Interview Red Flags the Panel Might Judge You on!

Did you know that in an interview situations, the answers you give to the interview questions (although important!) aren’t the only thing the panel will be looking at.

Here’s some things to avoid that recruiters will see as interview red flags!

– Lying

It should go without saying that lying during an interview is a huge interview red flag! Yet, candidates still do it, and when they get caught, this immediately remove them from consideration.

– Answering a phone call or text during the interview

Really we hear you say? Yes really! Some candidates have actually done this, and it’s a guaranteed way to ruin a job interview is to answer a call or text in the middle of it. Checking your phone during an interview sends the message that you don’t take the interview seriously and shows a lack of respect for your interviewer and his or her time. Take temptation out of the way entirely by turning your phone off or silencing it before you start the interview. (Don’t simply put it on vibrate, either. That’s not fooling anyone.)

– Appearing Arrogant

While you should be ready and able to discuss your professional accomplishments and what makes you stand out, there’s a fine line between boasting and bragging. Also remember that no one owes you a job, no matter how well qualified you are. Remember your manners and show them that you appreciate their time with a simple but genuine “thank you.”

– Dressing inappropriately

Wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose, too dressy or too casual, or wearing brands and logos in professional settings is a no go. But before you accuse your interviewer of playing fashion police instead of interviewing you about your skills, remember why they  care about your appearance: They’re evaluating your judgment and how you’d appear to customers. Do you show you can fit in with their airline culture? Are you there to bring professionalism? Dress the part.

– Blaming others for your mistakes

Recruiters are completely turned off by a candidate who appears to have a lack of accountability. Often, interviewers ask about difficulties you’ve encountered in the workplace. But if your answers involve placing blame on others without taking any ownership for your own actions, it can be perceived as a lack of maturity and self-awareness, as well as an inability to work well with others.

– Not smiling, or making eye contact

Failing to make eye contact is one of the biggest body language mistakes job candidates make. This could be because not looking someone in the eye can appear as if you’re trying to hide something and are therefore untrustworthy. Failing to smile, aside from giving off the impression that you’re cold or standoffish, can also tell the panel that you’d rather be anywhere else.

– Playing with something on the table

This is surprisingly common, and a massive bugbear for recruiters! Not only is it quite immature behaviour, it shows a complete lack of interest in the interview – and disrespect for the manager’s time.

– Fidgeting too much in your seat

Is there some place more important you have to be? This is the message you send hiring managers when you fidget too much in your seat – and the panel may seriously reconsider you as a potential hire.

– Crossing your arms over your chest.

Did the interviewer say something to offend you? Is someone forcing you to be there? Are you unhappy with something? These are the messages you might be sending with your arms crossed over your chest. It’s no wonder many recruiters find this gesture very off-putting.