Whether you are beginning your search for a new career or have been interviewing for some time without success, now is a great time to brush up on what not to do in an interview. Let’s face it, landing your dream career can be difficult and ruining a job interview…well that can happen quite quickly. Here are some great ways to decrease your chances of landing the job before you even know it!

• Provide a weak first impression. Similar to a first date, your first impression is always the most memorable. Introduce yourself as confident, well prepared, and genuinely interested in the position and the organization. If you haven’t done your research and you seem unenthusiastic by the opportunity at this point, that’s likely to send a strong message to your interviewer.
• Leave your phone on.  Having your phone ring, buzz constantly, or worse yet answering it, is a quick way to send your interviewer the message that the interview is not a priority for you. An interview gives you a short time period to sell the interviewer on why you are the best person for the job; minimize any distractions and keep the focus on you and your skills.
• Answer the questions as if you are speaking to an automated phone system. If your answers are mumbled, short, or you aren’t able to converse on the topic you can quickly send the wrong impression. An interviewer is looking for someone who is knowledgeable and confident in their abilities and strengths for the position. If you are unsure of your ability to perform the duties required, they’ll likely follow suit.
• Know it all. Want to quickly appear like you’re above the job? Don’t ask questions about the organization, the position, the team, and minimize the work they do.
• Know nothing. Keep in mind your interviewer has done their homework. They’ve reviewed your resume, application, and qualifications. Make sure they know that you’ve done yours. Don’t ask what the company does, how long they have been in business, or any other information that can be easily accessed online.
• Don’t follow up. Want to appear like the interview was a waste of your time? Don’t do the following. Close the interview by reaffirming your interest in the organization and the position, thank the interviewer for their time, and follow up with a hand written thank you card.

Take pride in your experience, accomplishments, and knowledge in your field. A job interview is one of the rare occasions when you have to sell someone on your abilities. If interviewing is not one of your areas of strength, consider partnering with an industry experience recruiter who can help walk you through the process.

Are you a stand out professional or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.