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1. ‘The Unprepared Explorer’: Showing Up Unprepared

Unpreparedness reflects a lack of interest and initiative; it puts you in a bad spot in being unable to answer questions such as:

• What are you looking for in the role?

• Why should we hire you?

You could potentially ruin your professional reputation and any future opportunities with the company.

Try this instead:

Research what the company does–it’s history, business, core values.

Consider and craft your responses related to your background and expertise; get your friends to conduct mock interviews so you can rehearse until you’re confident and ready.

2. ‘The Non-Verbal Ninja’: Poor Body Language

Bad posture, lack of eye contact, and unnecessary fidgeting portrays discomfort, distractedness, and low confidence.

You may seem disinterested or even unprepared to the interviewer, thus losing their attention altogether.

Take note:

A strong first impression is a memorable one, so:

• Dress your best

• Maintain a good posture

• Keep eye contact

• Use non-verbal cues that support your narrative

• Listen to understand every question asked.

3. ‘The Questionless Wonder’: Not Asking Questions

Interviews are two-way conversations. Not asking questions shows you’re unprepared, disorganised, or perceived as a know-it-all.

Such a conversation would be cut short if interviewers don’t get the responses they need to proceed.

Take time to prepare:

• Thought-provoking questions to ask

• Questions about the role you’re interested in

• Who are your potential team members?

• The company culture and what it’s like?

• Growth prospects the role offers

Your effort shows initiative and genuine interest in being a part of the company.

4. ‘The Overconfident Captain’: Careless Confidence

Coming off as overly confident sinks your chances of getting hired or further opportunities. Interviewers want to know about your skillset and accomplishments, and how you can relate to the role. They don‘t want to hear about why you think you can do a better job than they do.

Keep in mind:

Your character is reflected in your interaction with people. Grab ahold of this opportunity to tell your story and value proposition in confidence–it’s okay to discuss your own faults. Include how others have helped you on your journey; though humble, don’t make yourself seem weak.

5. ‘The Follow-Up Forgetter’: Burning Bridges

The interview may or may not work out. But not relaying a word of thanks or expressing your gratitude greatly reflects on your character—the potential attitude you‘d carry if you were to get the role, or maybe shows a loss of interest in what you signed up for.

Why not try this approach:

Be appreciative regardless of the result of the interview.

Send them a thank-you email or note to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest. This leaves a lasting impression of politeness and professionalism. Who knows, someday, you might have yourself to thank for it.

Written by:

Eric Kng, Team Lead

John Lim, Senior Recruitment Consultant

Genevieve Ann, Recruitment Consultant

Christian Tan, Recruitment Consultant

Edited by Destiny Goh, Marketing Communications Executive