10 Quickest Ways to Flunk an Interview

We all know that getting a job interview is just half the battle, so it would make sense that job seekers would do everything possible to make sure the interview is a success.  However, more often than you would believe, interviewees get cut from the running before the interview even begins. How does it happen?  Here are ten reasons…

1. Showing up Late:  Don’t just aim for “on time”, aim for 10-15 minutes early.  Arriving late (except in cases of serious emergencies) is almost always a deal breaker.
2. Wearing overly casual and/or sloppy interview attire:  Whether you believe it to be fair or not, employers will form immediate judgements about you based on your interview attire.  Dressing too far outside the office norm (whether that be too casual or too formal) will reflect poorly on your professionalism.  Do your research prior to the interview to determine the attire that is most appropriate for the position for which you are interviewing.  For professional positions, a tailored pant/dress suit is a must.  Also, pay attention to your grooming: unruly hair, dirty fingernails and bad breath will do nothing to help you make a positive first impression.
3. Treating the reception and support staff rudely: From the moment you enter the establishment, assume every person you encounter will be present in the interview.  You’d be surprised at how many people have failed interviews because they exhibited rude behavior to someone they didn’t believe to have a connection to the interview.  Hint:  Employers will often consult with their front desk staff to find out how the interviewees interacted with them while waiting for their interview to begin.
4. Chewing gum:  If you feel you must chew gum prior to your interview to freshen your breath or to calm your nerves, please remember to toss it before you enter the establishment.  Chewing gum during an interview is not only distracting but, quite frankly, it reflects an impression of immaturity.
5. Smelling of smoke, body odor or strong perfume/cologne:   If employers detect a noticeable odor or an overly strong scent of perfume/cologne coming from you during the interview, it could easily cut you from the running for the job.   After all, employers are smart enough to realize that any odors/scents you bring with you to an interview will probably follow you each day to the their office as well. 
6. Bringing your phone, drinks, food or other people to the interview:  A job interview isn’t a casual meeting.  Don’t bring your phone, backpack,  water bottle, etc., and above all…don’t bring anyone else along with you to an interview.  In most cases, the only items you will need are a professional bag/briefcase (to hold extra copies of your resume, business cards, a notepad, etc.) and a portfolio containing samples of previous work.
7. Poor handshake:  No “limp fish” handshakes.  No “bone-crusher” handshakes either.  Make sure your hands are dry.  A handshake says more about you than you may realize, so if you need to practice it, do it!
8. Poor eye contact:  Along with a firm handshake, making eye contact with each person to whom you are introduced is a must.  Also, during the interview, don’t let your eyes fix downward toward the table or wander aimlessly around the room, especially when the interviewer is speaking to you.
9. Unprofessional speech:  Dude, if you like literally speak to the employers the way you like chat with your bestie –  LOL – you are soooooo totally not gonna land the job, for realzies.  In all seriousness, regardless of the accepted vernacular used in your daily social circles, when speaking to employers during a job interview, use mature, professional language and proper grammar.  Also, try to avoid conversation “space fillers” such as like and ummm.
10. Failing to send a “thank you” email immediately following the interview:  OK, technically this isn’t something that will cause you to flunk the interview BEFORE it begins, but it’s important enough that it really deserves to be mentioned here.  Do not underestimate the importance of sending  a “thank you” email IMMEDIATELY following the interview to EVERY person who was part of the interview process.  Be sure to collect business cards so you have everyone’s contact information in hand when you leave.

Do you need help preparing for upcoming job interviews?  Did you know that the Center for Career and Professional Development offers interview preparation and mock interviews? Our services are available (and free!) to all Regis University students, alumni, and staff.

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our Career Counselors at 303-458-3508 or go online to schedule at http://www.regis.edu/ccpd and click on “Schedule an Appointment”.