Insights

3 job interview mistakes you might not know you’re making

Author: Beyondsoft Recruiting

When heading to a job interview—whether virtual or in-person—you want to put your best foot forward. Most people know that arriving late, being rude, and misrepresenting qualifications and job history can spell disaster. But what about the job interview mistakes you might not know you’re making?

In this article, we’ll cover some of the lesser-known interview missteps to help you polish your presentation. Plus, we’ll explore some of Beyondsoft’s latest career opportunities.

1. Displaying negative body language

Communication isn’t always about what you say. Nonverbal cues—the way you listen, look, move, and react—can make or break an interview. So, you’ll want to ensure your body language reinforces your words rather than detracting from or undermining them. 

You want to appear relaxed, confident, and open to new ideas and experiences during an interview. Therefore, avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, slouching, or failing to make eye contact. These non-verbal cues can give the impression you’re closed off, bored, unprofessional, or even untrustworthy. To uncover your personal trouble spots, ask a friend to assess your habitual posture and movements, and then practice using non-verbal communication effectively before your interview.

2. Using the wrong words

Silence can feel awkward, but a thoughtful pause or asking a question will serve you far better than plodding forward with “um” or trailing off with “whatever.” The fact is that these filler words can make you appear unpolished or dismissive. So strike them from your interview vocabulary.

Other words you should nix include buzzwords that no longer buzz and negative words such as “hate,” “don’t,” “can’t,” and “no.” Hiring managers are tired of hearing about “dedicated, hard-working, motivated perfectionists” and don’t want to hire someone who might have a negative attitude. Instead, focus on using positive words and expressions employers want to hear, and talk about the unique skills and attributes that set you apart. Record yourself rehearsing interview responses to see where you might make improvements.

3. Not listening well

We’ve talked about this before in 4 tips to help you nail your next conversational interview, but it’s worth touching on again. Sometimes, interviewees get nervous and are so busy thinking about answering the question that they forget to actively listen. Active listening means being fully present and engaged with the person speaking. It allows you to build a deeper connection and ensures you pick up on subtle cues you’d otherwise miss. In addition, it positions you to share relevant experiences and ask insightful questions.

Eliminate these three mistakes to present with greater polish and ease at your next interview. If you’re ready to put your interview skills into practice, check out the latest career openings at Beyondsoft.

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