1. Being too dominant
In every conversation there tends to be a ‘leader’. The leader can change as you move through a conversation or interview. Make sure that you aren’t the one leading the whole time. You don’t want to come across too dominant or domineering as this will make the interviewer wonder how you will be with others you work with. People want collaboration and a ‘team’ approach, so make sure that the conversation works both ways and isn’t all led by you.
2. Clock Watching
Have you ever been with someone who constantly clock watches? Isn’t it annoying? Don’t do it – especially in an interview. It’s distracting, annoying and rude to the interviewer. If you’re serious about the job you need to show it by giving it your full attention.
3. Being unprepared
If you turn up at an interview not knowing anything about the company or role you are going for you will look stupid! Make sure that you have done your homework and know about what the company does, where it’s heading and what they are trying to do. You should know about the role you are going for and also about the people who are interviewing you.
4. Expressing irrelevant opinions
Going on about something that is completely irrelevant to your interview is counter-productive and a waste of time in an interview. You may not even realize that you are doing it because you get so excited about a certain topic – but make sure that you become more alert to this problem. Some of us are easily distracted and can get wrapped up in a conversation if we have strong views on it and find it interesting. However, if it’s not relevant to the role or job you’re going after – suck it up – be quiet!
5. Not listening or responding to the questions
If you don’t really listen to the questions, you won’t respond to them well or properly. Making sure that you put on your ‘listening’ cap as well as your ‘speaking and get my opinions & talents across’ cap. If you don’t listen in your interview you are pretty much sunk!
Author: Nisa Chitakasem and Simon North - Position Ignition (www.positionignition.com) - taking you to the next step in your career
