Get The Job You Want By Avoiding These 7 Interview Mistakes
My mom has a really bad habit of calling and texting me repeatedly when it is not a real emergency. As much as I love her, sometimes she calls at the worst time. One time of which was while I was interviewing for a job that would’ve increased my salary like no other.
On the day of my interview, I arrived casket-sharp with my resume on point and my hair styled perfectly. I looked like the next CEO of somebody’s company, and I studied the company and position enough to be one. Before I walked into the building, I turned my phone on low and on vibrate and confidently walked in. During the interview, I answered questions well and I was very charming. However, during my interview response on my strategy for my first 90 days, my phone went into a loud buzzing mode and I could not get it out of my pad-folio to shut it off. Meanwhile, the interviewer looked at me annoyingly as I nervously wrestled with my pad-folio. When I couldn’t get it out, I tried to talk loudly over the vibration, but then I just sounded loud and dumb. Morale of the story: Don’t make the same interview mistake that I did. Turn off your phone ahead of time (and tell ma’ to stop calling so much!).
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As both the interviewee and interviewer, I have made so many stupid mistakes and I have seen other people make mistakes that make mine look normal. The next time you are up for a job, be sure to not make the same mistakes below:
1. Avoid smoking right before the interview
I’m not a smoker, but I know that for some people having a puff can help calm their nerves (or may just be a way of life for them). Nonetheless, every person is not immune to the smell of smoke and some even can’t stand the smell of it. When you walk into the interview, you do not want to be remembered as the person that had an odor.
2. Don’t text and scroll on Facebook
It is always proper etiquette to show up for an interview at least 10 to 15 minutes in advance. During your minutes of waiting to be interviewed, it can be so tempting to pull out your phone and see what’s on Facebook or any other social network. Although it is tempting, you have to resist it and stray away from scrolling on your phone. It simply looks unprofessional and honestly, there are more productive things that you can do while you wait.
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3. Choose comfort over cuteness
If you are like me, you live for a good heel. Just like the saying, everything that glitters isn’t gold, every heel that is cute isn’t comfortable. It doesn’t matter if you are prancing around in six inch heels or kitten heels, if a shoe isn’t comfortable, it just isn’t. Days before your interview, test out the shoes you are planning to wear to see how relaxing they are. While you are at in the company’s building, you don’t want to be caught removing your heels for your comfy flip flops.
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4. Try to not to do the nervous twist
Often when people are nervous they may tap their pen or swivel around in their chair. Before the interview, do a mock interview with family and friends to help ease your nerves. Also, do your research and study ahead of time and that will help eliminate feelings of inadequateness or nervousness as well. If you are nervous in an interview and move around in your chair often, the interviewer will be more focused on your next move instead of what is coming out of your mouth.
5. Don’t curse like a sailor
When you interview, you should definitely find a way to be comfortable - but don’t get too comfortable where you unconsciously forget boundaries and levels of professionalism. I interviewed someone once that said “damn” more times than I have ever heard. The dude was really relaxed and I don’t think he even realized the words that were coming out of his mouth.
6. The interviewers are not your friend, so don’t treat them as such
I interviewed at one place where the people interviewing me were really young and seemed down to earth. During the interview phase where we all ate lunch together, I became really comfortable and my professionalism decreased. Because the interviewers were really laid back, I unknowingly started treating them like they were my friend and it began to feel like I was just having a casual Chipotle lunch with my good friends. After the interview, I was of course not hired and was still jobless.
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7. Don’t be a stuck-up diva
People like to work with people that they like. Even more, people like to work with people that are friendly and have positive attitudes. When you are interviewing and enter into the building, smile and be cordial. Speak to people that you see and as you are waiting in the lobby, feel free to spark a friendly conversation with the secretary (if he or she doesn’t appear to be too busy). No one likes to be around people with diva-ish attitudes so change your language and attitude.
What other mistakes have you made that you wish didn’t make? Share with us below!
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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6 Spring Events To Boost Your Professional And Social Networks
When spring arrives, we all want to be outside, looking fabulous, and back to socializing. And now is the perfect time to add a few great events to your calendar to get you through the quarter in order to make new friends, build new partnerships, and talk new opportunities to level up.
Spring is a high season for networking and social events for Black women, with many organizations and event entrepreneurs booking prime locations and offering dynamic experiences that you can maximize in whatever way possible. Write down your goals, and get out there. Start with a few of these events between now and the start of summer:
New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, April 23 - May 3
The New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival is a 10-day event held over two weekends, bringing together thousands of musicians, craftspeople, and food lovers to share in common threads of culture in the heart of New Orleans. You'll get to enjoy works by artisans local to Louisiana as well as from across the U.S. and around the world.
Black Food Truck Festival, April 26-28
Hosted in Charleston, S.C., the Black Food Truck Festival includes an opening party, access to more than two dozen food truck vendors, and a time to workout with other attendees. Charleston has long been known as a Southern foodie destination, with global recognition due to James Beard-awarded chefs heading popular restaurants there and a renewed focus on Gullah and Geechee culture and food in the region. And what better conversation ice-breaker than to talk about food with a new acquaintance?
Black Women's Mental Health Conference, May 4
Hosted by New York University, this is a one-day event to tackle issues of mental wellness and health that uniquely affect Black women and girls. The keynote speaker for this year is Kim Young, MSW, LCSW, founder of Dope Black Social Worker® and host of the podcast Revolutionary Hoodrat, and leading licensed professionals in the field will offer their insights and share their experiences. And, of course, no college-led event is without time blocked specifically for networking.
Strength of a Woman Festival, May 11-12
Anything with Mary J. Blige headlining or leading is a win, especially if we're talking about women's empowerment and enjoyment. This event will be held in New York City, and beyond the performances from some of our favorites like Muni Long, Jill Scott, and The Clark Sisters, there will be a Gospel Brunch. And even if you're not able to attend or concerts aren't your thing, just being in the city during that time will mean you're bound to run into plenty of other women to network with at local bars and restaurants nearby.
Carefree Black Girl Cookout, May 4
Held in the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., this is a day festival amplifying the voices and brands of Black women entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives. There will be vendors, glam and beauty bars, and complimentary meals for the first hour (according to the platform's website). They're hosting another cookout in Philadelphia on May 25.
Black Women Leading Live, May 13-16
Touted as an “intimate retreat + conference,” this Virginia Beach, VA event will be held on a resort and is offering a professional development experience led by Laura Knights, founder of the Black Woman Leading® program and podcast. It’s an ideal fit if you’re a mid-level or senior professional, as the topics and approach are set to cater to those levels of career experience, with coaches and speakers pouring into attendees with a holistic approach.
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