By Kehinde Okeowo

The manner in which Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 27.1% in the second quarter of 2020 is an indicator of how difficult it is for Nigerians to be gainfully employed especially in this era of covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, with the extremely competitive labor market, job seekers are left with little or no room for avoidable job interview slips. Unfortunately, some of these mistakes are made without realizing them and many of them are more common than many think. Consequently, it is essential to take time to prepare before interview so that a candidate does not stress out about blunders after.

Here are some common job interview mistakes Nigerians make:

Late Arrival

Everyone knows that first impressions are very important in landing a job. Running late not only suggests poor time management skills, but shows lack of respect for the company, the position, and even the interviewer. A candidate should ensure that he/she goes the extra length to make sure that he/she arrives on time or even early. Generally, late arrival may lead to forfeiture of job opportunity.  

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Improper dressing

When being interviewed for a job, it’s imperative for a job seeker to look professional and polished. Although your attire may vary based on the position you’re applying for, most times, except otherwise advised, wear formal English dress to an interview. You may also call to inquire about the type of dress you are expected to wear. In all, it is important to look well-dressed and put together.

Using your phone during an interview

Before you get to your interview, silence your phone. Making and answering calls or receiving and sending text messages during your interview is not only rude and disruptive; it is a clear message to your potential employer that getting the job is not your top priority. To resist the temptation to check your phone, leave it in your bag. If you accidentally forget to turn it off, resist the temptation to check it, if you get a message or call.

Lack of background check on hiring organization

It is very important to do some research about your prospective employer before your interview. Background information including company history, locations, divisions and a mission statement are available in an “About Us” section on most company websites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to freshen your memory. Also check the company’s social media apparatus such as Facebook page, and Twitter feed, if they have one.

Poor knowledge of resume facts and falsification

Make sure you are familiar with the information you need to complete a job application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information. It’s understandable that some of your older experiences may be hard to recall. Review the facts before your interview. If you need to, take the time to recreate your employment history, so your resume is accurate. Do not forge any facts on your resume. The more truthful you are, the more acquainted you are with it your resume.

Not paying attention

Make sure you are well-rested, alert, and prepared. Getting distracted and missing a question looks bad on your part. If you lose concentration, your potential employer will wonder how you will be able to stay focused on the job, if you can’t even focus during one interview. If you feel your attention slipping away, maintain eye contact, lean forward slightly when talking to your interviewer and make an active effort to listen effectively.

Bringing a drink with you

Make sure you finish drinking the coffee, soda, or water before you enter your interview room. Not only is it unprofessional to enter with a drink, fiddling with the cup or bottle may distract you and make you miss important questions. And although, it may be a relatively unlikely, bringing a drink into your interview also gives room for unsightly accidents such as spilling the drink on the desk, on you, or even your interviewer.

Talking too much 

There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on. The interviewer really doesn’t need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers concise and don’t ramble. Don’t get sidetracked and start talking about your personal life, your spouse, your home life or your children. Always remember that no matter how warm or welcoming your interviewer may be, an interview is a professional situation not a personal one.

Lack of preparation

Not demonstrating a working knowledge of the role or providing clear examples of your past performance makes it seem you are not ready. Interviewers tend to ask the same fundamental questions about your background, skills, interest in the company and why you think it you a good fit. At minimum, read up on the company and prepare a few report about projects you successfully completed. Not having any questions prepared signals you do not care, are not curious, or haven’t done your homework.

Uncomplimentary remarks about past employers

Avoid making derogatory remarks about former boss, co-workers or organization. It’s sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don’t know who your interviewer might know. You also don’t want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren’t the best. When being interviewed for a job, you want your employer to know that you handle conflicts in a mature way.

Making mistakes at job interview is part of learning process and not always doom and gloom. Sometimes, you may be able to win over the employer to reconsider you. Not all employers have the time or resources for a “do-over,” and you might be lucky to find one who does understand that everyone can have a bad day. If you think you did not perform creditably in an interview, take the time to reach your interviewer through an email or text message explaining your circumstances and thanking him or her organization for the opportunity given to you. You just might be lucky.

*Additional report from the balancedcareers