1. Being late

• Being late is the first and worst mistake. It sets a bad impression before the interview even starts. If you can’t even make the interview on time, how can the employer rely on you to show up to work on time each day?

• Ensure you get to the interview on time. It is better to be 10 minutes early than 1 minute late.

2. Bad presentation

• Create a professional impression; presentation is vital.

• Match your wardrobe to suit the profession.

• Be well groomed. Shower, shave, have neat hair and ironed clothes.

3. Not being prepared

• Interviewers can usually tell when you are not prepared for the interview.

• Make sure you bring a copy of all relevant documentation with you to the interview. Bring a copy of your resume with you, written references, and, if applicable, your portfolio.

• Do not be caught off guard by common job interview questions. Have prepared answers to common interview questions such as:

i. “Why do you want this job?” or “What made you apply for this position?”
ii. “What relevant skills and experiences do you have that you can bring to this position?”
iii. “How would you describe yourself?” or “Tell us about yourself.” or “How would you sum up your personality?”
iv. “What would you say are your major strengths and weaknesses?”
v. “What is it you enjoy about working in a team?”
vi. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
vii. “Why do you think we should employ you ahead of other candidates?”

• The Internet is a great tool for researching. Google “Common Job Interview Questions” for a variety of lists of these questions, and print out one you like.

• Study the list of questions and prepare answers for all of them.

• Rehearse your answers; if you can, give the list to a friend and have them ask you the questions.

4. Not doing your research

• Research the organization before you go to the interview. Going to the job interview without basic knowledge about the organization makes you look disinterested and lazy.

• Don’t limit yourself to the information you get on the job advertisement. Check out the organization’s web site or, if they don’t have one or you can’t access it, phone the organization’s office and ask for information about their business. If you can, visit a store, office, or other job site of the organization.

• Be prepared for questions such as:

i. “What do you know about the company?”
ii. “What do you know about the company’s goals and aims?”

5. Poor communication

• Poor communication skills will ruin the interview.

• Learn to listen carefully, use appropriate language, and speak clearly.

• Signs of poor communication are:

i. Not listening to the interviewer.
ii. Using inappropriate language.
iii. Not speaking clearly.
iv. Giving the interviewer irrelevant information.

• Proper communication involves:

i. Looking at the interviewer.
ii. Thinking carefully before replying.
iii. Answering appropriately.

6. Bad body language

• Body language and non-verbal communication are very important; they advertise your attitude towards the job.

i. Be aware of your posture, your mannerisms, your handshake.
ii. Sit up straight and don’t cross your arms. Don’t fidget.
iii. Maintain eye contact; otherwise you will look nervous and shifty. But don’t glare or stare at the interviewer either.
iv. Handshakes are very important. They should be firm, not flaccid, but not crushing or a competition.

7. Negativity

• Don’t be negative at a job interview. It is very unprofessional.

• Promote your previous skills, strength, and experience in a positive light. Remember it is your job to sell yourself to the employer. You need to be your own strongest advocate.

• Answer questions about yourself positively, and don’t sell yourself short.

• For example, “I get along well with others” becomes “I’ve got great inter-personal skills and I’m able to effectively communicate with all types of personalities”.

• Provide specific examples to illustrate each of the positive attributes you mention. These examples can come from previous employment, volunteer work, or social or recreational pursuits.

8. Being overly anxious

• Most people get nervous during a job interview, and employers expect and are sympathetic to a certain amount of that, so it’s nothing to worry about.

• Control your anxiety. The best way to combat anxiety is to be properly prepared. If you are the type of person who gets overly anxious, then you need to do as much preparation as you can. Rehearse your answers, research the organization. Then, just before the interview take a walk, do some breathing exercises, whatever helps.

• Remember, the simple fact that you’ve been asked for an interview means that something on your resume has sparked the interest of the employer. They want you to be there.

9. Not being yourself

• Be yourself at job interviews. Don’t fabricate skills, experiences, or interests to try impress the interviewer – they will usually be able to tell if you do that.

• Never lie. Dishonesty is the worst mistake you can make and will inevitably be instantly fatal to your chance of getting hired.

10. Not having questions to ask the interviewer

• Make sure you ask at least one question at the end of the interview. Asking a question means that you’ve come prepared, and that you’ve got more than a superficial interest in the position. Not asking a question shows laziness and a general lack of interest in the position.

• Make certain that any questions you ask are relevant to the position. Do not ask about things like breaks, leave entitlements, or benefits at the initial interview. Instead ask about things like:

i. “Is there any on-the-job training?”
ii. “What sort of promotion opportunities are there?”
iii. “What is the work environment that I will be in?”