Sometimes you wonder why that job was given to someone, when in fact you were the most qualified candidate. Habits die hard! There is that one or two habits that you have accustomed to be doing and these should never be prominent when you are seeking for a job.
Late coming
On the day of the interview ensure that you set out early from your home or location of residence. You cannot afford to be late on the interview date. It shows that you are not serious. There are some professionals who develop a habit of being late all the time, such that they also come late for the interview. This is a very detrimental habit that should be ended. Some employers will banish you from the interview and to those who are lenient – although they allow you into the interview, they would have developed a negative impression about you. Old habits die hard, but at least put an effort and ensure that you arrive early for the interview.
Putting hands in pockets
When you come for the oral interview and you walk into a room full of the interviewing panel avoid walking around in the room with hands in the pocket. Putting hands in the pocket is a sign of disrespect and can also be regarded as if you are perceiving your audience as junior to you.
Laughing out loudly and wildly
Even if a joke or humorous situation arises in the interview avoid laughing out loud to the extent of shedding tears! Laugh diplomatically or politely smile. Organisations are afraid of employing extremely wild characters who will burst into laughter in front of clients, investors or financiers. A sense of humour is key, but it should not be overly done
Biting your nails
Avoid at all costs biting your nails during interviews. Not only is it unprofessional, but it is also an indication of being nervous.
Grooming your self during interviews
It is a big turn off to employers for a candidate to start grooming themselves during an interviews. Grooming your hair or pushing it from side to side or away from the face constantly is a big distraction. If your hair gives you problems, tie it at the back so that you entirely focus on the interview. This is not a time to adjust eye lashes and eye brows.
Avoid dry jokes
If you are going for interviews focus on the task at hand – to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. There is no need to spend time on dry jokes which may create awkward situations if everyone in the room has not laughed or sensed your humour.
Avoid mannerisms and meaningless speech fillers
Many people have mannerisms which they develop consciously or sub-consciously. Key examples are “eh, hmm. you know, it’s like, basically, generally, actually, yoo, aaw, hey, yep”. There are many more of these mannerisms that a person can get used to and they are sometimes used as fillers to speech. They may become a habit and reduce your chances of getting a job.
Avoid looking downwards on the floor without looking at the interviewing panel
During your interview, you need to have eye contact with you interviewing panel to establish a connection and to show that you are assertive. Looking downwards shows lack of confidence and lack of interest.