5 questions to ask on an interview: Top 5 job interview mistakes

Top 5 job interview mistakes

When it comes to job interviews, first impressions really matter so make sure you plan ahead to avoid making these common interview mistakes

It’s essential to use this opportunity to showcase your best qualities and ensure that you’re memorable for all the right reasons. Nerves do play their part in the interview process, and everyone has areas that they could improve upon. However, more often than not it’s the most preventable errors that cost you the job.

1. Being unprepared

Preparation for an interview is crucial to arriving in a confident mood and feeling ready to tackle the interviewer’s questions. Read up on the company’s background, its place in the market and its competitors, and familiarise yourself with its key members. Make sure that you fully understand the role on offer. Failing to do so will make you look lazy and uninterested.

Being prepared also means figuring out how you’re going to get to your interview, planning your route and factoring in any delays you may encounter. There are no excuses for tardiness when it comes to job interviews so show your enthusiasm by arriving on time.

Sometimes delays are unavoidable and as long as the circumstances are out of your control, they shouldn’t take you out of the running. Take the details of your interview contact with you so you can let them know if you encounter any problems on your way.

For virtual interviews make sure all your technology works and is set up properly, have any log ins to hand and make sure all distractions are removed.

Find out more about how to prepare for an interview.

2. Dressing inappropriately

Being well presented is a must so choose your outfit carefully. Clothes should be clean and freshly ironed. Turning up in ripped jeans and a pair of trainers hardly gives a professional impression.

Knowing the type of company you have applied to should give you a clue as to the dress code. For example, in legal or business firms dress is usually more formal, while in creative companies or IT the dress code is more relaxed. However, if in doubt always err on the side of caution. It’s better to go too formal than not formal enough.

If you’d wear the same or a similar outfit on a night out or on the weekend you may want to rethink your choice. You need to make sure that you look the part and still feel confident.

3. Talking too much or not enough

Learning to strike a balance between talking too much and talking too little can be a challenge. Taking part in practice interviews with your university careers service can really help to ensure that you give the right amount of information.

Waffling is a common interview mistake and tends to be the result of nerves, so avoid talking about everything all at once. It’s important to sell your skills and experience without rambling. Once the interviewer asks a question, pause for a couple of seconds, take a breath and gather your thoughts before responding. If you’re talking too much or too fast, you also run the risk of talking over or interrupting the interviewer.

Not giving enough information and forgetting to mention important points can be just as detrimental as waffling. To make sure this doesn’t happen, practise answers to common interview questions beforehand and make sure you have a number of examples from your studies and previous work experience to draw upon.

Employers understand that nerves play a part in the process so, if your mind goes completely blank, politely ask for a couple of seconds to gather your thoughts or ask if it’s ok to come back to the question at the end, once you’ve had some time to think

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4. Criticising previous employers or colleagues

Complaining about colleagues, drawing attention to the negative aspects of your previous or current job or moaning about your superiors are all likely to blow your chances of success.

This gives employers the wrong impression of you and makes them question what you’d say about them in similar circumstances.

No matter the reason for you leaving your previous or current employment, always be diplomatic. You don’t want potential employers to think of you as disloyal or complaining.

Instead of highlighting the mistakes of others, emphasise the positive steps you took in order to overcome them. This shows how proactive you can be.

5. Failing to ask questions

As the interview draws to a close the recruiter will ask if you have any questions you’d like to ask them. It’s never a good idea to say no. This is your opportunity to get answers to your queries about the role and the company so don’t waste it. Asking a couple of relevant questions shows your interest in the role. You could ask about any current projects your potential team is working on, progression opportunities, or where the company sees itself in five years’ time.

Avoid asking what the company does (you should have done your research), how much paid leave you’re entitled to or whether you’ve got the job. Also avoid asking a question if the answer has already been covered during the interview. Try where possible to prepare two or three questions – that way you’ve always got a backup.

Find out about 7 good questions to ask an interview.

How to succeed at interview

It’s all well and good knowing what not to do at an interview, but not much use if you don’t know what you should be doing to win the job.

Setting aside your nerves is easier said than done, but learning to conquer job interview jitters is important if you want to give the impression of confidence. Try to relax and show your natural personality – the employer will get a much better feel of how you’ll fit into their team if you do. Take comfort from the fact that if you’re being interviewed the recruiter is already impressed with what you have to offer, and after sifting through countless applications they’ll be rooting for you to do well.

Enthusiasm and a positive attitude also go a long way and instantly make a more appealing candidate. Throughout the interview, evidence and reiterate your motivation for the role and the company. Employers like forward thinking graduates who can commit so to really put yourself above the competition, talk about the future of the company and your role within it.

Another good tip is to observe the basics. It can be easy to underestimate the power of good manners, regular eye contact, a firm handshake or a smile. Be polite to everyone you come into contact with as you never know who might be on the selection panel.

Find out more

• Get the lowdown on telephone interviews.
• Discover some video interview tips.

Written by Rachel Swain, Editorial manager

Prospects · May 2023

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How to prepare for an interview

In order to put in a good performance and secure the job you need to make sure you’re prepared. Take a look at these tips to get you interview ready

Types of interview

There are different types of job interview. In some cases, you’ll only need to succeed at one of these to land the role. In others, particularly at large graduate employers, you may face several interview formats throughout the application process.

• Face-to face – the traditional and still most common form of interview. You’ll attend the employer’s office and be questioned on your suitability for the job by an individual or panel. Face-to-face interviews usually last between 45 minutes and two hours, and may be preceded or followed by tests and exercises. Questions may be strength-based or competency-based.
• Telephone – often used by employers early in the application process to filter large numbers of applicants. If you’re successful, you’ll typically be invited to a face-to-face interview or assessment centre. Expect a telephone interview to last around half an hour.
• Video – increasingly popular among large employers, particularly for applications to graduate schemes.  Video interviews can be live or pre-recorded and tend to last around half an hour.
• Assessment centres – lasting a full day they enable employers to compare the performance of lots of candidates at the same time. You’ll attend an assessment centre with other applicants and take part in tasks such as presentations, team exercises and psychometric tests.

Interview research

Your performance in an interview depends, to a significant extent, on how well you prepare. Don’t leave this until the last minute. In the days leading up to the interview, focus your research on the:

• Employer – you need to show that you understand the business beyond the basics. What sector does it operate in? What challenges does it face? Who are its competitors? What major projects has it recently completed? What are its culture and values? This kind of knowledge demonstrates a genuine interest.
• Role – read the job description again and, if you completed an application form, go over it to refresh your memory of how your skills and qualifications match the job. It’s vital that you can explain why you want the job, that you understand the role and, even more importantly, why the employer should choose you over other candidates.
• Interview panel – try to find out who will be interviewing you. The email inviting you to the interview may include this information. Use LinkedIn and the ‘About us’ section of the company website to find out more about their professional interests and experience. This may help you to connect with your interviewers and create a positive impression during the interview.
• Questions – consider how you’ll answer common interview questions, as well as preparing some questions you’d like to ask the interviewer.

There are also some practical things to plan. When and where is the interview taking place? Have you planned your journey and checked the timetables for any public transport you need to take? Does all your equipment work for video and telephone interviews?

Getting a good nights sleep and having a healthy breakfast on the morning of your interview will stand you in good stead. If your interview is scheduled after lunchtime, make sure you eat something even if you’re feeling nervous – you won’t put in your best performance on an empty stomach.

Practice job interviews 

It’s a good idea to do at least one mock interview before the real thing. Your university careers and employability service will help you to practice your interview technique.

You can also write and practise answers to common interview questions with someone you trust – possibly even recording yourself and then reviewing your performance.

It’s also worth testing your telephone connection and making sure that your laptop, microphone and any other technical equipment you need is working, and you know how to use them.

What to take

• pen and notebook
• your CV and interview invitation
• your academic certificates and work examples if requested
• photo ID
• breath mints or gum
• a bottle of water
• money for transport and food.

In addition, for online interviews you may also need:

• laptop/computer
• headset/earphones
• microphone
• log in for the software you need to use.

What to wear to an interview

While many employers expect candidates to dress smartly, a growing number encourage casual wear at work, making it trickier than ever to choose an interview outfit.

What you’ll be expected to wear depends on factors such as the size of the company, the industry it operates in and the culture it promotes. For example, a small creative agency may have different standards to a major accountancy firm.

If you’re unsure on the dress code, ask before attending the interview. The key point to remember is that it’s better to be too smart than too casual. Only opt for a more casual outfit if you’re certain that’s acceptable – if there’s any doubt, go for smart business attire. Whatever you choose, make sure that your clothes are ironed and your shoes are clean.

For telephone and online interviews make sure you dress as though the interview is in person. Sitting in your tracksuit bottoms trying to act professional probably isn’t going to go too well.

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4 ways to make a good impression

As you’re preparing for the interview, think about ways you can show yourself in a positive light:

1. Punctuality – arriving late will increase your stress levels and give the employer a bad first impression, so do your best to arrive in good time.
2. Positivity and enthusiasm – be polite and professional with any staff you meet before or after the interview and, if you’re feeling particularly nervous, remind yourself that the worst thing that could happen is not getting the job. During the interview, respond to questions with positive statements, be enthusiastic about the job and avoid badmouthing your previous employers or university tutors.
3. Body language – give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after the session. Once you’re seated, sit naturally without slouching in your chair or leaning on the desk. Throughout the interview, remember to smile frequently and maintain eye contact.
4. Clarity – answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant skills, experiences and achievements. It’s acceptable to pause before answering a difficult question to give yourself thinking time, or asking for clarification if you’re unsure what a question means. When answering, don’t speak too quickly.

After the interview

As your job interview comes to an end, make sure you find out when you’ll be informed of the outcome – and thank the interviewer for giving you the chance to attend.

Make some notes about the questions that were asked and how you answered them while the interview is still fresh in your memory. This will help you prepare even better for future interviews.

There are three potential outcomes:

• Success – if you’re offered the job, make sure it’s right for you by discussing it with friends and family, and double-check details such as the salary before deciding whether to accept.
• Rejection – if you’re unsuccessful, don’t be too downhearted as graduate employers receive large numbers of applications for every role. Email the company to thank them for the opportunity and request feedback from your interview so that you can improve your performance next time.
• Further steps – interviews are typically the final stage in the application process, but if the employer has not been able to make a decision you may be asked back for a second interview.

Written by Rachel Swain, Editorial manager

Prospects · May 2022

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Five questions that you should definitely ask the employer at the interview

The interview is in full swing, and you have already managed to tell about your education, achievements and explain why you would like to work in this particular company. What to add to consolidate success and make the right career decision? It is very important to ask the right questions about future work. Moreover, their sequence (which question to ask first, and which one is better not to rush) also matters.

In order not to miss the vacancy of your dreams, read the recommendations of Superjob.ru.

Of course, during the interview, you have probably already discussed what your duties will be. In addition, this is usually described in the job advertisement. Therefore, in your question, you need to clarify what remained unclear in the functionality.

For example, you apply for a position as a PR manager in an existing public relations department. Specify what exactly your role will be in establishing PR communications. What is more important for a specialist accepted into the team – to be a competent and creative writer of texts or a talented organizer?

Another example is an interview for a sales assistant in a perfume shop. You have already discussed that the duties will include advising customers, working with the cash register and displaying goods. Specify how exactly it is customary to advise customers on the trading floor – to wait for their questions or to present information about the assortment of the store yourself?

Questions about functionality must be asked, even if everything seems clear and understandable to you: this will emphasize your high motivation and show the recruiter that he is a responsible and professional person.

Be sure to ask about the strategic objectives of your future work. What does the future employer expect from you, say, in an annual perspective? What are the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of your work?

For example, an applicant for a sales manager job might ask what the sales plan for next year is. Human Resources Inspector Candidate – Ask about anticipated headcount growth and therefore workload.

This will show that you can think strategically and plan your activities. In addition, a clear understanding of their tasks in the company is a real career engine. You will always be able to independently evaluate your work, applying the performance criteria agreed upon at the interview.

Be sure to ask what your first working days will be like. Is there an introductory briefing or training? Will you have a mentor to turn to for any question? What are the criteria by which the success of the probationary period will be assessed?

This question is especially important if the job will be something new to you. For example, if you used to work in a small company, and now you have come to an international corporation. Or if you were engaged in PR in the field of retail, and now in the restaurant business.

The answer to this question may give you food for thought. If the vacancy is new, then you will have to draw up a work schedule yourself and discuss in detail the responsibilities, as well as strategic goals with the head and HR manager. You will also have to think about the means to achieve these goals – after all, the vacancy is new, and this work has not been done before you.

If the position has existed in the company for a long time, pay attention to the reasons for the dismissal of the previous employee. Of course, they can be very different – a specialist found a more interesting job, failed to cope with his duties, went on parental leave, or was even fired for unethical behavior … a delicate matter, but it is still worth asking and pondering. If five people have left the position you are interested in in a year, it is worth looking for additional information about the company and the atmosphere in the team.

Don’t rush these questions – ask them at the very end of your meeting, discussing all the responsibilities, tasks and work plan. Superjob.ru has already talked about how to talk with a potential employer about money. The main thing is to adequately assess your own value in the labor market and not overestimate the importance of a lunch break in your career.

We wish you not only to ask the right questions at the interview, but also to hear the answers that suit you.

20 questions you might be asked at an interview

Some companies like to ask you what your ideal job is like. In others, why manhole covers are round and not square. Some employers consider standard interview questions useless and improvise, while others carefully consider each next step. We’ve put together 20 questions you’re likely to be asked during an interview.

Different questions serve different purposes. But most often, employers ask quite expected things related to the personality of the candidate, his professional level, career ambitions, understanding of the work mission, position fit.

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

You will be asked to do so, so be prepared to share the highlights of your work bio. Use the simple formula “present-past-future”. First, talk about who you are at the moment, what you do, what you can do. Then talk about what brought you to where you are today: a combination of skills and experience. At the end, talk about your plans and prospects.

2. “Name your strengths.”

It is important here not only to list your best qualities, but also to give an example of how they helped you achieve certain goals and success in your work.

3. “Name your weaknesses.”

Position your weaknesses as points of growth: tell us about how you plan to work on the shortcomings that you have already managed to fix.

4. “Why do you want to work with us?”

Here you can demonstrate the degree of preparation for the interview, the level of knowledge about the company, and interest in the job. If you can’t find enough information, feel free to ask your employer questions.

5. “Why did you leave your previous job?”

It is not necessary to be frank here. If your relationship with management did not go well or you just got bored, the employer will be wary.

Answer in a positive way

: You would like to see more variety in the work, or the ideal boss, in your opinion, does not bother you after hours.

6. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Do not try

be accurate in forecasts: here the employer is interested in your train of thought and direction of dreams.

7. “What are your

salary expectations

? Be prepared for the fact that after that you will be asked about the salary in the last place.

8. “What do you plan to do in the first month/quarter of your job if you get this job?”

It’s not scary that you don’t know the intricacies yet, the main thing is to demonstrate an active attitude, a willingness to join the process.

9. Tell us about your achievements in the previous place

.

10. Tell us about your biggest failure.

11. Do you have children?

12. How long have you been looking for a job? Are there other offers that interest you?

13. What exactly did you do at your previous job?

14. How do you feel about overtime?

15. What is your latest major project?

16. Why should we choose you for this job? How are you different from other candidates?

17. Why did you choose this major/university?

18. How do you spend your free time?

19. Do you have bad habits?

20. What problems do you most often have to solve in your work?

If you already know which company you want to work for, but do not find a suitable vacancy for you, send the message to the employer “I want to work for you!”. It will fall into a special folder, and the employer will know about your candidacy.