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8 Things You Should Never Do at a Job Interview


HaziM
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                                8 Things You Should Never Do at a Job Interview

 

Don’t make these mistakes during your next interview.

Recruiters and hiring managers have the power to eliminate even the most qualified candidates based on seemingly superficial behaviors during a job interview.

When it comes to job interviews, showing your professionalism may be as important as the answers you give. Jobvite, a recruiting software company, surveyed 831 recruiters as part of its 2017 Recruiter Nation Report. When asked what would automatically disqualify a candidate during an interview, recruiters shared the top deal-breakers. Recruiters are not just evaluating your work skills and experience. Your manners and behavior make a difference, too. Avoid making costly mistakes by reading through this list of top things candidates do to disqualify themselves.

Being rude to the receptionist or support staff. Eighty-six percent of the recruiters say this would be a reason for eliminating a candidate, according to the Recruiter Nation Report. Treating anyone rudely is unprofessional and unacceptable, especially when you are visiting a company. It doesn't matter if someone from the company is rude to you first or if you're frustrated. Smile and speak in a calm tone. During your job search, all of your interactions are subject to evaluation, from email communication to in-person interactions. There's no excuse for being rude, and it will ruin your opportunity to make it to the next round of the hiring process.

Checking your phone. You don't need your phone during an interview. You should give your undivided attention to the task at hand. To prevent temptation, turn your phone off before you head into the building or you may want to leave it in your car. While waiting for your interview, assess your surroundings, watch employee interactions and mentally prepare for the interview. Turning your phone off ensures it won't ring or vibrate while you are interviewing. If it does ring, apologize and turn it off immediately. Do not answer it. For 71 percent of recruiters, checking your phone is a reason not to move you forward in the interview process.

Showing up late. Punctuality matters. Fifty-eight percent of recruiters disqualify candidates who arrive late, according to the report. If you can't show up on time for something as important as a job interview, then what else will you be late for? Being on time also shows respect for the recruiter's time. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your interview and if there is an emergency and you'll be late, call the interviewer and let them know.

Bad hygiene. Bad breath or body odor is a deal breaker for 52 percent of recruiters. Make sure that you take extra steps to present yourself well. Carry breath mints, check yourself in the mirror and remember to apply deodorant. You want to make the very best impression during your interview and no detail is too small to overlook.

Interrupting the interviewer. It is impolite to speak over someone or interrupt them and 39 percent of recruiters are so bothered by this that they reject a candidate. It's fairly common to get nervous during an interview, but don't let that get in the way of practicing good active listening skills. Nod your head in agreement, but do not speak until it is your turn.

Bringing food. Thirty-eight percent of recruiters will show you the door if you bring food to the interview, according to the report results. Most interviews don't last longer than an hour, so there's no need to bring food. It shows a lack of business etiquette and respect for the interview process. There is a time and a place for food, and the interview is not one of them. If you must eat, do so before you step into the building. Just make sure you don't eat foods with onion, garlic or other strong odors. And pop a breath mint before walking into your interview.

Dressing too casually. When in doubt, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Twenty-four percent of recruiters rank dressing too casually as a reason not to choose a candidate. Always ask the person arranging the interview what the expected dress code is. Every company has different expectations, so it's all right to ask this question. Even if the company has an informal dress code, don't assume that applies to the interview.

Bringing a beverage. Similar to bringing food to an interview, bringing a drink into the interview is not appropriate. You can survive for an hour without sipping a coffee or drinking water. While only 14 percent of recruiters say they'd nix a candidate for bringing in a beverage, you don't want to hurt your chances.

The Jobvite research found that a bad handshake, too much makeup and poor fashion also work against candidates, but to a much lesser extent.

Your professionalism and familiarity with business etiquette will help you survive an interview. If you haven't interviewed before or you've been working in a casual office environment, use these tips to put yourself in the best position to succeed.

 

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