Whether you graduated from college a year ago or just received your degree, are an undergraduate, a new MBA, or a graduate student, you are facing a challenging job market. As a career counselor, I help many grads prepare for that all-important job interview. That has given me a first-hand view of the top mistakes you may be making. These are avoidable errors that, if made, can result in someone else being hired.
To excel in your next interview, avoid these common pitfalls.
Stumbling on Answers to Situational Interview Questions
By far, situational interview questions are the most difficult for everyone. They require a specific story about work or an academic situation. The critical mistake is that you lose the interviewer early on because you do not paint a clear picture when you begin to answer, which is necessary to set up the story.
Details are essential. Where did this happen? Who is involved? Use first names to make it easier to follow the story. Include the specifics when you describe the situation in which they occur. Be sure to state the outcome and ensure the story portrays you in the best possible light.
For example, suppose you were asked to describe a situation about dealing with a difficult person on a job or in a class project. In that case, you can highlight how you effectively resolved a customer complaint or describe what you did to resolve a conflict with a group member.
For more guidance on developing good answers to situational questions, read my article, 5 Proven Strategies to Ace Tough Situational Interview Questions.
Not Projecting Confidence
Gen Z candidates struggle the most with maintaining eye contact during interviews, according to a recent survey of 800 hiring managers, conducted by the research group Intelligent. The candidate appears to be unaware that they are looking around at the ceiling, down, or to the sides, anywhere but directly at the interviewer. That is where you must direct your attention, whether interviewing in person or online. When you don’t, you come across as insecure and inexperienced, making your response seem questionable. That is a key concern for employers as it indicates how you will appear and interact in a group or with a client.
The solution? Practice and practice some more. Engage with everyone you meet, and always maintain eye contact, which becomes a natural response.
Giving Weak or Generic Answers
Employers frequently complain that new graduates are often unprepared for interviews. Hiring managers state that the candidate has given little thought to how they replied and seems to be winging it. Unimpressed, they will move on to the next candidate.
Use Google to find a list of typical interview questions. Analyze your credentials, academic work, internships, activities, and leadership roles to craft a great response. Write out your answers to the hard questions, such as, What is your greatest weakness? Tell us about yourself. What is your greatest accomplishment? Why should we hire you? Keep your answer to no more than 60 seconds.
Get your career off to the right start
Having Inadequate Preparation
One Head of Recruiting shared a story with me about the ridiculous mistakes candidates make. She had a great applicant who looked terrific on paper, but when she asked him, “Why do you want to work for our company?” he responded by naming a different company. Now, that is an error you never recover from.
Conduct a deep dive to learn as much as possible about the company and the job duties. Look for connections to get some insider information. Check out the recruiter, hiring manager, and anyone you will be interviewing. Review their LinkedIn profile so you’re familiar with their background. Note any similarities, such as that you attended the same college. Send a LinkedIn connection request, including a personalized message that notes you have an upcoming interview with them.
Aren’t Asking Good Questions
The interview is not the time to ask about job perks or unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO). All questions should be related to the work duties you’ll be doing. Otherwise, you will come across as uninterested or only concerned with the job’s salary and perks. This gives the impression of how you behave in the workplace, in meetings, or as part of a collaborative team. It’s time to impress the employer by asking the right kinds of interview questions and learn more about whether you would want to work for that boss and organization.
For more insight on how to ask good questions during an interview, read my article, Hiring Managers Reveal What Really Impresses Them In Job Interviews
Ignoring Your Appearance
Employers frequently complain that people have forgotten what professional attire looks like. It cannot be emphasized enough that business casual is not synonymous with wearing sloppy clothes, such as a t-shirt, a baseball cap, or having your hair in a ponytail. But don’t overdress either; most jobs don’t need you to show up in a suit and tie.
Pay close attention to your appearance, especially when employers are resuming in-person interviews. For men, opt for collared shirts, dress pants, and dress shoes, and consider getting a haircut to achieve your best look. For women, wear a professional dress (no party attire or see-through materials), or dress pants paired with an attractive blouse, dress shoes, and a blazer if it complements the outfit.
Regarding cell phones, employers frequently complain about an applicant checking their phone during an interview. Avoid making that mistake. Do not have the phone out during the interview and turn it off so nothing distracts you. If you won’t do that, turn off the ringer and set it up so it doesn’t vibrate. Keep your hands free so you can shake the interviewer’s hand without having to juggle your phone.
Overcome Avoidable Mistakes for Interview Success
By overcoming the mistakes many other candidates will make, you set yourself up to be successful and land the job you want.
This article originally appeared in Forbes.
