What Not to Do at Interviews

It is that time of year for summer job interviews. Interviews can be tough and challenging, especially if you dislike talking about yourself to strangers. So, here are a few things you should avoid.

Never under dress. It is better to be the person that is overdressed and not underdressed. When you show up to an interview wearing jeans and a plaid shirt (unless if it's a retail store), the interviewer will not take you seriously. Your looks are a first impression, so look nice and smile. Most interviews are based off of the first impression anyways, so make it great!

Don't be lose and cool. Also, don't be uptight and stuff. Be confident. If it's a job where you need to talk to people, then you need to show that you are confident and can be reliable when talking to other people. Smiling is a good way to show that. When you are sitting, try not to fidget and don't sit with your legs crossed (that shows that you are a closed person and that's not the impression you want to give). Don't cross your arms either; place your hands on your lap. Don't lean in the chair, sit up to show that you are ready to work.

Do not interrupt the interviewer. This is very important that you don't interrupt them, this shows disrespect to the person and the company on many levels.

Usually in interviews you are asked, "What are your weaknesses?"

Do not answer with the following: "I work too much." An interviewer can see right through you. It is obviously a lie and it's a bad one too. Unless if you really do, then you can say, "I have a hard time balancing my work life with my personal life."

A good weakness is, "I tend to get carried away when talking to a customer" or "I'm too critical of myself" or "I'm a push-over, I tend to do things for people when I'm asked to do something without question and I do it."

Another question that I have difficulty with is, "Why do you want to work here?" I am often tempted to say "I just need money." That answer, however, is one of the worst to give. For example, if you applied for a job at the zoo a good answer would be, "I love animals and I always loved coming to the zoo as a kid and the staff were always very nice." Don't just say, "I wanted to work somewhere new and different" (I did that and did not get the job).

Don't show up to the interview without being prepared. Know the company you are applying for and learn what their philosophy or their goals are and use that to your advantage.

Don't show up with bad breath. Have a pack of gum in your pocket or in your purse; chew it and spit it out right before your interview.

Don't show up late. Never show up late to an interview; give yourself extra time and make sure you know where the interview is taking place. Give yourself time to get lost and still be there on time. I usually leave with an extra thirty minutes to spare.

Be aware of surprise questions that are unexpected such as, "What is your favorite software to use and why?" Yes, people have been asked that. It is shocking, but be prepared. Expect the unexpected.

Don't pretend like you are someone else. Be yourself! They are interviewing you for a reason; give them that reason. Be a personality so you will be remembered and not forgotten. Good luck out there!