​Job searches can be a tough gig. When you land an interview, it’s crucial to ensure you do everything in your power to prepare. The key is authenticity. If you’re pretending to be someone you’re not, it shows. If you’re lying on your CV to boost your profile, you’ll get found out. To increase your chances of receiving a job offer on the back of your interview, be sure to avoid any from the below list of common mistakes.

o A lack of research into the company. In order to be taken seriously need to be up to date with the company, the company’s history, the product / serving they offer etc.

o Lack of understanding of the role on offer. Too many people go into an interview with the expectation that the interviewer will explain the position to them. You
need to gain a deep understanding yourself and have questions ready to go for the interviewer that you have about the role. It’s your prerogative to demonstrate to the interviewer that you understand what is expected in the vacancy.

o  A lack of research into the person / people that are interviewing you. You need to build a rapport with them, research their background – what University they
attended or what career progressions they have had to get to the role they are now in.

o Indicating that you’re only in the interview because you have been unable to achieve what you truly wanted. Usually shown through mistakes in the interview or lying to cover up your true reasons for attending the interview.

o Having a poor demonstration and examples of your own skills and experiences. Not being able to explain and prove your skills and abilities in the interview will
fail to give the interviewers the confidence that you have what it takes to be successful in the role.

o Failing to close the interview. It’s so important to ask for the next steps at the end of the interview. You need to show the potential employer that you’re keen for the process to progress and looking forward to the next steps.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, however, it’s so important that you prepare with such rigor for your interview to be in with a chance of landing a job offer. The competition is fierce, you need to make sure that you take the right steps in order to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate how hungry you are for this job opportunity. If you're looking for help in your job search, get in touch with a member of the Finlay James team.