As the old saying goes, first impressions count - and perhaps nowhere is this more relevant than in a job interview.
While your little habits may be endearing to your grandma, it’s these nervous mannerisms that can make all the difference to your prospective employer.
With this in mind, today, our friends over at Vapester are delving deeper into common bad interview habits and practices. After all, first impressions are a powerful thing and could make or break your interview.
Subsequently, it’s important to be armed with all the know-how you’ll need to make a positive, lasting impression on the day.
You’re not prioritising personal hygiene
We know what you’re thinking - this sounds like an easy one, right? Well, not exactly!
Sure, we all brush our teeth and wash our faces in the morning, but that’s rarely sufficient for the full day - especially if your interview is in the afternoon.
Subsequently, look to take as many precautions as you can to ensure you feel confident in the way you look.
Pay attention to your personal presentation throughout the day - not just in the morning.
While a scrumptious pre-interview lunch might seem like a great idea, it’s possible it could leave you with less fresh breath than you’d like for your interview.
While this is seemingly minor, this could be the thing that detracts from an otherwise positive impression.
Something as simple as brushing your teeth shortly before the interview would provide a solution.
Either way, be sure to keep personal hygiene at the forefront of your mind throughout the day.
With that in mind, be wary of smoking before your interview, too.
While cigarettes are often seen as a form of stress relief, it’s actually a common misconception that smoking relieves stress.
Instead, all that smoking that final pre-interview cigarette is doing is leaving you with a lingering smell.
Obviously, this has the potential to put off your prospective employer.
Avoid it where possible or, alternatively, use a vape - this will still give you your nicotine shot, but without any lingering aroma.
Your face is telling a different story
Facial expressions are a vital part of first impressions and you should aim to project a friendly positivity at all times.
For many, however, this is easier said than done.
Being oblivious to your ‘resting face’ or being too conscious of your expressions can lead to interview mishaps.
For example, the interviewee could look either uninterested or too keen (excessive nodders, we’re looking at you!).
A good practice technique to combat this is to recruit family or friends to help you with interview prep.
Get them to ask you mock questions and film your facial expressions.
This way, you can observe firsthand how you are coming across - whether it was your intention or not.
You’re a fidgeter
Fidgeting is a minor habit possessed by many, but, in interview situations, this can give off the wrong signals.
It’s easy to misconceive this habit as a sign of boredom, distraction and even disinterested.
Resist temptation by removing it wherever possible.
If you’re a finger fidgeter, consider swapping your morning espressos for a decaf alternative to rid your body of any accelerants.
Similarly, if you’re guilty of playing with your locks of hair, consider tying your hair up for the interview.
Ultimately...
Habits are habits for a reason, so you’ll need to put in some effort to properly overcome these.
Take some time during your next interview prep to consider what bad habits could be letting you down - after all, making the change could be the thing that finally helps you secure that dream job.
