Learn What Not to Do In an Interview

Most job seekers know the basic steps to get ready for a job interview, such as researching the company, practicing answers to some common questions, and making a list of things you want to ask the hiring managers. However, you should also be aware of what not to do in a job interview. One misstep can quickly eliminate you from consideration, making it difficult to get another opportunity. To ensure every step you take in the hiring process leads you toward success, check out a few things you should not do in an interview.

When it comes to interviewing for a job, the way you present yourself, the questions you ask, and the attitude you put forth speak louder than your resume. You want to present the most professional image possible to convince the hiring manager you are the best choice for the job. Handling this part of the job search not only requires careful preparation of what to do and say, but also a recognition of what not to do during an interview and what not to say. Here are some tips to consider on how not to do an interview.

1. Don’t look at your phone during the interview

Answering calls, texting, or even looking to see who is calling during an interview is unprofessional and shows your interviewer that you are not paying attention. You don’t want the hiring manager to assume that you would not be a dedicated employee or wonder if would be distracted from your work by your phone if the company hired you.

When you arrive at the interview, turn your phone off completely. Notify anyone who might contact you in an emergency of where you will be and for how long so they know that you won’t answer. If your phone does ring out loud during the interview, apologize and ignore it. If again, ask to excuse yourself, then silence it. Be quick, return to the interview, apologize only once, and let it be over.

2. Dress for the job you want

Don’t dress inappropriately or unprofessionally. You may need to do some research to determine what is appropriate and what presents the image you want to put forth. Following the dress code seems like common sense, but it may be easier said than done. Dress codes vary widely by industry and employer. Some businesses keep the environment completely casual, while others still follow a suit and tie policy. Before you interview, research the company’s culture, look up Glassdoor reviews, or consult current employees to make an educated decision regarding an appropriate interview outfit.

3. Don’t forget to practice basic interview questions

While it may seem easy to talk about yourself, remember that the interviewer has probably read your resume and application before the interview. The questions will likely go beyond that basic information to learn more about how you might fit in with this company. Answering more in-depth inquiries is harder to do on the spot than you may imagine, especially if you are nervous.

Instead of trying to give impromptu answers, research ahead of time, try to anticipate the inquiries and practice your answers. You want to appear, competent, polished, and well-spoken, but not rehearsed or robotic.

3. Don’t arrive too late or too early

Running late tells the hiring manager that this interview was not a priority for you. You don’t want the hiring manager question your ability to manage time effectively. It’s also disrespectful of the interviewer’s time. Arriving too early may leave you sitting awkwardly in the interviewers’ way while they try to get other tasks done.

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the interview no earlier than 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Take into consideration traffic, construction, and anything that might delay you. If you haven’t been to the interview site before, scout it out in advance. If you do find yourself on-site more than 30 minutes early, use the time wisely to practice your responses to potential interview questions in the car.

5. Don’t let your attention wander

If you are distracted or your mind is somewhere else, the hiring manager will likely question whether you have the focus the company is seeking. Staying on task can be especially challenging if the interview is in a public place, over lunch for example. It’s also tempting to focus on what you will say next instead of listening closely to the interviewer. Put in the effort it takes to stay laser-focused on your conversation with your potential employer. Listen especially carefully to the questions the interviewer asks so that you can answer with the relevant facts.

6. Don’t speak negatively about prior jobs or supervisors

Speaking negatively about people you once worked with is unprofessional, but it also makes the interviewer wonder if you will also speak negatively about them someday in the future. You also have to remember that the hiring manager may know some of the people of whom you are speaking ill.

Instead, talk about what you learned in previous roles and how you will use that to benefit your new employer. This strategy works, even if you have to discuss something detrimental, such as termination from a job on your resume. It’s an effective way to show professional growth and maturity.

7. Don’t go in without any knowledge of the company

Going into the interview with no knowledge of the business casts doubt on whether your interest in the job is genuine. A potential employer doesn’t expect you to know every detail of the operation, but it’s reasonable to expect you to know some basic facts. Research what the mission of the business is, the geography of the operation, and a few other relevant facts, such as awards or community recognition. All of this information is usually readily available on the company’s website and social media sites. Taking the time to learn about the business may give you a competitive edge.

10. Don’t bring food or drink with you

When you bring food or a drink with you to an interview, it may be a distraction. The temptation to pick at the label on your water bottle or fidget with your coffee mug is strong when it’s right in front of you. Instead, leave the drinks and snacks at home. You don’t want any sort of distraction from the interview questions, and it’s not worth the risk of a spill on the desk or a stain on your clothes. Even if the interviewer offers a beverage, it’s best to politely decline.

11. Don’t lie on your resume

Even when you submit a resume, you may still have to complete a job application. Make sure that your resume and application have the same information and that it is accurate. The interviewer will likely reference both so be consistent with dates of employment and contact information. Review all of this before the interview so you don’t have to constantly refer back to your notes. Keeping the facts straight is easier when you are truthful and being dishonest to a future employer can result in penalty or termination.

12. Don’t talk too much

While it may seem easy to talk about yourself, remember that the goal of every inquiry is to get to a specific piece of information. If you didn’t hear or understand a particular question, it’s okay to politely ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify it. If you genuinely don’t know the answer to a question, it’s better to say that than to say something incorrectly.

It’s also important not to let your answers wander to non-work-related things like your personal life, no matter how comfortable you feel with the interviewer. You may find that you have things in common with the hiring manager and bet tempted to engage in small talk. However, you want to answer the specific question that the interviewer asks, and then stop talking. It’s easy to keep going, but it’s likely you will start to wander from the original inquiry after awhile. You don’t want to use all your time on the first question or two.

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