5 Things you should NOT do in an interview

You’ve probably read about all the things you must do to prepare for a job interview, but you should also know all the things you shouldn’t do. Interviews can be stressful, but they are extremely important. They allow the hiring manager to get to know you and see if you would be a good fit for the company. So, without further ado, here are some of the most important things you should never do in an interview (unless, of course, you don’t want the job).

Not Do Your Research

Showing up to an interview unprepared is one of the worst things you could do for yourself because it shows that you don’t really care about the job or the company. Take some time before the interview to research the company. Become familiar with their values, their achievements, and their past work. This will serve as an advantage in an interview, especially when asked about why you want to work for the company and your career goals.

Arrive Late

Punctuality is an extremely important quality in a candidate. Always arrive a bit early for an interview. This way you will have a few moments to prepare yourself, gather your thoughts and calm down if you are nervous. If you arrive at the last second, or late, you will likely be too flustered to answer the interview questions properly. It also doesn’t put you in a good light with the hiring manager.

Speak Negatively About Any Employers

Avoid saying anything negative about your past or current employers, even if you had bad experiences. The things you say, and the way you say them, will greatly affect a hiring manager’s impression of you. Bad mouthing your former or current bosses will likely leave a sour taste in their mouth.

Lie on your CV

Lying about anything, even something trivial, can damage your reputation in the long run. Getting caught in a lie in an interview will be extremely awkward and difficult to fix, so it’s best to avoid lying altogether. Plus, almost everything can be verified online and through references. Honesty is the best policy, always!

Not Ask Questions

If you don’t ask questions in an interview, the hiring manager will assume you are just not that interested in the job. If you think you will be too nervous to think of anything on the spot, prepare some questions in advance. The hiring manager will be happy to answer, and it will demonstrate that you are committed and taking initiative to ensure or reaffirm that this is the right company for you.