8 Dumb Interview Mistakes New Grads Make

Home Just Getting Started College After 8 Dumb Interview Mistakes New Grads Make

In a recent CareerBuilder poll, more than 3,000 hiring managers and HR professionals were asked to identify the biggest mistakes new college graduates make during the application and interview process. Based on the percentage of respondents who gave each answer, these are the top 8 dumb interview mistakes among new grads (not to mention a few other age groups...ahem). Don't make the same job interview mistakes many college graduates make. Learn from this list, make notes, and prepare yourself!

Business Woman Sitting at Desk photo from Shutterstock

1. Acting bored or cocky (69%) - This sounds familiar. We had someone interviewing at Pongo recently who seemed pretty good, but two or three people used the word "cocky" to describe the person's attitude. (Our managers, like those at many companies, solicit opinions from everybody who comes in contact with a job candidate, not just those in the interview room.) If you're a new grad, it's important to realize that you may have been the coolest kid on campus a few months ago, but today you're an unproven beginner. A positive, respectful attitude is one way to set yourself apart. Confident = good. Cocky = bad.
   
   
2. Not dressing appropriately (65%) - Your interview attire, like your attitude, says a lot about whether you're serious about proving yourself, or just think you're entitled to the job because you're you. Your clothing should be clean, pressed, and modest. As they say in middle school, no visible boxers, bellies, or boobs.
   
   
3. Coming to the interview with no knowledge of the company (59%) - There's no excuse for not researching an organization that's considering hiring you. They have a website; use it to learn what they do, who they are, and what they specialize in. Google the executives' names (after all, they'll be Googling you; see #8, below).
   
   
4. Not turning off cell phones or electronic devices (57%) - Frankly, I'm surprised this isn't No. 1. If you accidentally leave your phone on and it rings during the interview, don't get flustered and start babbling, "OMG, I can't believe I did that!" Offer a brief, sincere apology, turn off the phone (without checking who it is), and then carry on professionally as if nothing happened.
   
   
5. Not asking good questions during the interview (50%) - If you don't ask anything, you must not be interested. That's what the hiring manager will assume. This is a place where you supposedly want to spend most of your waking hours for the next couple years or more. You must want to know something. Besides, there are certain questions you should always ask.
   
   
6. Asking what the pay is before the company considered them for the job (39%) -Mentioning salary in a first interview is like asking your crush what s/he plans to spend on you during your relationship before you've even agreed on a second date. You have to flirt and make sure they're attracted to you before you ask about a financial commitment. (No, not literally! That'd be a whole other dumb move.)
   
   
7. Spamming employers with the same resume and/or cover letter (23%) - This guy John really, really wants to work for Company A, so he applies for every job opening Company A posts, whether he's qualified or not. Annoyed by John's never-ending resume spam, Company A's recruiters unofficially blacklist him (although if asked, they'll deny it). Don't be like John. Tailor your resume for the one or two jobs at your target company that align with your skills.
   
   
8. Failure to remove unprofessional photos/content from social networking pages, Web pages, blogs, etc. (20%) - Dude, you will be Googled. Employers today use every means at their disposal to uncover red flags that might foretell a bad hire. So, hide all Internet evidence of your past (and present) indiscretions.

The transition from college to the real world is tough, and our mistakes are good teachers. Committing one of these eight blunders doesn't mean you're doomed, nor does avoiding them guarantee you'll get the job. But generally speaking, it's fair to say less dumb moves leads to more job offers.

New Grad Life is the only blog solely dedicated to providing free resources to recent college graduates or soon-to-be grads for topics such as job hunting, resume/interview help, networking tips, money management, and more. New Grad Life's mission is to equip as many college grads as they can with the best educational tools to allow them to start their careers ambitious, prepared, and confident. Visit them at newgradlife.blogspot.com.

Take the Next Step:

• For more on life after college, please click here.
• Visit Just Getting Started where you'll find information that will help you to build a foundation for a great financial future.

Share your thoughts about this article with the editor: Click Here

Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.

Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805

"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.

Also In This Week's Issue

• How to handle your parents moving in with you
• 7 tips for renters
• 9 reasons your credit card was declined
• Filing Ch. 7 on your own? Avoid these mistakes
• How to pay debt while improving credit score
• Avoid making this common investing mistake
• Life insurance from marriage into midlife
• Affordable life insurance after 50? Or 60?
• How to track unclaimed life insurance money
• How to quickly boost your credit score
• Why good manners can boost financial success
• When it's OK to tap your IRA

In The Dollar Stretcher Community

• Homemade smoothies
• Dollar Stretching Recipes: Slow cooker refried beans

Reader Favorites

• Cleaning fiberglass showers
• Grandma's beauty secrets
• Why use a pressure cooker
• Make money at the farmers market
• Easy desserts