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Top 5 Ways to Blow a Job Interview

Written on August 10, 2009 by Will Irvin

Filed Under: Job Hunting

There are many things that you should and should not do during a job interview.  Granted, the first interview is to get the second interview, and the second interview is to get the offer, but you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so make it count.

5.  Dress Slouchy

If you don’t dress like you want the job, naturally that is the impression that you will give.  More times than not, a suit is required for a job interview, especially for office/professional type jobs.  So, dress for success, and that’s what you’ll achieve.

4.  Mumble

Always speak clearly during an interview.  Verbal communication is important in almost every type of job.  If you can’t speak clearly during the interview, obviously you aren’t going to be able to speak clearly on the job.

3.  Say Too Much

Answer the question that is asked, nothing more, nothing less.  If it is a yes or no question, respond with a yes or no answer.  If the question is a about a specific area of expertise, don’t go on and on about the expertise you have in some other area.  If someone asks you about your experience with 3D Modeling, they really don’t care about your volunteer work with wounded sea turtles, you know?

2.  Lose Eye Contact

Keeping eye contact with someone while talking to them is important in all aspects of life, but particularly so during a job interview.  It shows that you are paying attention to what they are saying or asking, and it also shows that you have respect for yourself.  Looking at your shoes and speaking unclearly (see “mumbling” above) will show both a lack of professionalism and self-respect.

1.  Lie

If you do not know the answer to the question, say so, but don’t fake it.  And, definitely don’t ramble on when the answer to the question is a simple, concise response.  If you don’t have certain experience, don’t lie and say you do.  Your lies will be uncovered soon enough, and then all credibility you may have had will be gone forever.

How your first interview goes will have a huge impact on your future career.  So, use some common sense, and don’t do things that will intentionally “submarine” your chances.  They wouldn’t be interviewing you if you didn’t deserve the job, so act like it.