Page 8 - APT
P. 8
SLOUGH, YAWN, FALL ASLEEP
Or anything else that implies boredom. You won’t be taken seriously if you’re
constantly yawning, sitting so low in your chair that you’re practically on the
floor, or generally looking like you’d rather be in bed.
Be aware of your body language and stay focussed throughout, listening
politely to what the interviewer has to say and remaining positive and
enthusiastic. Oh, and conscious. That too.
9. FORGET TO LISTEN
It’s important to wait your turn to speak, and not interrupt your interviewer’s
mid-speech. It might seem like a good idea to express your enthusiasm by
constantly chatting, but only do this when the ball’s in your court. Sit patiently
and listen to what they have to say. The last thing you want is to go on to ask a
question they’ve already answered, or have absolutely no understanding of the
role because you were too busy daydreaming about what you’re going to have
for dinner that evening.
10. FOCUS ON THE MONEY
You want the job because you need money, that’s a given. It’s a life need. But
you should also want it for other reasons like, you know, you’d actually be
good at and/or enjoy it. These are what will impress the interviewer and make
them more likely to consider you. Personal financial issues aren’t an interview
friendly topic either, so keep it professional, and only mention the M word if
your prospective employer asks about salary expectations – and then, be
sensible with what you ask for.
11. APOLOGISE TOO MUCH
Don’t apologise for a lack of experience or an inability to answer a question
straight away, especially if you’re saying ‘sorry’ repeatedly. This will indicate a
lack of confidence and suggest you’re unsure of your capabilities. There are
some things, however, that do need an apology. N.B. accidently calling your
interviewer Mum falls firmly within this category.
12. FAIL TO MAKE EYE CONTACT
Wide-eyed enthusiasm is fine. Wide-eyed staring, not so much. If you do
manage to settle on a non-threatening amount of eye contact, embrace it. It
can be a great way to show respect on both sides and lets the interviewer
knows you’re listening to them, and are confident in what you have to say.
8
Or anything else that implies boredom. You won’t be taken seriously if you’re
constantly yawning, sitting so low in your chair that you’re practically on the
floor, or generally looking like you’d rather be in bed.
Be aware of your body language and stay focussed throughout, listening
politely to what the interviewer has to say and remaining positive and
enthusiastic. Oh, and conscious. That too.
9. FORGET TO LISTEN
It’s important to wait your turn to speak, and not interrupt your interviewer’s
mid-speech. It might seem like a good idea to express your enthusiasm by
constantly chatting, but only do this when the ball’s in your court. Sit patiently
and listen to what they have to say. The last thing you want is to go on to ask a
question they’ve already answered, or have absolutely no understanding of the
role because you were too busy daydreaming about what you’re going to have
for dinner that evening.
10. FOCUS ON THE MONEY
You want the job because you need money, that’s a given. It’s a life need. But
you should also want it for other reasons like, you know, you’d actually be
good at and/or enjoy it. These are what will impress the interviewer and make
them more likely to consider you. Personal financial issues aren’t an interview
friendly topic either, so keep it professional, and only mention the M word if
your prospective employer asks about salary expectations – and then, be
sensible with what you ask for.
11. APOLOGISE TOO MUCH
Don’t apologise for a lack of experience or an inability to answer a question
straight away, especially if you’re saying ‘sorry’ repeatedly. This will indicate a
lack of confidence and suggest you’re unsure of your capabilities. There are
some things, however, that do need an apology. N.B. accidently calling your
interviewer Mum falls firmly within this category.
12. FAIL TO MAKE EYE CONTACT
Wide-eyed enthusiasm is fine. Wide-eyed staring, not so much. If you do
manage to settle on a non-threatening amount of eye contact, embrace it. It
can be a great way to show respect on both sides and lets the interviewer
knows you’re listening to them, and are confident in what you have to say.
8
