Ten interview sins everyone should avoid

Candidates with an upcoming job interview have been advised on the deadliest interview sins which must be avoided.

Anita Tweats, CEO of The Finance People, has revealed ten of the worst things you can do in an interview.

Not opening with a strong handshake, having poor personal hygiene and being dressed inappropriately are all mistakes which can be easily avoided.

Being under-prepared, flirting with the interviewer and not looking your potential employer in the eye are also no-nos.

Anita Tweats from The Finance People said: “Preparation is key for interviews. Planning what you’ll wear before the day and doing your research about the company is essential.

“When it comes to the day, you should feel prepared and know where you’re going and take time to get in the zone.

“You must always remember that an interview should be more of a conversation – you are also trying to determine if it’s the right place for you to work, after all.”

These are Anita’s ten deadly interview sins:

Unprofessional social media pages

Everyone has photos they would rather a potential employer didn’t see, so make sure you change your social media settings to private! Any social media should be clean and professional-looking, with no swearing, ranting or inappropriate pictures.

Poor personal hygiene

Bad body odour is something which can really put an interviewer off you. Make sure you’ve had a good wash, your hair looks neat and that your clothes are clean and stain free. First impressions count!

Dressed inappropriately

‘Dress for success’ – it’s a cliché but it’s true. As a general rule, make sure you’ve dressed conservatively and have polished shoes and smart hair. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview.

Bad handshake

A handshake can be a sign of confidence, so if it’s weak and limp employers may think that you lack authority. Make sure you have a good grip and make strong eye contact when you first shake their hands.

Under-confident

Everyone feels nervous before an interview, but the trick is to try not to show it. Sit up straight with uncrossed arms and a big smile. The last thing you want to do is make your interviewer think that you are too nervous for a role, especially if it’s one where confidence is a must.

Arrogance

Although it’s important not to seem under-confident, being over-confident is also a big no-no. Acting as if you’re bigger than the job you’ve applied for can instantly get people annoyed. You’re being interviewed to see how you will fit into the team, not just for the job.

Flirting with the interviewer

This is more common than you would think! You’re here to forge professional relationships – not personal ones.

Doing no research

If you’ve applied for a job at a company, you’re going to be expected to know something about it. Brand values, clients they’ve worked with and maybe a suggested improvement or two will help you stand out. Another good thing to do is research the people who will be interviewing you. Displaying good knowledge about someone’s professional background gives a great first impression.

Inability to make eye contact

Not making eye contact with the interviewer can come across as you being nervous, or perhaps even hiding something. A firm look will reflect your professionalism and passion for the job.

Not asking questions

Asking plenty of intelligent questions about the job and the industry shows that you’re interested in the role and have already thought about joining the company. They will also help you determine if the company is right for you.