Never be too critical The question “What do you hate about your last job?” does not give you license to go on a rant about your past bosses, workmates or clients!
One interviewer stated that, in response to this question, “the candidate broke out about how they hated dealing with the public and people in general and then lobbed some racial slur about a group of customers they deal with.”
Clearly, avoiding being racist in an interview is a basic, but this answer highlights that being negative about past experience is never a good idea. The question is designed to see why you want this job instead of your last job and, as such, you want to pick out the positives from your potential new role and how they were missing from your last role. Or, alternatively, highlight a part of your personal skill set that you were unable to utilize in your last role that will be useful in your new job.
Appearance does matter Although many dress codes are becoming more relaxed, the general consensus from interviewers is that if you want the job, you are expected to make an effort with your appearance. Some examples of poorly chosen outfits that have been worn in the past include:
The phrase “It’s better to be overdressed than overlooked” is generally a valid one, but the line should be drawn at wearing a ball gown to interviews – yes, that has actually happened!
Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched! One interviewer recalls: “There were maybe 10 of us waiting for the elevator on the ground floor, one of which was an attractive woman. A man joined us in line, and started to chat with her. She responded politely and then chose to ignore him.He then started to yell at her, saying he was interviewing for a great job with a great salary and he could buy and sell her...I started to recognize his voice and asked him if his name was, let's say, Bob. He said, 'Ya.' I asked him, 'Is your meeting with Bruce?' He went white and said 'Ya.' I said, 'It's canceled.' And, no, I never heard from Bob again."
Always be aware that people in an office are likely to know each other! If you give off a negative impression to the receptionist at the door or anyone else in the building, it will probably get to the ears of your interviewer – even if he isn’t in the lift with you!
Have questions planned that are relevant and insightful It is fairly common practice for an interviewer to ask you if you have any questions at the end of an interview. This is your chance to stand out as genuinely interested in finding out more about the job you’ve applied for and having a real thirst for knowledge, so questions like these don’t quite cut it:
http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/interviews/interviews-gone-wrong
One interviewer stated that, in response to this question, “the candidate broke out about how they hated dealing with the public and people in general and then lobbed some racial slur about a group of customers they deal with.”
Clearly, avoiding being racist in an interview is a basic, but this answer highlights that being negative about past experience is never a good idea. The question is designed to see why you want this job instead of your last job and, as such, you want to pick out the positives from your potential new role and how they were missing from your last role. Or, alternatively, highlight a part of your personal skill set that you were unable to utilize in your last role that will be useful in your new job.
Appearance does matter Although many dress codes are becoming more relaxed, the general consensus from interviewers is that if you want the job, you are expected to make an effort with your appearance. Some examples of poorly chosen outfits that have been worn in the past include:
- Full sports tracksuit to an interview to become a major financial company’s vice-president
- Shorts, sandals, a vest and a baseball cap
- A short dress and stiletto heals to an interview for a job at an old people’s home
The phrase “It’s better to be overdressed than overlooked” is generally a valid one, but the line should be drawn at wearing a ball gown to interviews – yes, that has actually happened!
Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched! One interviewer recalls: “There were maybe 10 of us waiting for the elevator on the ground floor, one of which was an attractive woman. A man joined us in line, and started to chat with her. She responded politely and then chose to ignore him.He then started to yell at her, saying he was interviewing for a great job with a great salary and he could buy and sell her...I started to recognize his voice and asked him if his name was, let's say, Bob. He said, 'Ya.' I asked him, 'Is your meeting with Bruce?' He went white and said 'Ya.' I said, 'It's canceled.' And, no, I never heard from Bob again."
Always be aware that people in an office are likely to know each other! If you give off a negative impression to the receptionist at the door or anyone else in the building, it will probably get to the ears of your interviewer – even if he isn’t in the lift with you!
Have questions planned that are relevant and insightful It is fairly common practice for an interviewer to ask you if you have any questions at the end of an interview. This is your chance to stand out as genuinely interested in finding out more about the job you’ve applied for and having a real thirst for knowledge, so questions like these don’t quite cut it:
- Where are you going on your next holiday?
- Do you do background checks?
- Is it standard procedure to do regular drug screenings?
- If I’m hired, when can I start applying for other positions in the company?
http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/interviews/interviews-gone-wrong
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