5 Job Interview Mistakes
When an interviewer asks you if you have any questions, the answer should ALWAYS be “YES”. If you don’t ask any questions they will think you aren’t interested in the job or didn’t prepare for the interview. Some great sample questions to ask are “Can you tell me what the work culture is within my team?”, “What would a typical day be like for me in this position?”, “What are the short-term goals of the department right now?” and “What types of challenges are you facing?”
- Not Knowing Enough about the Company
One question you’ll almost always get at every interview is “Why do you want to work at THIS company”. Your answer should show that you know about this company. Talk about how you would be proud to work for a company that has 75 years history and is the top retailer for the industry for example
Of course, you need to speak about yourself and answer the questions but an interview is also for LISTENING. Be sure to pay attention to what the interviewer is saying. An interview is not just a chance for a company to check you out. It’s also your chance to check out the company.
2. Not Asking Questions
When an interviewer asks you if you have any questions, the answer should ALWAYS be “YES”. If you don’t ask any questions they will think you aren’t interested in the job or didn’t prepare for the interview. Some great sample questions to ask are “Can you tell me what the work culture is within my team?”, “What would a typical day be like for me in this position?”, “What are the short-term goals of the department right now?” and “What types of challenges are you facing?”
“My teacher did it the best way! He asked difficult questions and gave feedback.”Alex, IT engineering candidate at a software company talking about working with Language Shine
3. Speaking Too Much
Of course, you need to speak about yourself and answer the questions but an interview is also for LISTENING. Be sure to pay attention to what the interviewer is saying. An interview is not just a chance for a company to check you out. It’s also your chance to check out the company.
4. Not Speaking Enough
When the interviewer asks a question, you should NOT be answering with a one word answer or in very short sentences. Usually, you’ll want to answer the question and then discuss some supporting evidence for why you gave your answer. Prepare a few stories to discuss in advance of the interview.
5. Not Knowing the Language of the Industry
When you are interviewing for a position, you should have some knowledge of the business words and phrases used for that industry. It would be a mistake to go to a sales job interview if you don’t know the business meaning of words like: “leads”, “cold calling”, and “closing. Don’t go to an technical interview without understanding “requirements”, “production”and “QA” as well.