10 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview

It’s something that almost all of us are going to have to go through at one point or another. Job interviews are a fact of life. We need money so we need to work (at least most of us do). To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 biggest mistakes you can make at a job interview.

10

Ask what job you’re interviewing for

Source: quora, Image: https://pixabay.com/en/don-t-even-think-about-it-reminder-1432948/

This sounds obvious, but it can happen, especially when you’re running between interviews. A better way to structure this question would be to ask what a typical work day looks like.

9

Say negative things about yourself

Source: quora, Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two_thumbs_down.svg

Only do this if you can explain how you will change them

8

Ask about the drug test

Source: quora, Image: http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Water-Medical-Lab-Research-Tube-Drug-Test-214185

Unless you are doing it to find out about its effect on your credit (it shouldn’t have any effect)

7

Chew gum

Source: quora, Image: https://pixabay.com/en/chewing-gum-child-candy-dirty-1359237/

If you really need to do this out of nervousness, make sure to ask/tell your interviewer why you are doing it before you actually do it. That way you at least won’t look as disrespectful. It’s better just to avoid this though.

6

Bring your kids

Source: quora, Image: https://pixabay.com/en/kids-children-doodle-sketch-1099713/

Or your parents. Just don’t.

5

Fist bump the interviewer

Source: quora, Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chasingmechasingyou/13373233785

Use a regular, firm, right-handed handshake.

Note: we know you’re probably not crazy enough to do this but our point is to keep your greetings simple and formal.

4

Be late

Source: quora, Image: https://pixabay.com/en/clock-time-pointer-time-of-watches-705672/

But don’t be too early either. Aim for about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

3

Give the impression that you aren’t sticking around

Source: quora, Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/latente/274852368

It’s okay to say that you want to go back to school eventually, it shows ambition. Just don’t make the interviewer feel like you’re leaving within the next few months.

2

Talk over the interviewer

Source: quora, Image: https://pixabay.com/en/conversation-balloons-anger-545621/

This is another one that sounds obvious, but some people may do this out of nervousness. Fight the urge.

1

Focus on yourself

Source: quora, Image: https://pixabay.com/en/businessmen-business-company-593751/

You might be asking, but how? What we mean is, don’t just ask questions pertaining to time off, salary, benefits, etc. And don’t make it sound like the only reason you want to work there is for the money. Rather, focus on how you fit into the company and how you can help the company solve the problems they are hiring you to solve.