1) Not taking the Final Interview seriously - This is a very common mistake that the interviewees tend to make. Your frivolous behavior can prove fatal. Even if you have cleared the initial interview with flying colors, always stay focused. Generally, after clearing the initial rounds of the interview, the interviewees tend to think that the final interview is just a formality, well it’s actually not. This casual attitude tends to sway your focus and you may lose the job.
2) Lousy Outfit – The way you look plays a very important role for first impressions, as the saying goes, first impressions are everything! Look smart, if you want to go casual, make sure that it’s still in the boundary of Smart Casuals. The BPO industry is not that strict when it comes to fashion but that’s not an excuse for a lousy outfit. Looks are everything, I suggest wearing light colors. Don’t wear anything that’s striking or too loud for the eyes. You may Click here for ideas on what to wear for your interview.
3) Do not over sell your qualities - Try to be familiar with the job description of the position you’re being interviewed for so that you can exemplify how your experience, abilities and strengths compliment with the business needs. Remember to under promise but over deliver.
4) Do not try to be too modest – Now, you might be confused with this, I just told you not to oversell yourself and now don’t be too modest? Well let me explain a bit, overselling would set the wrong expectations and being too modest – well, let’s just say interviewers would view it as you not being confident with your abilities. Show that air of confidence – but not too much. Retail your success stories and qualities but not in excess to the point of overselling. Highlight what you can do, give out examples and make sure that it’s the truth.
5) Keep the Salary Negotiations at the end of the Interview - Salary Talks must be kept reserved for the conclusive part of the Interview. Focusing on your salary requirements and previous salary history in the early stages of the Interview can reveal too much. Rather, keep the salary discussion at the latter or end part of the Interview. Most interviewers do ask this question. Just follow their lead. The interviewers usually keep this part reserved as well at the latter or end part of the interview.
6) Keep your Grudges at Bay - Even if you disliked your former boss or you were not treated fairly by your previous employer - an interview is not the right time or place to discuss the complaints and the injustice brought to you by your previous company, go to the Labor Department or see a psychiatrist for crying out loud. You may Click here for a suggestion on how to respond to an interview question regarding your previous company. If you were terminated from your previous post, be prepared with an explanation that puts you in a positive position.
7) Ask the Interviewer – This usually happens on your final interview, your resume may be impressive on paper, but employers are more impressed with an active participation. It’s good to come up with a question or two during the interview. A few intelligent questions about the company or the position that’s hiring could very well be taken as you doing your research. You can prepare a questionnaire prior to your application. Prepare at least 2-3 questions for the interviewer. Remember that interviews are not just a test for an applicant but it’s also a conversation in progress. An active participation from the applicant shows that he is prepared, interested and ready to take on the job.
8) Never Say “Try me” or “If you give me a chance” – A company is not a casino and employers do not want to gamble. After all, in order for their business to succeed, they want people who are capable. The lines “Try me” or “If you give me a chance” is like serving a plate of raw fish to someone who hasn’t eaten one yet and telling them that it’s delicious, you just need to try it. Sure, some people like raw fish but my point is - it’s not for everyone. Instead of saying these lines, why not just outline your skills and abilities, show them what you can contribute to the company and give out examples to show the interviewer how you would become a positive force in driving the company forward.
9) Draw a line on Personal Matters – Keep everything professional, from how you describe yourself to your background and future plans, make sure it’s about your professional life and not your personal one. The interviewer does not want to hear how much you hate your mother in law or how you need to provide for your 12 starving kids. My point is - you need to position your answers so that it would point to your professional goals, ask yourself - what are my motivations? What are my future plans for my career? Don’t go in depth with your personal matters, stay on track and show the interviewers your professional capabilities. You may also Click here to know how to answer the most common Interview Questions.
