Behaviors You Don’t Even Know That You Are Doing in the Job Interview

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Interviews are notoriously tough, especially for those professionals who are a little rusty on their job search skills. The basics of good interviewing have stayed the same through some of the most disruptive advances in recruiting technology we’ve ever seen. Dressing professionally, having good body language, coming prepared and ready to show your value will always serve you well in an interview.

But there are some subconscious behaviors that be negatively impacting your interview. Here are four mistakes to keep an eye out for as you look to make a great first impression.

1. Talking too much

A common mistake many interviewers make is simply talking too much. This is often a result of being nervous or trying to show your expertise by over-explaining things. Remember that good communication is in part about saying what you need to say simply and clearly. If you are talking too much in an interview, chances are that your interviewer will notice and be distracted by that fact, rather than focusing on the things you are saying.

2. Criticizing your old job

Something that also reflects poorly on you as an interviewee is being overly critical of old jobs or old employers. When you are being interviewed, your prospective employer is evaluating your skills, your knowledge, but also your general attitude. If they see that you have a strongly negative attitude of your past work environments, they will expect a similar negativity from you as an employee of theirs. Do your best keep your criticisms to your self and try to focus on the positive elements of past work experiences.

3. Writing a bad cover letter

Cover letters are not forgotten. They are still a very important part of the job application process. In order to make a good first impression, you need to put your best foot forward on your cover letter. Form letters are not good enough. They are easily ignored and show that you are not invested enough in the position to write something unique for the employer you are looking to connect with. Take the time, do the research, and make sure your cover letter is just as strong as your resume and your interviewing skills as well.

4. Failing to follow up after an interview

Follow up is another area that many applicants fail to impress employers on. A lack of follow-through shows, again, that a candidate is not fully invested in the opportunity and is not worth pursuing because of that lack of interest. Good follow-up is not hard. All it takes is a simple thank-you note or email sent to the interviewee as soon as you can after the meeting. Then checking in a week or so later to ask about status is another way to remind an employer that you are still very much interested in staying on their radar and hopefully winning the job.

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