5 Fatal Interview Mistakes Women Make (And How To Easily Avoid Them)

From talking about how hard it is to find a good sitter, to running out of time to do your research, these are five big mistakes women make in interviews and how to easily avoid them.

Not Having Adequate and Flexible Childcare

“Sorry, I was late. My sitter got stuck in traffic.”

Yes, you’re being honest but potential employers will perceive you as unreliable.

Tips:

  • Ensure that once you commit to the interview, you’ve booked reliable child care AND have a backup sitter just in case. If you’re having trouble securing backup care in a pinch check out Flexable Childcare or similar services who now offer drop-in care. 
  • Give yourself a cushion. Head out extra early, wait in a nearby Starbucks and research the business.
  • Make sure to arrive at the interview location 10 minutes early.

Not Researching the Business

“I know a little, but want to do some more research.”

You meant well but you missed the opportunity. Inc. suggests that as soon as you are notified about an interview, start researching the firm.

Tips:

  • Look up the CEO, type of business, how many offices, the year it was founded, etc.
  • Look up the person you are interviewing with on LinkedIn, Facebook and Google. Learn what you have in common, or something interesting about them, and bring it up. 
  • Study the evolution of the business and consider what problem(s) you can help solve for the company.

Improper Body Language

“Excuse my yawn. It’s been a long week.”

Yawning. Slouching. Leaning on your wrists. These are body language cues you might not be aware of.

Tips:

  • Do anything and everything you can to guarantee a goods night’s rest the evening before your interview. Make arrangements, exercise, have the kids sleep over at the inlaws. (Yes, really.)
  • Eat a good, protein-rich breakfast to avoid stomach rumbles.
  • Bring mints, a snack, deodorant, etc. in case the interview is extended. 
  • Don’t slouch. Sit up straight with your arms at your sides or your hands neatly folded. Speak with authority.
  • Don’t discuss your personal matters. Focus on the business and the interview.
  • Meditate and stretch in the morning. Get that positive energy flowing.

Wearing the Wrong Attire

You wear your Christian Louboutins to an Etsy interview. (Raising my hand. And I didn’t get that job.)

You order a ribeye at a lunch interview with a vegan HR manager.

While these are small things, they are really BIG to potential employers and you demonstrate a cultural fit. Of course, be yourself, but also be aware of what your employer stands for.

Tips:

  • Research the business and know the social causes they support.
  • If you’re working with an employment agency, ask about the person you’re interviewing with.
  • Be sensitive to the environment you’re stepping into. 

Not Asking Questions

“Do you have any questions for me?” – HR manager

“Nope, I’m good. I think you covered it all.” – Person who didn’t get the job

There are steps that go into interviewing, and one of them is to ask great questions. While the HR manager may describe the work environment, you should be prepared to ask a question or two, like:

  • Are there any challenges that the last person in this role faced that I can work on?
  • Can you tell me what a typical day would be like in the role?
  • I saw on your website that you have multiple offices. Will I be traveling in this role?

Stuck on what kinds of questions might come up or what to say? Give yourself an extra advantage and book a mock-interview with an expert.

Bottom Line

The key to a solid interview is to ensure you have time and resources to research and prepare. When you do, your confidence will shine through. 

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