7 Real Life Interview Mistakes That You Can Learn From

7 Real Life Interview Mistakes That You Can Learn FromJob interviews can be scary. And its all too easy to choke. Here are 7 ways real people did choke, according a recent Business Insider story,and how you can keep yourself from making the same mistakes. At very least, if you feel youve ever messed up an interview, you know youre bedrngnis alone. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) 1. Always arrivepreparedWhether you werent given much notice for the interview, or you just got an offer from another company that you expect to take, you still have to do your homework. One person reported accidentally calling the company by the name of their biggest rival for the entire interview. Yikes. Bring your A game, no matter how low your stakes.2.Dont make assumptions about people you meetOne guy looked totally unprofessional byassuming a hiring manager was just a secretary. Assuming anything is dangerous, but making assumptions about a persons rank is even worse. No matter how low on the totem pole you suspect your interviewer to be, remember that they will be reporting up. Treat them as you would the CEO.3.Preparation is key to avoid blankingOne person reported having to come up with a song that described them and having no idea (then saying something totally inappropriate in the panic of the moment). Avoid moments like this by preparing. There are some questions you cant anticipate, but you may have prepared a similar one and could pivot, say, to a book that summed you up (if you were asked for and couldnt think of an appropriate song). Take a minute to pause and compose yourself, rather than blurting something stupid out.4.Look in the mirror before you enter the roomSeriously. Someone reported noticing a big booger hanging from their nose when they got out to their car post-interview. This is easily prevented. Do a last minute hygiene/presentation check in the restroom before your interview. Tuck in your shirt, make sure there s nothing in your teeth or on your face, etc.5.Use relaxation techniques to conquer nervesOne person was so nervous, all the interviewers questions were met with radio silence. If youre so nervous that you cant even answer questions, thats a bad interview no matter what. Try meditating or power-posing in the minutes before (or even during) the interview to keep your blood flowing and your confidence up. Smile through it, fake being at ease, and no matter what you do, keep answering the questions.6.Show your excitement, but play it coolYou might be so pumped to be in the final interview stages, but sometimes your overeagerness can bleed into your interview in off-putting ways. One guys excitement led to babbling, which let to some pretty bad interviews. Try to keep your cool. Save the jumping up and down and squealing and fantasizing for when you get home and have comported yourself professionally. Be passionate and interested in the interview, just dont let yourself lose control.7.T ake the time to answer directly and honestlyOne woman reported pivoting away from an honest answer she thought would work in her disfavor, and ending up saying something vague and unfocused instead. Not lying is always important, but if you can find a way to take a moment to collect your thought, then reframe your honest answer in a constructive way? Youre going to impress your interviewer doubly.