Graduate Career Tips: Top Interview Mistakes

Interviewing is a tricky thing – and not just for graduate careers. No matter how much experience you have, in an interview you're on show, in the hot seat, and you're being asked a bunch of questions about yourself and your skills. This is generally quite an uncomfortable exercise. Yet, with the right approach and the right tools, interviewing can be quite straightforward.  Check out this video for some great advice with visual cues!

Here are the top things to avoid as a graduate:

• Being under-prepared. Always do your research. Know what role you're going for, and investigate as much as you can about the company.
• Not listening. Always remember that your potential employer wants to know what you can do for them. So, it's essential that you listen very carefully to their questions – and answer them accurately. Think of the interview as a conversation with someone, rather than as a fixed presentation. Avoid pre-prepared answers. Anyone hiring graduates will appreciate your honesty.
• Being inappropriately dressed. Always dress well for interviews. Even if you're going for an interview at a business that tends to dress casually, make sure you are well groomed and presentable. If in doubt, err on the side of over-dressing rather than under-dressing. Always go one step further than you think you need to, and, if in doubt, wear a suit.
• Mumbling. No matter how nervous you are, always remember to look your interviewer in the eye and speak clearly. Don't mumble under your breath or simply answer ‘yes' or ‘no.
• Not showing interest. Even though this interview is about you, it's also about your employer. Show interest in the business. Let them talk. Ask questions that show you are very interested in working there.
• Exaggerating or lying. Never, ever tell lies in an interview. For a start, it will be fairly obvious when you're not telling the truth – especially if one question leads to another. It will also seriously damage any prospects you may have had of securing the job.
• Forgetting your manners. Even though you're nervous, always remember your manners! Shake hands, thank your employer for their time, and answer politely if offered a beverage in the meeting.
• Talking too much about money or rewards. While it's fine to discuss salary and incentives, if appropriate, don't make salary the focus of the interview. You don't want it to look like this is your only priority. Your employer will want to know how you can make a positive contribution to the company over time, and how well you will fit in with the company culture.