When interviewing for a job candidates should try their best in everything, but too much and too little could lead you to a strong spin on things, something that triggers a negative reply. Here are some of the most common pet peeves of interviewers along with hints on how to avoid them.
Smells:
Too much body spray or cologne could be bad. It can be over barring, and not everyone likes a certain smell, so don’t over-do it. Author Pat Riley has a pet peeve story to relate to, “A woman who doused herself with perfume, which was the same as his ex-girlfriend used to wear, before stepping into a small interview booth. The perfume was overpowering and brought back bad memories. Preparing for an interview isn’t like preparing for a date.”
Communication and be short of of focus:
Too little can leave the interviewer annoyed. You want to stay focused on the questions asked and not go off topic. They want to get down to business but a little fun never hurt anyone either. Answer in your own way, only taking a few minutes, but don’t tell a story that leads you out the door. They want you to think of the whole picture and when available relate back to other questions.
Averting your eyes:
Nonverbal communication is a turn off to many interviewers. Don’t be intimidated, make eye contact and don’t look down and everywhere but the interviewer. If you’re uncomfortable looking into somebody’s eyes look in their third eye above and between the eyes.
Watching your language:
It’s always good and shows more intelligence when you speak like you know what you’re doing and be articulate. Speaking in slang or “street talk” isn’t bad but it’s informal and unimpressive around the office. Using words like “um, uh, like, and” too many times seem to lose the attention of the interviewer.
Deception:
Interviewers reported that their major peeve is when candidates are not truthful. Small lies big lies, whatever it is will most likely be discovered one way or the other. No being honest about important information, accomplishments, hiding your past. Being honest is a great way to build during an interview.
