschedule.
2. INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING: Also sounds like a no-brainer, right? You’d be surprised. Even if your work place is casual, an interviewee should dress nicely!! No tank tops, no flip-flops, and no jeans!
3. WINGING IT: It happens ALL the time. Interviewees don’t even bother to look up the company they are applying to, or even worse, the position they want! Knowing who is interviewing you makes a great impression. Look for someone who knows some key facts about your company. This helps prove how interested they are in working for you.
4. DANGEROUS SMALL TALK: No politics, no religion, no hot topics. The easiest way to turn someone off is to offend them. Also, watch out for someone who treats you too casually. You’re not their roommate from college, you’re a potential employer. They should treat you with respect, and prove they are a professional who will be an asset to your company.
5. BAD-MOUTHING PAST EMPLOYERS: I have interviewed several applicants who, when asked about recent job history, have trashed the last company they worked for. This makes a terrible impression on an interviewer! It sounds childish and vindictive! There is usually more to this story, more you don’t want to find out about.
6. ASSUMING YOU ALREADY HAVE THE JOB: Unless I tell an interviewee that the position is theirs, they should not assume anything! This means not asking about salary and benefits until I bring it up first. Be gracious! I am looking for confidence, not cockiness!
A few more interview pet peeves!
-Not having a resume to look at!! An applicant should bring two or three copies of a resume to the interview, then even if there are several people conducting the interview, we will be able to look at their qualifications.
-To Interviewees: Brush your teeth before you leave! Don’t eat on the way, and DO NOT CHEW GUM IN THE INTERVIEW!
-I love it when a candidate SMILES! We know you’re nervous but try and smile at us once in a while. We might return the favor.
