It is very exciting when you apply for a job and get the call to come in for an interview! But there are a few things that may slip your mind amidst all the excitement and nerves. Here is a list of some obvious (or not so obvious) things to remember NOT to do when interviewing.

Arriving Late – Shoot to arrive about ten minutes early. Make sure to factor in traffic and getting lost; if you arrive earlier, no worries. Showing up early will show your possible future employer that you are good at time management and care about the job.

Not Reviewing Your Key Points – Make sure you go over your resume and achievements prior to your interview. This will ensure that you can answer them straight away without referring to your resume. Your confidence will shine through while answering questions about yourself and past jobs.

Not Looking the Part – If you have the time and ability, find out the company’s dress code prior to the interview. If you cannot find this information, always dress smart. It looks better to be over dressed than under dressed.

Smoking Before You Go In – Don’t! That will be one of the first things noticed about you. Not only will the room smell like smoke for the duration of the interview, it will smell like smoke after you leave.

Having Your Phone On – It looks very unprofessional when your phone goes off during an interview. This is a time that should be focused solely on the interviewer and their questions/your answers. Even if you put your phone on silent there may be an alarm you forgot about that might still go off. If it’s possible, turning your phone completely off is the best thing to do.

Using Slang or Curse Words – This is most likely the first time meeting these people and making a good first impression should be at the top of your list. It’s best to come off as polite and not use such words.

Lying or Over-exaggerating – Saying you speak five different languages and lead your previous department to an all-time high will not help you if it’s not true! Be truthful about your accomplishments. Focus on the skills and achievements that could be valuable in your new role.

Bringing Up Personal Matters – Don’t discuss your views on controversial topics or personal issues you may be experiencing. Keeping your discussion professional and positive will look much better to the interviewer(s).

Going Off Topic – Listen carefully to the questions being asked. Try to stay on topic and keep answers concise and relevant. If you go off on a tangent you will miss out on making your point.

Going for an interview can be a very exciting yet stressful experience and there’s a lot to remember to do and not do during one. Try to be yourself and stay as calm as possible. Remember, the interviewer may be nervous too! Good luck!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

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