The team at GRB help students and graduates find fantastic jobs every day. We know some of the common mistakes people have made over the years so we've got some great advice to make sure you don't repeat some classic mistakes.
1. You aren't dressed well
There's the saying, "dress for the job you want", take this on board! If you're going for an interview at a corporate firm in the city, wear your smartest attire. Guys, wear a dark suit and tie, and girls, smart trousers with a blouse or a pencil skirt and shirt will do. If you want to wear a dress, make sure it is smart enough for the office and not too short! However, if you're applying for something in retail or media, you could get away with something a bit more casual, but that doesn't mean you can wear jeans! You should look personable but professional.
2. You asked about salary and holiday
You should never ask about the pay or holiday in your interview! This is something that is usually discussed if you have been offered the job. The employer may bring it up in the interview which is ok, but don't be the one to mention it first! It looks totally unprofessional.
3. You're unprepared
Always make sure you spend the night before the interview researching the company. Who are their clients? What achievements have they made in the past year? An interviewer will not be impressed if they feel you don't know much about their company as it will seem you aren't really bothered about working for them.
4. You didn't ask any questions
Prepare questions the night before the interview. This is your chance to see if you are right for the job, but also shows the employer you are interested in the role. Aim to ask questions on the job role itself ? what are the main objectives of the role? Why has the role become available? How does this role fit within the team structure in your company? Keep the questions professional.
5. You arrived late
The worst mistake you can make is to arrive to the interview late. Allow plenty of time to get to the interview, even if it's just a 20 minute car journey. You can't predict how bad traffic will be!
6. You didn't follow up the interview correctly
When you've walked out that interview room, don't think the job is over just yet. Send the interviewer an email as soon as possible to express your gratitude for the time they took to interview you, and say you are looking forward to hearing from them. Provide one line at the bottom to enforce why you would be a good candidate. You don't want them to forget about you, but it also looks polite to follow the interview up.
7. You didn't seem confident
Employers want to see confidence in their candidates. That means no fiddling with your hair and definitely no avoiding eye contact. Speak clearly, look the interviewer in the eye when speaking, sit up straight. Even if you are feeling nervous, put on a front and act as if you aren't!
8. You aren't on LinkedIn
One of the first things employers do these days is look candidates up online, specifically LinkedIn. If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to sign up! Post all your work experience and connect with as many business professionals as you can. This will certainly impress employers as social media is so prominent in the work environment nowadays.
Do you know of any other interview faux-pas? Share them with us!
Yasmin Codron studied English Language at the University of Sussex and was a marketing assistant and online researcher at the Graduate Recruitment Bureau. She now works as Marketing Coordinator for Marcus Wareing Restaurants.
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