WITH competition fiercer than ever for good graduate jobs, you need an edge.
This means interview preparation and learning to avoid pitfalls.
Director of LifeSkills, Kirstie Mackey shares the biggest interview errors and her tips to avoid them.
Showing off
It’s natural to want to impress in your interview but instead of reeling off achievements, why not look to do something that leaves a lasting impression, such as giving them an example of work or something related to it that might be of interest.
Asking no questions
Asking relevant, insightful questions is an easy way to demonstrate that you are interested and engaged.
Plus, the more you make the interview into a conversation, the more relaxed you feel and the better you’ll come across.
Not acting interested or engaged with the interviewer
They’re only going to hire someone they think they can get on with.
Lying about achievements
Employers would be likely to find out about this when doing background checks or, even worse, later down the line!
Not dressing appropriately
Better to go too smart than too scruffy.
Failing to explain what you will bring to the role
For every skill you claim to possess, ensure that you have a reason for why it makes you appropriate for the job and can provide evidence to back it up.
Moaning about your current employer
It’s likely that you’ll be asked why you left your last job or want to leave your current job – unless it is your first ever interview – but this is not an opportunity to moan about your employer.