What not to do in a interview

In front of a recruiter, despite the quality of your CV, certain behaviours can be prohibitive. Stress, lack of preparation or inexperience with this type of exercise lead some candidates to commit several mistakes to avoid in a job interview.

10 things not to do during an interview

We'll list them for you in detail—these are the mistakes you should steer clear of before delving into the specifics!

1. Arriving late
2. Neglecting to dress appropriately
3. Not preparing for the interview
4. Not knowing enough about the company
5. Being too stressed and not smiling
6. Being too pretentious or trying too hard
7. Sharing too much about your private life and talking excessively
8. Disparaging your former employer
9. Not asking questions
10. Neglecting to follow up after the interview.

We want you to have a successful job interview, so follow the guide!

1. Arriving late

An interview begins the moment you step into the company. Therefore, your demeanour before and after the scheduled time is just as important as the one you present during the actual appointment. Arriving late may convey a lack of punctuality or even rudeness to your interviewer. In such a situation, it's advisable to apologize to the recruiter. However, avoid attributing the lateness to external factors such as traffic jams, a malfunctioning alarm clock, or difficulty finding parking, as you are expected to anticipate and plan for these possibilities.

2. Neglecting to dress appropriately

Wearing attire that is too casual is one of the mistakes to avoid during a job interview. So, say goodbye to sweatpants, sneakers, and humorous T-shirts. You’ll have to adapt to the company's culture and your industry while still staying true to yourself.

While adhering to the appropriate dress code, don't compromise your comfort and personality. Skip the five-piece suit or the 10 cm heels if you're not accustomed to them or find them uncomfortable. This could impact your comfort and self-confidence during the interview.

3. Not preparing for the interview

An appointment with a recruiter marks the culmination of days or even weeks of job hunting. Prior to the meeting, it's advisable to compile a list of job interview questions you may encounter and contemplate your responses. Are you prepared to articulate why the recruiter should hire you? Can you confidently discuss your 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses if asked?

Additionally, anticipate specific questions that might arise if you have an unconventional background or gaps in your employment history.

4. Not knowing enough about the company

Not having sufficient knowledge about the company before a job interview is a significant mistake that can jeopardize your chances of success. When you lack an understanding of the company's culture, values, mission, and objectives, it signals a clear lack of interest in the position. It may give the impression that you haven't invested the necessary time to prepare for the interview.

Recruiters value candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to the company, showcasing their willingness to integrate seamlessly into the team. A deep understanding of the company also enables you to provide more relevant and specific answers. This, in turn, demonstrates to the recruiter your cultural fit and your comprehension of the challenges the company is facing.

5. Being too stressed and not smiling

The pressure of a job interview can easily induce stress, leading to non-verbal behaviors that may harm your image. Avoiding eye contact, stuttering, or displaying nervous tics are all signals that recruiters may interpret as a lack of self-confidence. Therefore, learn how to manage interview anxiety, particularly through focused breathing.

Eye contact holds particular significance as it establishes a direct connection with your interviewer. Proper posture further reinforces this impression. Adopt an upright, open posture to convey your interest and professionalism. Positive body language can not only enhance your credibility but also contribute to a more confident demeanour.

And don't forget to smile! A smiling face not only softens your expression but also fosters a positive atmosphere during the interview. A smiling candidate gives the impression of being approachable, friendly, and ready to collaborate. We're not suggesting you maintain a constant grin, but keep it measured and genuine.

6. Being too pretentious or trying too hard

Just as a lack of confidence can be detrimental, overconfidence can also negatively impact the impression you make on recruiters. While it's essential to highlight your skills in interviews, it's equally necessary to exhibit intelligent humility and a willingness to learn.

Rather than making general statements, the key is to substantiate your words with concrete examples from your past experiences. This not only enhances the credibility of your skills but also demonstrates your ability to apply them in practice. Recruiters value candidates who provide specific details about their previous achievements and contributions, as it signifies a thorough understanding of their own strengths.

7. Sharing too much about your private life and talking excessively

There's no need to delve into the details of your private life. During the interview, your prospective employer is primarily interested in your motivation for the position, what you can contribute to the company, and why you are the right fit for the job. Avoid excessive rambling, as it could divert the interview from the essentials. Keep the focus on professionally relevant information.

Remember, effective time management is crucial during any interview. A candidate who talks excessively may give the impression of lacking conciseness or not understanding the importance of focused communication. Prepare yourself by identifying the key points you want to emphasize in advance. This approach allows you to share essential information without getting sidetracked by unnecessary details.

8. Disparaging your former employer

Remember that the way you discuss your former employers can significantly impact the recruiter's perception of your attitude towards authority and collaboration. Excessively criticizing your previous employer may raise concerns about your ability to handle professional relationships constructively. How will you talk about him afterwards?

Moreover, engaging in a denigration session can create a negative atmosphere, diverting attention from the positive aspects you should be highlighting. If your disagreement with your former employer led to your departure, address it in a neutral manner to demonstrate that you have moved on. Even if you have negative memories, emphasize the qualities and skills you acquired through that job.

As the old saying goes, "If you don't have anything nice to say, it's best not to say anything at all." 😉

9. Not asking questions

Towards the end of the interview, the recruiter is likely to inquire if you have any questions about the position or the company's operations. Responding with a "no" may give the impression that you are not particularly interested in the job. Conversely, delving into topics such as salary, vacations, or benefits during the initial meeting might seem inappropriate, depending on the nature of the first contact.

When the recruiter offers you the chance to ask questions, seize it with enthusiasm. This demonstrates your genuine interest in both the position and the company. For instance, you might consider asking:

• "How would you describe the company culture?"
• "What are the primary challenges currently faced by the team or department?"
• "Could you provide insight into how the performance appraisal process works here?"

10. Neglecting to follow up after the interview

Before concluding your meeting with the recruiter, ensure you clarify the next steps in the process. Will they be reaching out to you, or should you take the initiative to follow up? Additionally, sending a simple email to express gratitude to your interviewer after the meeting and reiterating your motivation for the position is a courteous gesture that is widely appreciated.

The Fed Group is here to assist you in your job search!

Our financial recruitment agency provides you with a wealth of advice so that you can approach your job search with peace of mind. 😊

And if you're looking for a job in finance, you can send us your application - it'll give you a chance to put your interviewing skills to the test!