Interviews are something no one enjoys. You are putting yourself on show for a highly critical audience. The person interviewing you needs to know that you can add value to their business, and if you deserved to be given any of their money. That is the very definition of a “tough crowd”.
There’s no guaranteed way to succeed in a job interview, as factors outside your control, like an employer already having a preferred candidate, can impact the outcome. However, failing is easy if you are unprepared or lack relevant skills. Highlighting additional qualifications, such as first aid training, can make you stand out, showing responsibility and practical skills that employers value.
So here is a list of those all important factors that you do control. Master these, and you are giving yourself as good a chance as possible of landing yourself a new job.
1. Lateness – First things first – arrive on time. This is the very first thing they’ll ever notice about you, and no one likes to be kept waiting. Turning up late shows a lack of organisational skills and even hints at a lack of responsibility. So plan ahead and give yourself a margin for error.
2. Appearance – When deciding what to wear, always dress up, not down. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Also make sure you iron out the creases and shine your shoes.
3. Rudeness – You are being interviewed the second you arrive, so treat the receptionist like you would the interviewer, as they may filter back any rudeness they experience. Manners go miles in this context, so be polite to everyone.
4. Focus/Attentiveness – Being tired is very detrimental, but also don’t be fidgety. Looking at the clock or your phone are bad ideas. Be alert, and keep your focus on the conversation.
5. Failing to answer basic questions – There will no doubt be pauses in your interview whilst you are thinking, but if questions like “When can you start?” and “Do you drive?” result in long “Errrr”s, you are in trouble.
6. Unclear idea about job role – Whilst you may not have a crystal clear idea of what the job entails (that can be addressed later), you should have memorised the basics. At the very least, you should know every role and responsibility mentioned in the job advert.
7. No knowledge of company – You absolutely have to have some understanding of the business at large. Again, the nitty-gritty can be addressed later, but you wouldn’t turn up at Coca-Cola without knowing they sell Sprite, and not 7-Up, would you?
8. Vague or incorrect answers – Trying to hide your past with shady answers only makes the interviewer suspicious. You should also avoid lying at all costs, especially if the truth appears on your CV (the interviewer will be aware of the information it contains).
9. Don’t have any questions of your own – Never come without questions of your own. For one, you need to reassure yourself that the job is right for you. Furthermore, a lack of questions almost shows a desperation that you will accept anything. For low paying part-time jobs, this isn’t necessarily bad, but for bigger jobs, this doesn’t show you in the best light. It’s the most subtle way of playing “hard to get”.
10. Lack of documents – Don’t forget to bring your CV (even if you have sent it in), driving license, or any document that the interviewers asked you to bring.
11. Bad mouthing current job – This is an easy trap to fall into. In your desire to land a new job, you may be tempted to show how much better you are than your current role. Interviewers won’t like this, as it shows you aren’t all that loyal. If you might do the same to them should you choose to leave in the future, why bother hiring you in the first place?
12. Lack of confidence – Nerves are fine and natural, but being overly modest is detrimental. You are selling yourself short when you need to put your best foot forward. You aren’t “alright” at anything – you are only “good” or above.
13. Over confidence – Conversely, don’t make yourself out to be the greatest thing on planet Earth. This can make yourself seem arrogant, and people don’t typically like to work with others who are full of themselves. Confident but polite is the balance to strike.
14. Social media – To close, we have a problem that didn’t exist 20 years ago. Finding someone on Facebook or Twitter is incredibly easy these days, and interviewers will be looking through your recent posts. Bad mouthing the company? Lots of leaks about your current job? Abusive messages? All nails in the coffin.
14 reasons why you failed your interview – Conclusion:
Failing a job interview can feel frustrating, but it is also a chance to learn and grow. Understanding where things might have gone wrong, like not preparing enough, struggling to communicate clearly, or missing the chance to showcase your skills, can help you do better next time. Remember, interviews are not just about proving yourself; they are also about learning. Take a moment to reflect on the experience, figure out what you can improve, and go into your next interview with more confidence and a solid plan. With preparation and persistence, every setback can bring you closer to success.