5 Terrible Things NOT to Do In an Interview

…at least not if you actually want the job!

Interview coming up? Here’s what NOT to do.

Be totally unprepared: Failing to research the company or the role you’re applying for can (no, not can, WILL) signal to the interviewer that you’re not really interested in the job. Make sure you know as much as possible about the company, the position, and the industry before you arrive. We live in the beautiful age of the internet, my friends, and information is right at your fingertips!!
Communicate poorly: Your ability to communicate effectively is one of the most important factors in a successful job interview. Make sure you speak clearly, listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions, and answer concisely and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic. Believe me: shorter answers with rich information and higher impact win every time.
Show up late – physically or virtually: Arriving late to an interview can create a negative first impression and send the message that you’re not reliable or respectful of other people’s time. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early, and allow plenty of extra time for traffic, parking, and unexpected delays. If you’re virtual, test out all of your tech ahead of time to make sure you’re good to go.
Be negative or overly critical: Even if you had a bad experience at your previous job, it’s not a good idea to badmouth your former employer or colleagues. This can make you look unprofessional and difficult to work with. Instead, focus on the positive things you learned and the skills you gained.
Don’t ask any questions or say thank you at the end: At the end of the interview, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. This is your chance to show that you’re genuinely interested in the job and have done your research. Ask thoughtful, relevant questions about the company’s goals, culture, or expectations for the role. Not asking any questions can make you look uninterested or unprepared. Looking for some good ones? Grab my AWESOME questions to ask at the end of an interview guide here. It’s FREE 99.

Here’s to your dream job!

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