Five interview mistakes that can cost you your dream job

Common yet committed often, unintentionally perhaps, these mistakes could cost you a job. Avoid these to land up your dream job.

1. Unimpressive CVs

Putting together a credible profile is the first step to getting a call from a company of choice. Most CVs are an over the top expression of capabilities, replete with exaggerated (and sometimes unrealistic) ‘achievements’.

Contrary to belief, these CVs do more harm to the candidates than good, as recruiters are attracted to pick profiles which are crisp in articulation, with a few sharp and relevant highlights. Long winding, wordy CVs with too much information are deterrents.

The author is Head -- People & Strategy, Grundfos Pumps India Pvt. Ltd

2. Poor research about the company

While most candidates agree that it is important to know about the company that they are interviewing with, in reality, most preparation is limited to a cursory browsing of the company website a day before the interview. Therefore, the knowledge about the company is limited to a few facts and figures.

Candidates who spend considerable time doing meaningful research stand a cut above the rest, especially those who are able to link the information to the context of the actual discussion. A good interviewer is always able to spot the difference between a website browser and a genuinely interested researcher.

3. Eagerness to make an impression

Very few candidates realise that it is crucial to be oneself and natural during the interview process. While it is important to be focussed on making the right impression, trying to use language that is superficial, like cliched jargons and too many gestures can be distracting and very easily be construed as disrespect, thereby creating a negative impression. 

There is a thin line between assertiveness and arrogance, and in their eagerness to appear assertive some candidates end up appearing arrogant.

4. Failure to make a good self-assessment

There are not many job seekers, especially youngsters, who make a good evaluation about their own competence and thereafter have a clear idea about the kind of jobs / industry that they wish to be in. The first step towards securing a job of choice is to do a thorough analysis of one’s own strengths and areas of improvement.

This will aid in a focussed search with better results, rather than an aimless job search.

Matching up one’s competencies to the job requirements, not just from an education and experience stand point, but also from an aptitude and ability stand point is quite helpful in positioning oneself as a strong candidate.

5. Lack of focus on sustained professional interactions

It is important for job seekers to be professional at all stages of contact with prospective employers. Starting with the initial e-mail, follow up telephone calls, interviewing etiquette, and offer negotiations, a balanced, professional approach throughout the process is key to creating a positive impression.