Five Interview Pitfalls

If you saw Friday's video, you'll know that I was about to interview some people who wanted to join the company I work for. In honour of that, I've put together a quick guide on how to avoid the most common interview mistakes.

1. Turn up. Please don't be the person who just doesn't turn up for the interview. We want to employ you but do this and your chance of succeeding is zero.
2. Turn up on time. If you're not horrendously late you'll still be interviewed but your lateness will be noticed and won't help your cause.
3. Dress appropriately. You're not visiting a nightclub and you're not auditioning for a music video. Business wear please, including (my fellow gentlemen) a tie.
4. Do your research on the company and the role - please don't ask questions about the wrong part of the business or enquire about international business travel when applying for a six-month entry-level contract.
5. The business interviewing you has something that you want (a job!), so act accordingly. If you're short with the receptionist or interviewer or anyone else the recruiting manager WILL find out and you WON'T get the job.