Preparing before an interview can minimize anxiety and reduce the odds that you’ll do things that can turn employers off in an interview. If you’re here, you are likely wondering what those turn-offs may be.
Things That Can Turn Off Employers in an Interview
Here’s a list of seven common mistakes interviewees make that can deter an employer and cause an interview to end early.
1. Not Knowing About the Company
It can be an immediate turnoff to an employer if you don’t know much about the company. Spending time on their website, social media pages, Google business page, and looking at Google and Yelp reviews (depending on the business) can be very insightful. Knowing their mission, vision, and goals can help you explain your experience and skillsets in relevant and valuable ways. If you are wondering what to do before an interview to learn about a company, check out my recent blog post!
2. Appearing Desperate
A desperate candidate is never appealing to an employer. Saying, “I’ll take any job to get my foot in the door,” or “I’ll do anything to work for you” may seem like a compliment, but it comes across as desperate to an employer. Make sure you articulate excitement but not desperation.
3. Negativity
Employers are willing to train the right person for a job. Most hiring managers seek the right cultural fit rather than an exact set of hard skills. A huge part of being a good cultural fit is having a great attitude, being teachable, and demonstrating accountability.
Negativity is one of the top things that can turn employers off in an interview. Avoid speaking negatively if asked about a conflict with a supervisor or colleague. Instead, accept responsibility and emphasize how you learned and grew through the situation.
Likewise, remain positive if asked why you left a position. Negative remarks will turn employers off in an interview. Perhaps the culture wasn’t a good fit. Maybe you needed more flexibility, etc. Owning the decision demonstrates accountability and a good attitude.
4. Lack of Questions for the Employer
Most employers will end the interview with, “What questions do you have for us?” Not having questions is one thing that can turn employers off in an interview. I suggest preparing a list of five thoughtful questions and taking it with you to the interview. A few of those questions will likely be answered organically throughout the conversation, so having a list of at least five will ensure you still have remaining questions at the end of the conversation.
5. Too Much Confidence
While it is important to be confident of your skillset in an interview, it is essential not to come across as arrogant. Showing humility, honestly presenting areas for growth when asked, owning up to mistakes, and explaining how you grew from them when answering behavioral questions are all part of being confident yet humble. Preparing interview stories in advance can help you find the right balance!
6. Appearing Overly Relaxed
While many think interview nerves are bad, having some nervousness in an interview is good! If it appears you are incredibly relaxed, you may lose the professional vibe that is necessary to excel in an interview. Sitting forward in your chair with good posture is part of professional nonverbal communication. Slouching in a chair, showing up on time or a few minutes late, or speaking too casually are all things that can turn employers off in an interview.
7. Brief Answers to Interview Questions
The most common mistake I see people make in interviews is giving brief answers to interview questions, primarily situational or behavioral interview questions. You must prepare good interview stories to provide adequate detail to the panel. Remember, they are looking for an excellent cultural fit. Well-explained stories allow the employer to understand who you are and how you respond to different situations.
How to Avoid Interview Turnoffs
The good news is you can easily avoid doing things that can turn employers off in an interview. The key is preparing well for an interview. I offer coaching sessions to help professionals prepare for interviews! These sessions include interview strategy, interview stories, questions to ask the employer, and more! Book a free consultation today to learn more about my interview prep services!
Do you have an interview? I can help!
I love helping candidates prepare for an interview! If you have an interview, let me help you prepare interview answers and stories that will make you stand out and adequately illustrate your skills and experience. Are you short on time? No problem! An hour session is all it takes to help you confidently knock your next interview out of the park!
