Change is in the air. You could be months away from graduating from college, so you're transitioning into adult-mode or you're already in adult-mode and are seeking more opportunities to further your career. Either way, you're on a job search and may have landed that interview. First off, props to you for landing that!
You may be nervous and are unsure of how to go about the interview, but here are 15 things you should NEVER do at a job interview, ever:
1. Dress unprofessionally
This should definitely be common sense. Fellas, always go with a suit and tie. Ladies, the less skin, the better. Never show up in jeans, even if the office is business casual.
2. Show up late or too early
By now, we should all know to arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the interview. Nothing more, nothing less. Your punctuality speaks volumes about your work ethic.
3. Have your phone out
Instead, have it on silent and tucked away. Us millennials get a bad rep for always being on our phones. Don't continue the bad reputation. Show that your interviewer has your absolute undivided attention. You mean business, literally.
4. Show up empty-handed
No, I don't mean have a present for the interviewer. I mean that you should always have copies of your resume on hand and have a portfolio to showcase your work. Make sure your portfolio is meticulous and organized.
5. Forget a mirror
Check yourself before you wreck yourself aka always have a mirror on hand and make sure you don't have your makeup smeared or food in your teeth.
6. Chew gum
No one wants to see you chew like a cow nor hear you chomping on your gum. There is a time and a place for gum, but it's not at a job interview. Opt for a mint instead and have it 20 minutes before the interview.
7. Wear perfume or cologne
An extremely potent smell is not helpful and your interviewer very well have allergies. Save everyone a headache and don't put it on. They should be focusing on you and not your body aroma.
8. Have a weak handshake
Does anyone else have arctic freezing hands? No, just me? Handshakes do matter. If you have sweaty palms, make sure to wipe them before shaking hands. If you have tundra cold hands, just excuse the clamminess. Just make sure your handshake is firm!
9. Have weak eye contact
Don't be aloof. Eye contact allows you to connect with your interviewer. Obviously, don't stare into the deepest pits of their soul. Just make eye contact in conversation and maintain it throughout the interview.
10. Be a robot
Don't just go into the interview with tunnel vision. Show that you are more than just a job description. Display that you're a human being who has interests and engage with your potential employer. Talk about the weather or weekend plans they may have. Be personable!
11. Be unprepared
Do your research about the company. What's its history? What's currently going on in the company? Be knowledgeable and expect the unexpected. Get ready to answer questions of, "What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?", "What makes you the ideal candidate for this position?", and "What would your salary be?" in the interview.
12. Forget to ask questions
Always have questions. Some could even be, "What would a normal day look like for this position?" or "How do you like working here?" to be more personable. Engage!
13. Forget to breathe!
Take your time selling yourself. After all, you're here to talk about you and how you could be considered an asset to their company.
14. Be negative
Always be an optimist and never burn a bridge with your past employers. Be a candidate who seeks growth and further developing their career.
15. Be unmemorable
Follow-up! Seriously, you gotta be memorable and you don't want to be memorable for your clothing, smell, or sounds. Pay attention to the conversation you have with your interviewer and pick key points to discuss in your follow-up thank you email. This gives the interviewer a refresher on you and shows you're personable.