The job interview mistake worse than turning up late

Turning up late to a job interview will do you no favours – but employers say this behaviour is an even bigger no-no.

Showing enthusiasm in a job interview is even more important than being on time.

New research from job site Indeed reveals 61 per cent of employers are turned off by a lack of keenness from the jobseeker – more than those unimpressed by lateness (54 per cent), low preparation (53 per cent) or discrepancies between the jobseeker’s resume and how they present at the interview (52 per cent).

Indeed career insights specialist Kate Furey says showing excitement about a company or role during a job interview not only makes a jobseeker more memorable but illustrates they bring a positive and motivated attitude to the table.

“(They) also demonstrate an invested personal interest in achieving success both personally and for the organisation,” she says.

“Enthusiasm shows an applicant is passionate about their work and wants to contribute.”

Positive body language is one way to show enthusiasm. Picture: iStock

So how can we make sure interviewers see our excitement?

BODY LANGUAGE AND TONE

This is important in any interview – but especially so if you are meeting over video call.

Research from Indeed shows that 27 per cent of recruiters continue to prefer conducting job interviews through an online video meeting platform, such as Zoom, due to convenience and flexibility.

“If you’re trying to convey your enthusiasm on a Zoom call, you’ll need to lean heavily on your tone of voice, facial expressions and hand gestures,” Furey says.

“Consider adding more inflections in your voice, to avoid sounding flat.

“Having a varied cadence to the way you speak helps inject what you’re saying with added emphasis and character.

“Showing signs of active listening such as nodding along when someone is speaking, smiling, and maintaining good posture are all indicators that you’re interested and invested in the conversation.”

In person, Hender Careers general manager Michelle Bentley recommends good eye contact and sitting upright to give a sense of engagement and attentiveness.

She also advises remembering and using the names of the interviewers.

KNOW THE FACTS

Arm yourself with information about the organisation before the interview, Furey says.

“Take the time to review their website and social media channels in advance,” she says. “By doing this, you will be able to refer to interesting facts you’ve learned about the business, programs you’re excited about, or things you’d like to be included in.”

HAVE SOME QUESTIONS

Furey recommends asking for more information about the role, about what you would be doing day to day, about the training available, for clarity on goals and expectations, and about the potential to grow and develop within the organisation.

“Asking questions shows that you’ve given real thought to how you might tackle the responsibilities of the role and fit into the organisation,” she says.

Hender Careers’ Michelle Bentley recommends sitting upright to show you are engaged. Picture: Sarah Reed

Bentley shares some examples of good questions to raise at the end of your interview:

● “How has Covid impacted your organisation and staff?”

● “Where do you see the business in the next three to five years, particularly given the current challenging business context?”

● “How would you/your staff describe the team or organisational culture?”

● “Is there something in particular you seek for the appointed person to deliver on in the next six to 12 months?”

● “From our discussion I get a good sense about my fit for the role and business, but is there anything else you’d like to know about me or my experience?”

● “If I am selected as the preferred candidate, when would you like me to start? I’m confident I can meet your timeline.

REACT WITH INTEREST

If you hear something interesting while talking with the interviewer, then say so.

“Phrases like, ‘That’s really exciting to me’, ‘I’m really passionate about that because ...’, ‘The way you describe the culture sounds great’, or ‘That sounds like something I want to be part of’, are all ways of demonstrating that you’re excited about the role and are eager to join the team,” Furey says.

FOLLOW UP

Bentley says it is important to thank the interviewers for their time at the end of the interview.

“The next day, send a brief thank you email,” she says.

Lighthouse Foundation's Kaitlyn Spears stood out from other candidates because of her optimism and passion. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Kaitlyn Spears, 27, believes her enthusiasm played a part in landing her role as marketing and community manager at Lighthouse Foundation, which provides homes and care programs to children and young people affected by long-term neglect, abuse and homelessness.

“Being authentic with your enthusiasm is key, so I try and find things within the organisation or job description that genuinely appeal to my interests and career development,” the Melbourne resident says.

“Whether you’re naturally energetic or thoughtfully positive, how you demonstrate your interest in the role will be a representation of the unique outlook and energy you bring to the team.

“I think positivity is really important as it shows that when things are challenging you can still see the good through what might be a really complex or difficult situation.”