At last!
After perhaps several months of intensive research, sending your resume to various companies, and a few phone interviews, you've finally landed an in-person interview. Even if you have already had the opportunity to talk to the recruiter, the face-to-face interview is an important and often decisive step in a recruitment process, as it allows you to go deeper into your background, your experience and the expectations of the position.
In order to maximize your chances of getting the job you want, there are some mistakes that it is imperative to avoid. Whether small or significant, these mistakes can leave the recruiter with a poor first impression and penalize you for the rest of the process.
1. The dress code
The first impression is always very important during an interview. It is therefore crucial to dress accordingly. Obviously, your choice of outfit must be based on the type of job, and especially according to the field and corporate culture. We often expect a much more classic outfit where the tie will be in order for certain positions in management or in fields such as finance or law. On the other hand, you will opt for a more casual or business casual outfit during an interview in an IT company. That's why it's important to be familiar with domain codes and to learn about corporate culture.
Regardless of your final choice, remember to choose clothes that you feel comfortable in and that fit you well. So avoid clothes that are too loose or too tight. Also choose sober colors and patterns, as overly flamboyant outfits may be more likely to be remembered for your quirky choice than for your skills. But it is entirely possible to let your tastes and personality speak through a discreet accessory or pattern that suits you.
When in doubt and to avoid stressing yourself out, it is entirely appropriate to ask the recruiter for details about the internal culture and the preferred interview style.
2. Arrival time
Unless you have a good reason, a delay is always a disadvantage. Arriving late indicates a lack of organization and immediately gives a bad impression. Arriving too early is also a common mistake. Try to be there 5 to 10 minutes in advance.
The worst mistake is obviously not showing up at all. If you have an impediment or if you no longer want to continue the process, inform the recruiter as soon as possible. In the first case, he will be understanding and this will allow you to immediately find a new moment for the meeting. In the second case, it shows your professionalism. Remember that the world of work, and in particular some fields, is sometimes smaller than you think. A bad impression at one employer could close doors at another because of poor recommendations.
3. Show arrogance
There is nothing wrong with being confident in yourself. Rather, the mistake is to be too boastful in your words and to take full credit for the successes in your former jobs. You could therefore be perceived as someone who is difficult to live with on a daily basis at work and as a poor team player. You have to know the difference between self-confidence and arrogance. If you are bragging, you need concrete examples to confirm what you say.
4. Not getting ready
Arriving unprepared for an interview is a common mistake. It is essential to carefully review the description of the position for which you are moving as well as your resume and background. While you can of course take a quick look at your resume during the interview, you will lose points if you spend the interview rereading your past experiences. It is certain that you will be asked about your reasons for leaving as well as the main tasks you had in your previous positions. Prepare answers so you don't get caught off guard and be able to answer questions that might put you in trouble.
It is also important to ask a few questions at the end of the interview. It shows that you have done some research and that you have a genuine interest in the position and the company.
5. Be too brief in your answers
Sometimes candidates only answer yes or no to the recruiter's various questions. Remember that the interview is the right time to prove that you are the best candidate for the position in question. You must therefore answer the questions in a few sentences by adding concrete examples to complete your explanations. In addition, an interview is above all a favourable moment to exchange and discuss. Actively participating in the conversation also shows your interest in creating a relationship with the recruiter, who may be your future work colleague.
6. Giving too much detail about your personal life
You should always be careful not to go too far in discussions with the recruiter. He is responsible for leading the conversation and will take you to the essential elements to discuss during the interview. There is no need to speak up to provide more details about items that are not relevant to the position. Focus on giving good, comprehensive answers to questions and avoid getting lost.
7. Forget your way of life
Even if you feel comfortable with the recruiter, there are some limits that should not be exceeded. Whether it's in terms of the language used or the posture, always be respectful. Without necessarily speaking in scientific terms, be sure to use appropriate words. In terms of posture, try not to cross your arms and to stand up straight while looking comfortable and relaxed.
8. Arouse pity
Sometimes candidates run into difficult situations, but don't use that to get pity from the recruiter. Keep your personal issues to yourself and try to demonstrate trust. The recruiter may feel that the position in question is your last hope and will see your hiring as a risk, thinking that you are only taking the job temporarily while waiting to find better.
9. Lying
It can be tempting, if not to lie, to at least embellish your skills and past experiences. However, an experienced recruiter will find it very easy to identify a candidate who is lying in his words. Always be as honest as possible because you won't win in the end. And even if you don't see it during the interview, the references stage could disprove what you said to the recruiter. If the case is true, your application will quickly be excluded from the process.
10. Complaining about your former employers/jobs
Sometimes a job doesn't end as planned. But rather than speaking out against your former employers, explain more about the reasons for the end of the job. A recruiter can fully understand that tensions arise between two individuals. In addition, it is always important to have good references. On the other hand, an employee who exudes negativism will have difficulty convincing that he is the right candidate for the position.
