By Rachel Dhaliwal
Contributor, Career Services
A friend of mine, a store manager, recently told me a story about one candidate who was so ill-prepared for her interview that my friend thought she was being pranked. Here are some interview “don’ts” to avoid, as unfortunately demonstrated by said candidate.
Don’t wear “something casual”
Capri pants, flip-flops, and a crocheted top are NEVER a good idea to wear to an interview — even for a part-time position with a small, strip mall store. Your choice of outfit is an immediate, irrefutable statement about how seriously you will take this job and how much professionalism your employer should expect from you. I can think of no worse situation in which to have your undergarments on display. Though a suit or a blazer is recommended, a pair of dark slacks and a professional, office-friendly top should be the most basic your outfit gets, for any job interview.
Don’t just “wing it”
If it comes out in the interview that your resume isn’t up to date, you have communicated to the interviewer that you don’t care enough to make the best impression and that you are the type of employee who is ok with “Ehhh, close enough.” Keep your resume updated!
If you are not prepared for questions, you might answer, “Well, I don’t really need this job, so me being here today shows that I want it,” to “Why should I hire you?” You’ve just told the interviewer that you are likely to be unreliable and should not be trusted with key responsibilities. Google “interview questions,” and practice, practice, practice! A little bit of research and a lot of practice will help you to formulate quality answers that you can confidently use when you are on the spot.
Don’t put anything in a negative light
Bad-mouthing your former employer as “too immature and inexperienced” as your reason for stepping down from your manager position after only two months will never paint you in a good light. All the interviewer hears is that you are going to be a problem employee that they will have to deal with, often. Give everything a more positive spin: “It became clear that the position was not going to be the growth opportunity that I was seeking.”
Similarly, offering that you don’t get along with young people and don’t want to work with them, especially if the interviewer is younger than you, is not a good way to try to connect with an employer. Stick to positive answers and topics, so that the interviewer is left with a favorable impression of you.
Don’t fall victim to the “don’ts.” Prepare yourself, your resume and what you want to say, so that you can present yourself as the best candidate for the job.
[Related article: Career Guidance: Benefits of the Mock Interview]
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