There are a few ways you can screw up an interview before it even starts. Here are some common (and not so common…hopefully) mistakes that can ruin your chances.
1. Canceling/Rescheduling/Showing up late. Shit happens. Life gets in the way. It happens once in a while to everyone. But short of an emergency, there is no excuse for a last-minute interview bailout. If you do have to change things around, give as much notice as possible. If you’re a no-show or cancel at the last minute, then you need to make that choice with the understanding that you are probably not going to be in the running for the position.
2. Not bringing your resume. This one won’t necessarily put a nail in your coffin, but it won’t show that you’re prepared. Even if they don’t need it, bringing a copy of your resume shows that you took the extra time, thought ahead, and are serious about the position.
3. Not being prepared. You will be asked what you know about the company. Prepare for that. You’ll hurt yourself right out of the gate if you don’t.
4. Talking about money too soon. I know that everyone has a bottom line and a salary requirement. Making sure you know your worth is an important part of selecting a career, but don’t bring this up until you’re far along in the process. Make sure to keep the interview about how you’ll benefit the position and the company. A salary offer isn’t usually presented until the position is offered, or close to that point, so don’t jump the gun on this.
5. Not looking appropriate. Business casual, people. Just be safe.
6. Having no questions or comments to offer. There’s a part of every interview when you’ll be asked if you have any questions. Make sure you have them — at least one. It further drives home the point that you’ve done your homework.
7. Offering unsolicited advice on how the company could do better. If you see a flaw on the company’s website or in their social media presence, keep it to yourself. Unless expressly asked, your criticism, no matter how well-meaning, won’t leave a good impression.
8. Being hungover. I saved the best for last. When I did some research, this was actually common advice. This is surprising because it wouldn’t seem like this would be necessary given how incredibly stupid you would have to be to do this. But yes, don’t show up hungover. Or worse, still drunk.
Happy hunting.
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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.