Regardless of how thoroughly you prepare, interview mistakes can still happen during a job interview process. But they don’t necessarily mean you failed the interview. If you make one of these 4 common missteps, a few key tips to reset can help you manage them.
1.Sending the Wrong Resume
It’s a good idea to have a different version of your resume for each position you apply for. Of course this leads to saving and keeping track of different versions of the same resume, and it increases your chance of sending the wrong one.
What if you do?
If the resume you sent was slightly different from the one you intended, forget about it. But, if there’s a evident difference (like for a completely job), that’s a problem. Try to rebound by quickly expressing regret for not submitting the most relevant one for the position, and attaching the correct document.
If, by chance you get an interview even with the wrong resume, send the correct one to your company contact before your meeting, and distribute the corrected documents to the interviewers when you meet them in person.
2. Appointment Mix-Up
Occasionally you might mix up two interview dates for two different employers – another o the common interview mistakes.
Oh oh…
The employer may think you stood them up and that’s a biggie. So, if you’ve done this you clearly must call ASAP, apologize, and try to recoup your loss. Say you’re sorry for your mix up and request to reschedule. Try to fit the new appointment as conveniently into the interviewer’s schedule as possible.
Admitting your error and making an effort to reschedule with the hiring interviewer might just get you a rescheduled interview.
3. Late for an Interview
Interview lateness may not be your fault completely but it can be one of those pesky interview mistakes that have a bad effect on the interviewer.
So, if you’re stuck in traffic, or you’re lost, your bus is late, or you know you likely won’t make the interview on time, call the interviewer to explain the situation. Don’t leave them wondering where you are.
Don’t make up odd excuses. Accept your delay and apologize. Then try to act calm. The appearance of a flustered, ruffled candidate is not a good one.
4. Missing an Interview Question
Even if you have an excellent answer for every question, when you’re being hit with tough questions, sometimes you can blunder. In fact, everyone does it.
So, if you mess up answering a question, chill, and rephrase your answer. It’s important to recover from a mistake by keeping calm—the interviewer will recognize your and appreciate your efficient recovery.
Remember, one mistake in the interview is fine. Rather than panicking, don’t undermine a positive interview by over-thinking your error.
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