Treating the interview as an interrogation. Most aspirants fail because they come to the interview expecting to be interrogated. An interrogation happens when only one party asks the questions and the other party gives all the answers. The interview is a business conversation. The interviewer and the interviewee are building rapport with each other by asking and responding to questions. The candidate should make a thorough research about the company for him to make strategic answers and ask intelligent questions.
Making positive comments about one’s weakness. Most interviewers ask the question, “What are your weaknesses?” The interviewee should not try to impress the interviewer by creating positive comments. The question is designed to assess how the candidate would handle such a question and what the answer tells about him.
Failure to ask questions. The interview always ends up with the interviewer asking the candidate if he has any question. Never asking question almost guarantees a failure because it shows disinterest and unpreparedness. In most cases, the interviewer is more impressed with the question than with the interviewee’s sales talk.
Failure to formulate “talent inventory.” The interviewee should take a personal inventory of his experiences, knowledge and skills. This will enable him to be prepared to discuss his background. The “talent inventory” will bring to remembrance the experiences that would otherwise have been forgotten.
Cell phone left open. Having a phone ringing in the middle of an interview is always inappropriate. The candidate should make sure that all communication gadgets are switched off before the start of the interview.
Not making a follow-up after the interview. The interviewee should contact the HR department of the company and make a follow up of the results of the interview.
Coming in late for the interview. It is very important to arrive for the interview on time. Being late shows disorganization and leaves a negative impression.