How to avoid sending up red flags during a job interview

Committing sins during a job interview

Did you just check your phone during an interview? You’re doing it wrong. Did you show up late or opt to leave early? You’re doing it wrong. Did you seriously just speak ill of your former employer to your potential future employer? My friend, you are doing just about everything wrong.

When you’re in the hot seat, confidence is key. However, that confidence might blind you, stripping you of your ability to discern between appropriate and negligent interview behavior. The person conducting your interview is picking up on all of your little subtleties, or not-so-subtleties, and interpreting your pitch in a way you might not realize.

It is paramount to show that you are invested in the interview. Checking your phone means your mind is wandering, when in reality, you should have blinders on when interviewing. Focus! Arriving late, for whatever reason, gives off the impression that you do not value the interviewer’s time. I know traffic was bad, but that excuse won’t make up for the time lost.

Be careful when you open your mouth about your last job – trash talking, even tongue-in-cheek, will certainly raise a red flag or two.

Everyone does this… don’t be like everyone

Okay, the biggest flaw question. Everyone asks it, everyone has to answer it. Do not – I repeat, do NOT say you’re a perfectionist. That’s like someone saying their biggest weakness is that they are simply too strong.

Asking for vacation time immediately upon meeting with your employer makes it sound like you just can’t wait to leave. Trust me, I feel you. Vacation info is crucial. Nobody wants to work year-round. But it would be a good idea to let the dust settle before you start asking about how many sick days you can spend in Cabo this year.

At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure that one point gets across: You need to let your interviewer know you are earnestly interested in the position, and that you value them, their time, and the opportunity. First impressions are everything, so don’t botch this! I believe in you.

A hilarious look at what most people sound like in interviews