Each spring and summer, thousands of college graduates spill into the workforce. Unfortunately, many recent college grads find themselves uneducated and ill-prepared for the interview process, making avoidable mistakes and committing interview hara-kiri without understanding how or why.
A hiring manager at a local tech company asked me to write an article for recent college graduates who need help with interviewing basics. It was prompted by this doozy….
A recent grad in his early 20’s came into an interview wearing so much cologne it overtook the conference room! Not the best first impression. Fortunately, none of the interviewers were allergic to the cologne; otherwise the interview could have been a disaster. Needless to say, he didn’t get the job. They ended the interview before they got to really learn about his skills and potential.
That faux pas is one of the…
7 Top Interview Mistakes Recent College Grads Make
Don’t let these Top 7 Mistakes get in the way of your dream job and your future.
Job Interview Mistake 0:
Bringing Your Parents (or anyone else!)
(Couldn’t Believe Hiring Managers Brought this Up — Repeatedly!):
“One ‘high potential’ candidate (meaning someone we were seriously considering hiring) brought their parent with them to the first interview. We’ve had that happen more than once. We just shake our heads and wonder,” revealed Melanie Rydalch, Director of Human Resources at Basic American Foods.
Marsha Warner, Career Factors founder, Career Coach and Recruiter advises, “Job search is a solo gig. Do not take your mom or dad with you on informational or on actual interviews. Even if they insist! You must show yourself as fully capable of taking on the responsibilities of a new job without involving your parents. “
Enough said on that point!
Job Interview Mistake #1:
Unprofessional e-Communication (pre- and post interview)
- When communicating via email with HR or anyone else to set up the time and day for the interview, do not use the kind of abbreviations that you would use in a text message. “This is a professional email, not a casual text message. Treat it accordingly,” recommends Rydalch.
Job Interview Mistake #2:
Lying, especially on something that will be caught in a background-check
Drug use and drunk driving violations will show up in a standard employer background checks. Lying about it, then having it show up afterward puts you in an awkward spot. Don’t do it. At least telling the truth gives you a better opportunity to explain how it’s in the past and will never happen again.
“We ran into a huge amount of issues in trying to hire new grads due to drunk driving and drug possession charges that were revealed in the background check. It’s definitely something they should consider about the “day/evening of fun” in school that they think will never affect getting a job. That’s not always the case,” cautions one Silicon Valley start-up’s Director of Talent Acquisition.
Job Interview Mistake #3:
Arriving late (or way too early or missing the interview completely)
Allow enough time to be able to arrive to your interview exactly 5 to 10 minutes early. If you’re unfamiliar with the area or specific location, do a trial run to determine the amount of time necessary to arrive relaxed and on time.
- It’s considered rude to show up too early for an interview–more than 10 to 15 minutes. It interrupts the interviewers’ work schedule. Don’t do it. Wait in your car or take a walk if necessary to fill the time gap. Use the time for prep.
- If you’re going to be late due to unforeseen “acts-of-god” traffic (or other truly uncontrollable) issues, call to inform the interviewer. Be responsible. If you forget your appointment altogether, whoops – expect your prospective employer to forget about you! As a courtesy, consider a brief, contrite apology, but do expect you will not be invited back.
Job Interview Mistake #4
Arriving unprepared in so many ways
- Prepare for the interview by researching everything you can about the company via Google, LinkedIn, com, the company website, etc.
- Research the interview panel’s background, Google their name, check out their profile on LinkedIn, etc.
- Bring
- Several printed copies of your resume to hand to anyone on the interview panel that does not have one with them.
- A list of questions you have about the company, the position, and the individuals on the interview panel or anything else you need to know to help you determine if this position and company is a good fit for you and your career goals.
- A pad of paper and a pen so you can take notes during the interview.
Job Interview Mistake #5
Dressing Inappropriately – Don’t prematurely wear out your welcome.
- Too much cologne, wrinkled, dirty or revealing clothing, athletic wear or casual weekend wear are never a good idea. “One gal came in with green, chipped fingernail polish and a sloppy sweater. Not the best way to present yourself as a serious candidate,” emphasizes Rydalch.
- For a more complete list of What Not to Wear to an Interview.
- Check out the company dress code beforehand by calling the human resources department and asking them for input on appropriate interview attire. You can also visit the company prior to the interview and observe what employees are wearing as they enter and leave the office. Keep in mind if it’s casual, you still need to dress a little nicer than those already work there.
- Know before you go. You only have once chance at a first impression. Interview dress code differs by industry, city and region of the country. Law firms, banks, software companies, CPA firms, digital media and manufacturing firms each have a different spin on what’s appropriate interview attire.
Job Interview Mistake #6
Not-so-Smart Mouth – Don’t let your mouth be the center of attention.
- Do not chew gum during the interview, or chew tobacco or your fingernails before or during the interview
- Brush and floss before you leave for your interview. Freshen up with a breath mint right before you arrive.
- Check your teeth (and smile!) and make sure there’s no lettuce between your teeth right before you head into the building. While you’re at it, check out your overall appearance in a full-length mirror, if possible. Adjust as necessary.
Job Interview Mistake #7
Don’t be a phone-y
- Turn your phone off (not on vibrate) completely before the interview begins.
- (No matter how badly you want to…) Do not touch or glance at your phone until the interview is over and you leave the building.
Even if you totally have it together, this article is still a good gentle reminder to be 100% ready – after all, not getting hired is not so funny.
Best of luck to you in your interview!
“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for It.” –Edith Head
More resources for recent college graduates
Dawn Rasmussen, Pathfinder Writing and Career Services
Marsha Warner, Career Factors, Career Coaching that Works
New Graduates’ Funny Job Interview Bloopers
Connie Dorigan, Founder and Director of Recruiting, sees the food processing industry as the link between good living and good people. She’s the west coast’s most experienced and trusted food processing recruiter. She also provides Executive and Career Coaching and lots of free job search tools. Once you’ve connected with Connie, you’ll always be connected.
© 2018 Connie Dorigan. All rights reserved.
This is a general interest article and does not constitute specific or legal advice.
