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Tracks Employment - The biggest mistakes you might be making in your job interviews

TRACKS Employment Services shares the keys to a strong interview
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The concept of a job interview is an old one. We have all been through it.

In the excitement of being considered, we can sometimes forget the importance that preparation plays in the success of the interview. Or, we over-prepare, become nervous, lose our ability to think on our feet, and fail to present ourselves in the way we had hoped. 

“Interviews can be stressful for everyone involved, especially the job seeker,” says Karey Castro, Resource & Information at TRACKS Employment Services located in Collingwood, Ontario. “There are many ways to prepare for an interview, but there are also some mistakes that you can avoid to increase your chances of landing the job.”

  • You talk too much – or not enough. In any interview, the interviewer will be listening for keywords that help them to understand your personality and work style. If you talk too much, you may be perceived as being overly chatty or as not being confident in your own abilities. On the other hand, if you don't answer the interviewer with enough information and energy, they may think that you are not interested or not a good fit for the position.
     
  • You speak negatively about past positions. While it is important to be honest in your answers, be careful not to discuss past job experiences in a way that can be seen as negative or harmful. Focus on the positive aspects of the position and the skills that you learned. If the role did end on the wrong foot, try to discuss how you dealt with the situation and what you learned from it.
     
  • You dress too casually. Whether the job you’re applying for has a dress code or not, you should always dress professionally for an interview. Not only will this help you to feel more confident, but it will give you the best first impression possible. While you don't want to wear a suit to an interview for a job in a warehouse, you should always dress in a way that shows you take the position seriously.
     
  • You fail to connect on a personal level. When there are many candidates applying for a position, the interviewers will often ask questions that will help them to get to know the real you. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd. 

“Don’t forget to follow up on your interview, whether it is through a thank-you email or phone call,” says Castro, “and keep in mind that the interview isn’t over until you walk out of the building.”

TRACKS offers free, confidential career advice and information to anyone looking for a job in the Collingwood area.

Our employment counsellors can help with resumes, job search strategies, and even offer interview coaching. We also offer a variety of job search workshops.

Contact us today!