Top Interview Mistakes

1. Not being yourself

In an interview it is very important to stay focussed and alert throughout the interview process. Try not to stretch the weak areas and avoid too much customization of your answers based on the interviewer's approach. It is a good attempt to analyse the interviewer and answer the questions but beware of committing mistakes since the interviewer may not reveal every aspect that is important for the winning candidate to possess.

Try to give an accurate portrayal of your interests and skill set so that the interviewer gets the right person during the process.

2. No preparation

It is very important to have preliminary preparation before walking into an interviewer's office, especially for the established brands. Try to learn as much as possible before attending an interview this not only helps you to answer to the questions of the interview in a satisfactory manner but also shows your willingness to work in the company. The hiring manager expects that you have at least went through some literatures about the company.

Example (From a real interview process for a leading brand)

Hiring Manager  :  "Hello Mr. Abc"

Candidate  : "Good Morning Sir"

Hiring Manager  :  "Good Morning. Mr. Abc. So have you went through our company website?"

Candidate  :  "Yes Sir. I went through your website and I think your brand is doing great in the market and the products posses every quality to bid the competitors"

Hiring Manager  :  "Ok. Can you name some of our products and competitors?"

Candidate  :  "Oh. Missed this out Sir."

3. Lack of confidence/over confident

The interviewer should be convinced that you are willing to do the job. Being too much nervous creates negative impression and the interviewer feels you are not prepared and may not fit to the position. On the other hand being overconfident will make them feel that you wont fit into the team. So it is very important to maintain a balance and behave in a professional manner so as to showcase your skills and qualities in a right manner.

4. Talking too little/too much

Both the extremes can create a negative impression even if you are saying all good things about yourself. Saying too little in an interview will not allow you to showcase your skills in the desired manner and the hiring manager may wonder if you are hiding something; if your responses are too lengthy, can lead to a monologue and  people may tune you out.

 5. Criticise your current employer

Beware since the interviewer might be thinking while listening to your answers, what it would be working with you. You might not be satisfied with the current employer and would do anything to get rid of the management who had been rude to you. The hiring manager may ask you many questions related to your current or previous employer and try to judge you by your answers, in such case try not to lose your mind or start blaming your current employer/boss because nobody wants to work with a person who unceasingly criticises others. This will only make them feel that this might be your regular way of thinking and may be repeated if you are absorbed!