Are you heading to an interview soon? Aside from preparing yourself and your answers to score the job, it would be best if you also remembered what not to do during your interview.

There are a lot of things that you can do that can be read negatively by the interviewer, and here are 8 of the worst ones you should definitely avoid:

1. Dressing Up Unprofessionally

Since you are applying for a job, you need to dress to impress. If you come into your interview wearing casual clothing or wrinkly ones, they will immediately think you are a slobby person that does not respect the importance of this interview or the person interviewing you.

Before your interview, make sure your clothes are neatly pressed; they are suited for the interview and help you make a great impression.

2. Being Late

If you want to make sure you do not miss your interview and be considered an irresponsible worker, you must be punctual. If you don’t want to be late, show up earlier than the set interview time.

Do your research in advance to see how long the travel time is to get to the interview location, and don’t walk into the office immediately once you reach the entrance, do that 15 minutes before the interview. You don’t want to be sitting in the reception area for too long, looking nervous and anxious.

3. Answering In Ramblings

Interviewers want an interviewee to be succinct in their answers, and your answer should only be about the interview questions. If you ramble in your answers, it will only confuse the interviewer and you since you go round in circles.

4. Constantly Checking Your Phone

Your focus should be on the interview and the interviewer, not your phone. Have your phone on silent and remove the vibrate feature so you won’t get distracted during the interview. If you can, leave it in your car or with a friend so you can focus.

If you have an emergency that day that requires you to be contactable at all times, it will be best to postpone the interview as you will not be able to present your best throughout the event.

5. Being Overconfident And Cocky

When you answer questions during the interview, you need to show that you are confident with your capabilities and why you are the perfect person. However, you shouldn’t go overboard and make it sound like you are showing off, as it will only turn off the interviewer.

6. Complain About Your Current Boss

If this is your second job and you are looking for a new job, don’t use the interview as a place to complain about your current boss. You will only make yourself sound like a person who holds grudges and appears not a good team player.

7. Slouching, Yawning Or Falling Asleep

Your full attention should be on the interview, even if you find the whole discussion boring. Make sure that your body language is alert and focused, and be enthusiastic each time the interviewer speaks. If you tend to fidget, place your hands on your lap under the table, away from the interviewer’s eyes. Get some sleep before your interview to prevent falling asleep in the middle of the interview or yawning!

8. Failing To Interact Or Make Eye Contact

You should never stay idle and look away when the interviewer looks you in the eye. Doing eye contact and being active during the interview will show that you are listening and confident about your chances.

It can be hard to remember what to do and not to do in an interview with your nerves also on high alert. But, if you plan and prepare ahead, you will be able to avoid these actions and get your interview going well.

Good luck!

Trying to score an interview? Here are some of the ways to do it right:
How to Overcome Job Interview Anxiety
10 Questions You Should Absolutely Ask an Interviewer
Best Ways to Prep for your Dream Job Interview

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