The First Impression Mistakes That Are Threatening Your Job Search

The interview is a very important, and often nerve-wracking, part of securing the job you want, but you may be making simple mistakes that are scuppering your chances of success. An interview may be your first actual contact with the company you want to work for, and you need to remember that it’s vital to make a good first impression here.

From the moment that you decided to apply for the job, you’ve probably been researching and planning what you will say during your interview. Pause for a moment and consider all the other aspects of meeting someone for the first time. Read on to find out more about basic mistakes that could cost you the job, and how you can avoid them.

Common Mistakes at Interview:

 We are all unique, and an interview is a great opportunity to let your personality shine through. The following, however, are some of the most common mistakes made at interview, by candidates across a wide range of disciplines and industries. Are you making these simple errors? 

• Assuming that you only need to impress the interviewer. Many candidates feel that they do not need to make an effort until they meet the person who is interviewing them, but this is simply not true. The receptionist and other staff within the company you are interviewing with may well be asked about how you treated them, and your attitude to others you meet will speak volumes about you that could impact on your chances of getting the job.

• Missing an opportunity to chat. When you meet your interviewer, or others in the company, you may have an opportunity to chat before the interview begins. This should not be overlooked, and you may find that it is a good chance to mention your (interesting or relevant) hobbies or to demonstrate your personal skills.

• Making too little – or too much – eye contact. Studies show that eye contact for 2-3 seconds can help to stimulate the brain, which can only be a good thing when you’re trying to make a good impression. Eye contact held for longer can be threatening, however, so keep it short and sweet.

• Forgetting about body language. Body language is an important part of conversation, and making a good impression is much easier when you get it right. Stand up straight to give yourself a confidence boost, give a firm handshake when you introduce yourself, and don’t forget to smile!

• Focusing on irrelevant details. Specific details of your previous work or projects will probably not be very helpful in an interview discussion, but it is a great idea to talk about these experiences in the context of developing your skills and creating a positive grounding for the position you are applying for.

Find Recruitment Agencies in Cork

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork, Shannon and Galway, and our professional team are experts in Technical and Executive recruitment.

Talk to us at CareerWise to make the most of your potential and secure the exciting new position you want. Contact us online now or call us on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to arrange a consultation.

Joe Robbins

(Director) BBS (Hons), MBPICS – Shannon Office

Joe Robbins is co-founder of CareerWise Recruitment. A graduate of the University of Limerick (Degree in Business Studies, 1985), Joe worked in the UK for five years where he specialised in materials management, production management and plant management for a number of companies.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 to become Operations Manager for a Cork-based start-up, FMC Automotive Division which was subsequently taken over by Snap-on Equipment. Joe managed the business re-location of this company to Shannon in 1997 before setting up CareerWise Recruitment in 1999.

He is a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Mid-West region, and a former Director and Vice President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce. Joe is former Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Camogie Club and current Chairperson of the Clare County Camogie Board.

Share this Post: