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25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview - Jobs/Vacancies - Nairaland

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25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 9:53pm On Mar 02, 2017
Something that almost all of us are going to have to go through at one point or another. Job interviews are a fact of life. We need money so we need to work (at least most of us do). To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 biggest mistakes you can make at a job interview.


25- Ask what job you are interviewing for

This sounds obvious, but it can happen, especially when you’re running between interviews. A better way to structure this question would be to ask what a typical work day looks like.

24- Say negative things about yourself

Only do this if you can explain how you will
change them

23- Ask about the drug test

Unless you are doing it to find out about its effect on your credit (it shouldn’t have any effect)

22- Chew gum

If you really need to do this out of nervousness, make sure to ask/tell your interviewer why you are doing it before you actually do it. That way you at least won’t look as disrespectful. It’s better just to avoid this though.

21- Bring your kids

Or your parents. Just don't.

20- Fist bump the interviewer

Use a regular, firm, right-handed handshake.

Note: I know you’re probably not crazy enough to do this but our point is to keep your greetings simple and formal.

19- Be late

But don’t be too early either. Aim for about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

18- Give the impression that you aren't sticking around

It’s okay to say that you want to go back to school eventually, it shows ambition. Just don’t make the interviewer feel like you’re leaving within the next few months.

17- Talk over the interviewer

This is another one that sounds obvious, but some people may do this out of nervousness. Fight the urge.

16- Focus on yourself

You might be asking, but how? What I mean is, don’t just ask questions pertaining to time off, salary, benefits, etc. And don’t make it sound like the only reason you want to work there is for the money. Rather, focus on how you fit into the company and how you can help the company solve the problems they are hiring you to solve.

3 Likes

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 10:03pm On Mar 02, 2017
15- Underdress

If you are unsure about what to wear, suit up. Overdressing never hurt anybody.

14- Be rude to non-interviewers

Just because they’re not doing your interview doesn’t mean that they won’t be consulted. Your interview starts at the reception desk.

13- Ask how you did

It doesn’t matter how confident you appeared during the interview. This one question will destroy all of it.

12- Talk poorly about previous employers

This is a huge red flag. If you badmouth one
company, what’s to stop you from saying negative things about another company?

11- Use words that you don't know the meaning of

This is a quick way to make yourself look both pretentious and uneducated

10- Lie

Most people are terrible liars. And besides, if it’s not obvious right away, if your lie is ever found out it could potentially terminate your
employment down the line.

9- Be somebody you're not

If you’re a joker, be a joker. If you’re a nerd, be a nerd. Don’t put on a show unless you’re
auditioning for a theatre or something like that.

8- Neglect hygiene

Brush your teeth, comb your hair, iron your
clothes, look sharp.

7- Bring your phone

Leave it in the car. Just do it.

6- Stay seated when being introduced

Stand up. Always

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Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 10:08pm On Mar 02, 2017
5- Ask about things that were stated in the job posting

It just makes it look like you didn’t actually read it. And on that note, make sure you actually read the job posting.

4- Wear too much perfume or cologne

A little is okay, too much is not okay.

3- Give a sob story

Everybody has a sob story, and sob stories are usually obvious. Don’t rely on it during an interview

2- Look desperate

This doesn’t mean to act smug or stuck up though. It just means that you shouldn’t make it look like your life is hanging on getting the job

1- Look like your time is being wasted

Even if you’re applying to McDonalds, this will not earn you points with the recruiter

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by veekid(m): 7:09am On Mar 03, 2017
Lieing is not a mistake in Nigeria jor. Tell em truth they won't employ you, just give em Smal lies with remix. You're done!

15 Likes 1 Share

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Ogashub(m): 7:11am On Mar 03, 2017
tongue
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by lonelydora: 7:11am On Mar 03, 2017
Whenever I enter an interview room, first of all, I fist bump (I give them 'chop knuckle') all the interviewers. That way, the job is yours. grin grin

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Benjom(m): 7:16am On Mar 03, 2017
The points are so straightforward and can really be helpful to those who care to read especially the job 'hunters'.


Meanwhile, to those who are finding it difficult getting job invites, use this CV Samples as guide to stepping up your game:
www..com/cv-samples

...or these Tips To Boost Your Job Interviews:
www..com/tips-boost-interview-performance

.
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Scatterscatter(m): 7:16am On Mar 03, 2017
Need you to explain no. 6 lipsrsealed


In other news, speaking from experience, (
both personal and others) what everyone need the most during an interview are:
* adequate preparation (going with the required credentials)
* don't be late
* be confident and smile when you have to
*Pray for God's favor and pray for it all over again after praying for it then pray for favor yet again.

Interview is all about God's favour, I've seen serious interviews whereby all they discussed was just football and that was it.

The truth is you can't be too prepared for an interview, just go in and be yourself.

7 Likes 1 Share

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by casttlebarbz(m): 7:16am On Mar 03, 2017
lonelydora:
Whenever I enter an interview room, first of all, I fist bump (I give them 'chop knuckle') all the interviewers. That way, the job of yours. grin grin

2 Likes

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by cee001(m): 7:18am On Mar 03, 2017
lonelydora:
Whenever I enter an interview room, first of all, I fist bump (I give them 'chop knuckle') all the interviewers. That way, the job of yours. grin grin
Lol chop knuckle joor

2 Likes

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by wizzlyd(m): 7:19am On Mar 03, 2017
grin
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Yugosng(m): 7:27am On Mar 03, 2017
grin
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 7:34am On Mar 03, 2017
Still wouldn't change the fact that jobs are scarce in Nigeria
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 7:35am On Mar 03, 2017
To cram all those together with likely questions na war.
Just don't go for interviews, establish yourself so that you'll be the one conducting the interviews. Cos as far as I know there's no 25 rules for those conducting the interviews.

3 Likes

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by onward4life(m): 7:36am On Mar 03, 2017
veekid:
Lieing is not a mistake in Nigeria jor. Tell em truth they won't employ you, just give em Smal lies with remix. You're done!

Bro I almost got a job Nov las yr.

They asked me If I can drive? And own a valid license. I told them the truth because it wud set me free.

The las time another company asked me in January I told them that I cud drive drones and airplanes!

Am sti free for immediate employment sti dis morning. March made it 11months unemployed back to back!

5 Likes

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by ednut1(m): 7:37am On Mar 03, 2017
If u no lie how u wan get job ehn. Tell us when u had to lead a team - i was the PRO in my CDS and we organised an empowerment program for students in the community. (in reality me wey dey skip CDS like mad). Tell us when u were involved in planning a project at work- i was actively involved in the preparing budget and logistics for an expatriate who was coming to work for us bla bla bla (in reality na only to process payments i do)

11 Likes 1 Share

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Yello1(m): 7:43am On Mar 03, 2017
This are really affirmative
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by ajuwarhodes(f): 7:46am On Mar 03, 2017
Which one is brining of kids for the matter
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by tintingz(m): 7:53am On Mar 03, 2017
Scatterscatter:
Need you to explain no. 6 lipsrsealed


In other news, speaking from experience, (
both personal and others) what everyone need the most during an interview are:
* adequate preparation (going with the required credentials)
* don't be late
* be confident and smile when you have to
*Pray for God's favor and pray for it all over again after praying for it then pray for favor yet again.

Interview is all about God's favour, I've seen serious interviews whereby all they discussed was just football and that was it.


The truth is you can't be too prepared for an interview, just go in and be yourself.
Nigerians and over religious.

When the job is not granted, it is Satan work or witches in the village, some even say God doesn't want the job for you. undecided

1 Like

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by LorDBolton(m): 7:59am On Mar 03, 2017
@izublingz

Nice points but abeg commot number 10.


In fact, lying is one of the most important things to do during interviews.

Just not 'obvious lies'
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Absuchat(m): 8:03am On Mar 03, 2017
After all these cautions and precautions,how much they wan pay me?

1 Like

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Melian(f): 8:13am On Mar 03, 2017
You are hilarious.

onward4life:


Bro I almost got a job Nov las yr.

They asked me If I drive? And own a valid license. I told they the truth because it wud set me free.

They las time another company asked me in January I told them that I cud drive airplanes!

Am sti free for immediate employment sti dis morning. March made it 11months unemployed back to back!
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by onward4life(m): 8:31am On Mar 03, 2017
Melian:
You are hilarious.



No am not @all

I was the only one that supported **APC* * in my compound base on freedom of speech.

Fast forward 2day am d only one not working for the past 11months. Based on the the previous administration left empty treasury!


Now that's what I call Hillarious!

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Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by bigzykizzy: 9:02am On Mar 03, 2017
end time interviews
Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Darlx(m): 9:15am On Mar 03, 2017
My guy . . . subtle lieing is permitted o. Just be ready to defend it with even more subtler lies or truths when the need arises. After getting the job, you can then make sure they are no longer lies.

I remember one of my interviews when i was asked to mention "one new skill I had learnt in the past month that aided me in solving a problem". Baba, as a matter of fact, in the previous 3 months I had not learned anything new. But what did I say? I told them in other to deliver a clients project on time, I had to learn how to use DoceBo LMS as it is a faster although more complicated way of building such projects. They asked what DoceBo was (See gobe!!!) and what my previous method for solving such problems was; the answer I gave them was more of what an LMS is than what DoceBo is, sha just made sure I projected confidence all though and that was how I made it passed that round of interviews. Lieing subtly and majestically... grin grin grin...although when I got home that day I learnt the hell outta DoceBo....heheheh....na so o

1 Like

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 10:27am On Mar 03, 2017
veekid:
Lieing is not a mistake in Nigeria jor. Tell em truth they won't employ you, just give em Smal lies with remix. You're done!
cheesy ''Lie with remix''

1 Like

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 10:30am On Mar 03, 2017
lonelydora:
Whenever I enter an interview room, first of all, I fist bump (I give them 'chop knuckle') all the interviewers. That way, the job of yours. grin grin

Some companies have psychiatric hospital close to them.

Them fit carry you go there grin

Thinking say u dan craze grin

2 Likes

Re: 25 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make At A Job Interview by Nobody: 10:35am On Mar 03, 2017
LorDBolton:
@izublingz

Nice points but abeg commot number 10.


In fact, lying is one of the most important things to do during interviews.

Just not 'obvious lies'


Uhmm.. Don't you think it will be a problem if they find out you lied?

Except it is a kind of lie you are sure they would never discover

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