10 Common Personal Interview (PI) Mistakes

Here are some important tips and secrets to help you overcome the common mistakes made by the candidates during personal interview

There are many things that can ruin your chances of getting a job. Interviewers not only rate the candidates on their answers but also on the verbal and non-verbal responses and actions during the interview. Remember that your resume is not everything. The way you present yourself speaks more about you and your suitability for the post.

• Improper Handshake :

  The three-second handshake that starts the interview is your first opportunity to create a great impression. But too often an interview is blown right from the start by an ineffective handshake. Once you've delivered a poor handshake, it's nearly impossible to recover your efforts to build rapport. So, be firm while you shake hands. But also have a moderate grip. Handshake does not mean joining hands while they are shaking! And it also does not imply hurting other person’s hand!

• Eye Contact :

  If you avoid eye contact, you'll seem shifty, untruthful, or disinterested; and you'll wear the interviewer out. If you have trouble with eye-contact balance, work on this issue ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.

• Failing to translate your skills and experience :

  Failing to talk yourself up during an interview is one of the most self-defeating mistakes that you can make. This is not the time for humility, so sing your praises! Don’t be afraid to talk up everything that you’ve accomplished, whether in school or in previous companies. This is your time to shine.

• Failing to ask Questions :

  This is the critical point in the interview because it indicates your level of interest in the position you have applied for. It will allow the interviewer to assess your suitability for the job. Do not ask only about salary and benefits. Engage the interviewer in a dialogue, draw questions on past statements they made and use the time to find out more about the organisation. Your resume may be impressive on paper, but employers also appreciate a candidate who can ask several intelligent questions during an interview.

• Failing to prepare :

  Not doing your homework and preparing inadequately for the interview beforehand shows you up as a disinterested and unprofessional candidate. The best way to impress your interviewer is to demonstrate your interest and commitment by referring to your company background research in both your interview answers and questions.

• Dressing Inappropriately :

  First impression is the last impression! How you present yourself during your initial meeting with a potential employer is very important and your appearance can speak volumes to someone who is meeting you for the first time.

• Not showing why you’re the best choice :

  Be familiar with the job description of the position for which you’re being interviewed so that you can illustrate how your experience, abilities and strengths are in line with the company’s needs. Many potential employers want to know why they should hire you. Make it clear to them.

• Arriving late for the interview :

  One of the worst interview mistakes is not reaching on time. Coming late will create an absolute negative impression even before you have uttered a word about your capabilities.

• Interrupting the Interviewer:

  An interview is a dual process. Interviewers and applicant both talk and listen. Applicant hears about the job and the company’s expectations and interviewers listen to the applicant’s capabilities and expectations from the company. There is a give and take. Therefore do not interrupt the interviewer in the middle of his speech even if it is for clarification. You will have time at the end to ask questions.

• Talking Too Much :

  Rambling on and telling the interviewer more than he wants to know will make him lose his interest. Make sure your answers are relevant and focused. The best way to do this is to prepare and practice your interview answers beforehand.