In this world everything is about perception and marketers can tell you this very well. I have a brother of my friend who works at KCB as a training manager although he has an MBA in Marketing and he tells me that marketing is about changing or enhancing perception which are focused on influencing the consumption behaviors of our targets. An interview is not different because the perception that you leave behind is very important and thus you should endeavor to market yourself as good as possible.
In this exercise of marketing, it is very easy to find yourself making a few mistakes here and there. The first opportunity you get to create a good impression is the three-second handshake that starts the interview. An ineffective handshake can spoil your image. A limp hand shake can give the impression of disinterest or weakness. Make the handshake short and firm to give out a positive message. We have always advised towards this. Please look at our earlier articles.
By all odds, check the following common blunders:
1. Time taken to answer question: The time you take in responding to a question is very important. Look at the article on ‘interview answers the mini-skirt style’ that we published some weeks ago. Taking too much to answer direct questions can give the impression of confusion and absent mindedness. It can also give the impression as if you are covering up something or outright lying if you lengthen your answer a lot. To avoid over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner, and avoid nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play.
2. Talking negatively about current or past employers: A good interviewer will throw one or two questions about your former employer and as a good student of Career Stom, I expect you to anticipate them. Don’t ever say anything negative about your past employer. No matter how reasonable your complaints are. If you show that you disrespect your boss, the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her too. Make sure you talk positively about former employers.
3. Showing up late or too early: Time management is the key to not only interviews but also job performance. A good employee is judged from how he/ she keeps time during the interview and after. Remember to show up on time for interviews. Showing up too early or too late both create a poor first impression. If you arrive more than 20 minutes early for an interview, it will give the impression that you are too free. Act as if your time is as valuable as the interviewer’s and always arrive on time, but never more than 20 minutes early.
4. Treating the receptionist rudely: If you do this, you have simply taken a rope and hang yourself. This in other terms is called interview suicide. It is very common for those people who are currently working and have bad experiences with receptionists to mistreat them. Remember, the first person you meet on an interview is usually a receptionist, and this will be your first opportunity to make a good impression. The receptionist may have the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you even set eyes on the interviewer.
5. Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary: If that is not presented for debate in an interview, be careful how to discuss this subject matter. Do not throw yourself into the debate by initiating this. The best way we can advise on how to know the benefits is by enquiry and personal research. Whether rain or sunshine, don’t ask about any benefits or salary during the first interview. Wait until you’ve won the employer over before beginning that discussion.
6. Not preparing for the interview: We cannot stretch this discussion enough. I think we have always said that preparation is the key to your interview success. Remember, a candidate who does not bother to do pre-interview research gives a very bad impression. Questions that are well thought out reflect your knowledge of their organization.
This is what you should avoid. Be safe.
All the best from us.
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