Interviews can be challenging, but they hold the power to shape your career, especially when pursuing senior positions. If you feel a bit out of practice with your interview skills, you might find yourself slipping into one of the most common traps! But don’t worry—you’re not alone. As HR Consultant Jess Gleeson points out, these mishaps are very common. In this blog, we help you prepare effectively to avoid typical pitfalls.

1. Poor Preparation

You might have heard the expression, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” This is never truer than when it comes to interview preparation. Jess explains that poor preparation often stems from a lack of time, underestimating the importance of thorough preparation, or experiencing anxiety that hinders effective research.

So, what should you do to ensure you’re adequately prepared? First, dedicate adequate time to researching the company’s mission, values, recent news, and specific job descriptions. A lot of this information can be found on the company’s website. Next, practice your responses to common interview questions and prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your engagement and interest.

2. Arriving Late

Lateness often results from unforeseen circumstances such as heavy traffic, unexpected delays, miscalculations in travel time and not knowing where to go once you’ve arrived for the interview.

To prevent arriving late, Jess says, plan your route in advance, consider potential traffic or unforeseen delays, and aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow for any unexpected circumstances. If you’re still unsure, you could even do a test run to the spot at around a similar time to gauge the various uncontrollable factors.

3. Dominating Conversation

The habit of dominating the conversation can arise from interview anxiety, an eagerness to impress the interviewer or a lack of self-awareness regarding speaking time. The interviewer will know you have lots to say, but make sure the answers you share relate to the question being asked.

To ensure you’re not overstepping, practice active listening skills, allow the interviewer ample time to speak and ask questions, and strive to provide concise and impactful answers that effectively communicate your value, explains Jess.

4. Failing to Sell Yourself

A lack of confidence, difficulty articulating achievements, or focusing on negative aspects can compromise self-promotion. Your resume has got you to the interview, says Jess, and it’s important that you go beyond what has already been provided to the interviewer.

Prepare examples of your skills and accomplishments using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). When you adhere to these interview tips, you highlight your strengths and how they align with the job requirements. It also demonstrates to the interviewer how to apply past experiences to new situations.

5. Poor Body Language

Poor body language during an interview can indicate nerves, a lack of genuine interest in the role, or underlying confidence issues. According to Jess, it’s natural to feel some nerves, and most interviewers understand this. A good interviewer will reassure you that feeling anxious is normal. Engaging in the interview process is important, so ensure your body language demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm.

You will improve your body language and maintain a professional image by maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, sitting up straight with good posture, and using open and welcoming gestures. Practice good posture and avoid fidgeting to maintain a composed and confident demeanour. Remember to request a short break if you become unsettled during the interview.

6. Inappropriate Clothing

Choosing inappropriate clothing often results from misunderstanding the company’s culture or a lack of attention to detail. The old saying is to dress for the job you want, not the only one you’re applying for, and it’s a smart strategy. After all, first impressions count.

So, how do you foolproof your professional image? Jess recommends researching the company’s dress code and choosing comfortable and appropriate professional clothing for the specific role and industry. If in doubt, ask the opinion of someone you trust.

7. Not Asking Questions

Failing to ask questions during an interview can indicate a lack of genuine interest in the role, a fear of appearing uninformed, or simply forgetting to prepare questions beforehand. This can signal disengagement and a lack of curiosity to the interviewer. Remember, an interview is just as much an opportunity for you to find out about the company as it is for them to find out more about you. An interview is a chance for you to determine whether you’d like to be a part of the organisation.

Demonstrate your interest by preparing a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, the company culture, or future growth opportunities. This proactive approach will highlight your engagement and eagerness to learn more.

8. Failing to Follow Up

Failing to follow up after an interview can be attributed to overconfidence in the interview outcome, forgetfulness, or a lack of understanding of proper professional etiquette. Although not everyone will agree that following up is required, this interview tip guarantees you another touch point with the interviewer.

You can demonstrate your professionalism and continued interest by sending a personalised thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. Make sure your note includes an appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the opportunity to contribute to the company. It’s a good way to remind the interviewer of who you are and what you can bring.

 

Virtual Interviews Tips – Overcoming Challenges

These days, virtual interviews are common and present their unique challenges. For a start, there are technical difficulties, distracting backgrounds, and problems in reading non-verbal cues. Poor internet connection, microphone issues, or unfamiliar video conferencing platforms can disrupt the flow. A lack of attention to detail or a casual approach can lead to a messy or unprofessional background. Difficulty reading non-verbal cues on a screen or a lack of awareness of the impact of virtual communication can lead to misinterpretations.

So, how do you handle these challenges? Jess recommends testing your technology beforehand to ensure a stable internet connection and familiarise yourself with the chosen video conferencing platform. Choose a professional and neutral background for your video interview, free from distractions. And pay close attention to the interviewer’s nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language.

 

Remember, interview success is all about practice, preparation, and knowing yourself better. If you apply these interview tips and avoid common pitfalls, you’ll feel confident and professional in your next interview. Don’t be discouraged if you do fall into one of these traps. After all, every interview is a chance to learn something new. Who knows? Your next big career move could be just one engaging conversation away!

Can we help you find your next professional development opportunity? Contact a Career Consultant today at 1300 76 2221 or via Live Chat to explore your options.