01 Mar
10 Interview Mistakes That Can Cost You The Job
Candidates are, understandably, disappointed when they’re not called back after a job interview. Even if the job wasn’t so great or the boss seemed a bit of a micromanager, they still want to get that second or third interview.
A common candidate complaint is that they don’t get any feedback.
Recruiters are sometimes not forthcoming and HR can be cagy when it comes to telling people why they didn’t get the job.
This happens for a lot of reasons. Sometimes recruiters don’t get anything more than the candidate wasn’t a “good fit.” HR may not provide feedback because of legal concerns. Besides that, everyone is busy.
That’s one of the reason’s CareerBuilder surveys are so valuable. They provide feedback straight from the employer’s mouth.
Fifty percent of hiring and human resources managers responding to a recent nationwide CareerBuilder survey said they know within the first five minutes if a candidate is a good fit for the job.
Five minutes!
Respondents agreed that while a good resume and cover letter may get you an interview, body language mistakes can take you out of the running. Here are the body language mistakes that can derail your prospects.
Top 10 Body Language Mistakes
- Failing to make eye contact: 67 percent
- Failing to smile: 39 percent
- Playing with something on the table: 33 percent
- Having bad posture: 30 percent
- Fidgeting too much in their seats: 30 percent
- Crossing their arms over their chests: 29 percent
- Playing with their hair or touching their faces: 27 percent
- Having a weak handshake: 21 percent
- Using too many hand gestures: 11 percent
- Having a handshake that was too strong: 7 percent
While you don’t want to stare or grin like a fool, it’s essential to make eye contact and to smile. Don’t reserve this for the interviewer only. Be courteous to everyone you meet. (For more interview tips click here.)
Be aware of fidgeting in your seat, gazing out the window, playing with your hair or jewelry, etc. You may not think the hiring manager noticed you glancing down at your smart phone during the interview. But, it may very well have cost you the job.