Everyone wants to make the best impression on their interviewer and leave the interview feeling like they rocked it. However, there are definitely some things that candidates do in their interviews that may seem harmless, but that actually annoy the recruiter to no end and can make the difference between you getting the position and looking for work elsewhere. Here are five things you will want to avoid in your next interview to make sure you make the best first impression.
You Arrive Too Early for Your Interview
Arriving early for an interview is not a bad thing… but arriving TOO early definitely is. We all know arriving late for an interview is big a No-No, but so is arriving more than 5-10 minutes early. Doing this puts pressure on your interviewer to drop what they’re doing and see you immediately. In many cases, being 20 minutes early is more annoying for a recruiter than being 5 minutes late. You want to arrive for your interview with just enough time to check in and have 2-3 minutes to gather your thoughts before heading in.
You’re Over-Rehearsed
Being prepared to answer questions in your interview is a great idea, but rehearsing too much can provide its own problems. Having well thought out answers to interview questions shows you came prepared and are serious about the positions, but having scripted responses that you have rehearsed and plan to repeat word for word isn’t a good idea. You don’t want your interviewer feeling like they’re talking to a robot. Have a good idea of how you will answer any questions thrown your way, but then let your personality shine by answering in the moment. It gives the conversation a more natural flow. Interviews are stressful enough as it is, don’t make it worse by struggling to remember a script you tried to memorize the night before.
You Over Share
Small talk is great way to show a recruiter that you’re social and outgoing, and it can help ease those pre-interview jitters. Don’t be afraid to chat with your interviewer a little bit before and after the interview if there’s time, but be careful not to go into TMI territory. Nothing can make an interview more awkward than over-sharing about a wild vacation you took last summer or how sweaty and nervous you are right now. Stick to topics that are professional and appropriate for the situation. Its safe to say if what you’re about to say involves alcohol, partying, or anything that happened after 10pm, its best to keep it to yourself.
A “What’s In It for Me” Attitude
Arguably the fastest way to get on a recruiter’s bad side is to come into an interview only looking for information about what you will be getting from the position. While its important to make sure the job is right for you, remember that the interviewer is trying to decide if you would be right for their company. Its ok to discuss things like pay-rate, benefits, or vacation time; but don’t lead with these questions and don’t focus only on them. It makes you seem arrogant and self-centered. You don’t want to read off a list of demands when the interviewer is still deciding if you’re right for the position; because after hearing it, chances are they won’t be considering you anymore.
You Don’t Say Thank You
This is the easiest and simplest interview problem to avoid, but you wouldn’t believe how many people are guilty of it. A simple thank you goes a long way to show that you respect and value the time of your recruiter. They took a chunk of time out of their day to speak to you, the least you can do is express your gratitude with a simple thank you. The best candidates will not only say thanks in person, but will send a follow up email or thank you note. This leaves a good impression with the recruiter and makes you stand out from the crowd of all the other candidates.