For most people, job interviews don’t happen that often. If you’re just starting to look, you may feel that the last one was ages ago. If you’ve been looking recently, chances are still feel new at it. Interviews just don’t happen often enough for people to get experienced at it!

As you interview, you want to avoid mistakes that are all too common. Here are the top 4 to stay away from.

1) Getting there late

Always get to an interview about 10 minutes before the time it’s scheduled to start. Lateness may lose you the job. Employers assume that the way you act on an interview is the way you act all the time. They don’t want employees getting in late to work every day.

It’s a good idea not only to plan how you’ll get there, but to take a trial run a few days before hand. That way, you’ll know how long it actually takes, not what your GPS says. Sometimes there’s a big difference.

2) Mistakes on a resume or application

Be sure to double-check all the information you’re putting on a resume or application. It needs to be accurate. You may enter or type “2012” as the starting date of a past job, when really you started in 2014. An employer checking your old employer might think a) you tend to be inaccurate or b) you’re trying to make it seem like you worked there longer than you did. Neither is good.

Double check all the information. Make sure it’s free of typographical errors also. Have a relative or friend read it as a second pair of eyes.

3) Not dressing appropriately

Interviews are different than daily life. Job applicants often need to dress better than what might be expected on the job. It’s a good idea to dress one step better than daily job wear. If you’re not sure about what to wear, ask a human resources representative.

4) Being critical of past supervisors or companies

If you’re asked what you left your past job, or how you felt about the supervisor or company, never, never say negative or critical things. Employers might assume you will do the same to them.

Always stress the positives of the potential new position and what skills you bring. Turn it around so that you say something like “even though Company X went through a lot of challenges in its production department, I learned many skills there that I’m excited to put to work for Your Company.” Then talk about those skills and what you can bring to the job you’re interviewing for.

Are you looking for your next opportunity?

We can help you find the best job for you. Stride Staffing’s goal is to build stronger connections between employers and individuals by doing staffing differently. Really. Contact us today for staffing agencies in Arlington, Dallas, Mesquite, DeSoto, and Richardson, Texas.