5 behaviours you need to be aware of in an interview!

We all know that feeling when we receive an invitation to an interview for a job that we really want – we then spend the next few days imagining how wonderful it will be to be successful at the interview, in our heads we see ourselves in our new role and imagine the lifestyle we are going to enjoy with our new salary…..and these thoughts tend to take over from what we should be focusing on …..preparation for the interview!
I have included below a collection of mistakes that it is so easy to make at an interview especially when we are a bit nervous! I know I have been guilty of making some of the following mistakes in the past; I’ve also observed some of the following when I have been interviewing myself!
Lack of interest!
I have interviewed some people who clearly would like to be anywhere other than sat in front of me at an interview. Some people have looked bored and not at all interested in the vacancy they are being interviewed for. At an interview you need to show enthusiasm and interest otherwise the interviewer will doubt the contribution you are likely to make to the team/company. If you think that being nervous is likely to make you appear uninterested then undertake as much research as you can about the company beforehand and make notes about what it would mean to you to be offered this position.
Talking too much
There is often a tendency when we are nervous to talk more so when we are in an interview situation we need to be mindful of this and not ramble on detracting from the key message we are trying to convey. Talking too much can also suggest to the interviewer that you may not be the ideal candidate to join their team because you chatter incessantly. If you think there is a chance that your nerves may get the better of you and that you may talk too much during the interview then try to do some deep breathing exercises before the interview to calm your nerves. Arriving at the premises where the interview is due to take place about 20 minutes before your allotted interview time, according to research, enables you to acclimatise yourself to your surroundings and also helps you to relax.
Talking too little!
Whilst talking too much can be a problem in an interview situation so can talking too little. I have interviewed several people in the past who gave the briefest of responses to questions and in some cases monosyllabic answers. This means that as an interviewer it was very difficult to ascertain whether the individual had the skills and experience I was looking for, whether they would fit in with the existing team and it meant that I forgot about them very quickly when I came to review the candidates I had interviewed. Some people naturally dry up in an interview because they are nervous or shy and if you think this is you then try to plan some mock interviews with a friend beforehand or practice in front of the mirror which will help you to build your confidence and convince you that you can provide longer responses in the interview itself.

Boasting
Boasting in an interview is an automatic switch off to most interviewers. As an interviewer myself I would question if someone was boasting and bragging at an interview just how truthful they were being and how well they would fit in with my existing team and the culture within the company. You can be proud of your achievements but far better to think of a couple of accomplishments that have added value in another company and mention these when the opportunity arises.
Telling Lies
Trying to give the impression you know about something when you don’t tells me that you lack integrity and I wouldn’t want someone demonstrating this working for me. Most companies want the people that work for them to have integrity – you will often see this listed as one of the core values in a person specification. I would prefer you to admit you don’t know something at the interview and demonstrate that you are prepared to learn and that you are open to new opportunities; this approach would also convey to me that you are an ethical individual.

All of the above can be addressed in an interview and turned into positive behaviour. The secret is to prepare in advance of your interview, do your research and practice. You wouldn’t be invited to an interview if the employer hadn’t see qualities in your CV, so be confident, honest and enthusiastic!

If you would like to have a chat about your own experience of interviews then do give me a call on 07875 320793.