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6. Talking Around Questions
Problem: You may have an incredible vocabulary, but it really doesn’t matter how many big words you use. If there is no substance to your answer, chances are your interviewer will see right through the BS. Rambling can make the interviewer uncomfortable or bored, as well as show an inability on your part to interact with clients.
How to Fix It: Make sure you always have a point. After each question, take five seconds to focus on what point you want to make. Even if you are unsure how to get to that point, ending with a definitive answer is better than confusing the interviewer or looking like you don’t know what you’re talking about.
7. Mumbling/Not Speaking Clearly
Problem: An interview is no place to be shy. Mumbling or tripping over your words will make you look apprehensive, nervous, or bored. It also shows the interviewer that you are unsure of yourself and have no presence. And most importantly, if an interviewer can’t understand you, then you’re not making your point. How to Fix It: Make sure you are using slow, steady speech patterns. Your breathing should also be slow and steady. Make the effort to enunciate every word, just make sure you’re not over-enunciating. Pretend the interviewer is intently listening to every word that comes out of your mouth, so make each one count.
8. Cell Phone Ringing
Problem: This one should be obvious to an HR professional. Beyond the annoyance of being interrupted during the interview, a ringing cell phone can say many things. You aren’t taking the interview seriously. You think there are more important things than this job. You have no problem inconveniencing other people. And putting the phone on vibrate is no better, since most cell phone vibrations are audible. Picture the interviewer totally distracted, trying to figure out where the buzzing is coming from. How to Fix It: Turn your phone completely off during your interview. No exceptions, unless you’re wife is about to go into labor. And if that’s the case, or you have another excusable planned emergency, let the interviewer know that before he begins. But make sure you have a really good reason.
9. Not Looking Interviewer in the Eye
Problem: Looking your interviewer directly in the eye shows a level of respect. It conveys the message that you are both on the same page and at the same level. If you are unable to look your interviewer in the eye, it says that you are uncomfortable with her, or worse, gives the impression that you are lying or making up stories. How to Fix It: Don’t keep your eyes locked with hers for the entire interview, that’s just creepy. But a good rule of thumb is to look her in the eye when she is talking, to show that you are actively listening. Also, make sure to reconnect when you are making a point, as an extra emphasis.
10. Nervous Energy/Being Hyper
Problem: Showing that you are excited and energetic about your new job is good, but nervous energy paints a whole different picture. Constantly bouncing your leg, tapping your finger, or shifting around every 10 seconds is distracting and shows that you are unable to sit still, which is unprofessional. If you can’t sit through a 30-minute interview, how are you going to survive a two-hour meeting, or, more importantly, an eight-hour day. How to Fix It: Take deep, steady breaths beforehand. Pay attention to your breathing during the interview, make sure it hasn’t quickened, and keep it at a slow, steady pace. Pretend your feet are cemented to the floor to keep your legs from bouncing. And keep the hand gestures to a minimum! (Back to Part 1)
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