Top 10 Ways to NOT Get the Job – Part 2
Now for the last and most important points on our list of way to NOT get the job.
5) Answer your cell phone. The interviewer will totally understand that you had to answer your phone because it was your best friend who just broke up with her boyfriend of three years. And everyone texts while speaking with people in person… right? NO! NO! NO! Cell phones have lead to some of the rudest behaviours of today. If someone is taking time out of their day to interview you give them your full attention. You should make sure to have your cell phone on silent or best yet, leave your phone in your car.
4) Don’t prepare for the interview. You’re too busy to have time to do research on this potential employer. They wont actually expect you to put effort into something before they even have you on the payroll. And how important can preparation really be? NO! NO! NO! If you go into an interview unprepared you will look it and waste everyone’s time. An employer will expect you to have done some research and know the basics of the company and what they do. Being prepared can also mean practicing your answers to typical interview questions and just your people skills in general.
3) Look like a mess. So you slept in late and didn’t have time to iron your shirt. And maybe your breath smells like yesterdays news because you rushed out the door without brushing your teeth. No one could be so critical to judge you for that. NO! NO! NO! You absolutely will be judged based on first impression in a job interview. And the way your dress and how much care you take in putting yourself together can tell a potential employer just how serious you take this interview. If you can’t be bothered to brush your teeth or hair before an interview how badly do you really want this job?
2) Bad mouth previous employers. When they ask you about previous employers be completely honest. Make sure to mention how the last guy you worked for was a big meany pants who always took credit for all of your work just so he could get ahead. NO! NO! NO! Be positive, and try to put a positive spin on any negative situations. Bad mouthing a previous employer, even if they were a terrible employer, will never look kindly on you. Any employer may also be more likely to see your previous employers side of the story. Remember they are an employer, and likely have had disgruntled employees before. At the end of the day people want to be surrounded by positive people. In order to be a strong candidate for a job people need to be able to envision themselves working with you.
1) Be Late. Now read very carefully, because there will be no joking around with this last and most important point. Being late is unacceptable. There is no situation in which being late to an interview will not hurt you. Even when the reason for the delay is honest and understandable you will still be docked points for being late. Being late for anything, but interviews in particular, screams “my time is more important than yours”. It says that whatever caused you to be late (the line up in the Tim Horton’s drive through, the horrendous traffic…) is more important to you than this interview. And if you want to be considered seriously for the job, nothing should be more important than the job interview. Many young people, particularly those fresh out of school, seem to not understand the importance of doing things on time. I believe it goes back to teachers leniency with due dates and extensions, seemingly endlessly allowing make up test, assignments and the like. I can not stress enough that someone’s time is the most valuable thing they can give you, ask any volunteer. Do not ever waste a person’s time when you are asking them for a job. It will guaranteed not look well on you, and in many cases being late will cost you your interview and thus the potential job.
After reading through all the blogs in this “How To” series I hope you consider printing out this top 10 list and using it as a reference before any interview.
Comments