10 Things You Shouldn't Do at a Job Interview

Sometimes we get nervous during a job interview and we say or do things that don't really give interviewers the best first impression. Here are 10 things you shouldn't do at a job interview.

Membership to Hound gives you instant access to over 70,000 employer jobs. Enter your email address below to become a Houndie.
Email Address (Used as your profile ID)

Don't Dress to Seduce

Don't dress to seduce the interviewer, and on the other hand, don't dress for the gym with the hopes of appearing relaxed and flexible. Most proficient businesses are looking for employees who will represent their product or service with quality and professionalism. They are not looking to be entertained. So, line your appearance up with what they expect, not with how you want to impress them.

Don't Lead the Way, Don't Choose the Chair

Don't lead the way into the interview room and don't choose which chair to sit in. This is one of the first hidden tests that will help the interviewer to determine your true character. If you take the lead, it is an act of disrespect to the interviewer and to the company because it shows them that you believe you are more important than they are. You need to be submissive, establishing that you are coachable and willing to accept their leadership.

Don't Laugh or Joke Too Much

During the interview, this shows an undisciplined character and a lack of sincerity towards the business. You want to be pleasant, smile and even laugh at their jokes IF they laugh, but you do not want to be the class clown. You want to show that your personality is compatible to the general personnel of the office, and not give the impression that you like to socialize.

Don't Chew Your Nails or Play With Your Hair

You may be nervous, but this is a definite put off and must be avoided at all times. Bring along a pen or pencil and hold it in your hands. It shows the interviewer that you are prepared to write down anything they might ask for, but it is actually also a stress reliever for you to help you get over your nervousness.

Don't Chew Gum or Candy

No one wants to hear you chew gum or candy or see it inside your mouth when you are talking. You want to give a good impression of your ability to talk to people showing respect at all times.

Don't Bring Coffee into the Interview Room

For one, it is just bad manners, because you should have brought one in for everyone, not just yourself. If you do that, however, it might give the impression that you are trying to gain some favoritism from them, which will also not go over well. Secondly, it could give the impression that you think you are better than the interviewer and don't want to drink anything that might be offered to you. It will give an unwanted self-righteous image of yourself.

Don't Discuss Personal Issues

Let the interviewer lead you into any conversations and then keep your answers professional and to the point. Don't mention issues of personal concern that are bothering you such as a recent divorce or problems with your children. This could leave a negative impression on the interviewer, as they may brand you as someone who is overburdened with personal issues and not able to be responsible or committed to the job.

Don't Ask Questions That Have Established Answers

If the job description states that you must work weekends, don't make yourself look unintelligent by asking if you HAVE to work weekends. This shows the interviewer that you are not compliant with their requirements and that your nature is to undermine their authority.

Don't Let This Opportunity Pass You By

Don't pass the opportunity to ask questions when the interviewer asks if you have any questions. You need to show that you have an interest in joining their team and that you support their product or service. In order to ask quality questions, do some research in advance on the business before the interview and learn about its history, mission and future goals. If you don't have any questions to ask, it could suggest that you don't care.

Don't Answer Interview Questions Impulsively

You need to give thought to what is being asked and then reply with the appropriate answer. By answering too quickly, you could miss the point of the question and answer incorrectly. And never give a quick response of ''I don't know''. Think about each question that is asked. If you don't understand it, ask for it to be rephrased. If after concentrating on the question, you still don't know the answer, don't guess and try to come up with a fake answer. Just admit that you don't know the answer, but would be happy to look into it after the interview and get back to them about it.

You may have the skills and qualifications to succeed in the job, but if you don't present yourself correctly, you could lose the opportunity to prove it.

See the following articles for more information:


	Things to know when in the Interview Executive Search Consultants Waiting Room of the Interview: Etiquette Things You Don't Do At a Job Interview Making a Great First Impression Questions That a Job Seeker Should Ask During a Job Interview

Create Job Alert |

Email to Friend |

Back to archives