7 self-sabotages that make you fail miserably in a job interview

When you are looking for a job, not everything is in your hands, but there are many factors that you can control.

Therefore, preparing for interviews is much more than choosing the right outfit and hairstyle. It is convenient to investigate the company, what its employees say about working there, prepare the answers to the potential questions that the recruiter has, etc.

This preparation will help you not to make serious mistakes that will make you fail miserably in the meeting with the recruiter.

In his 20 years as a recruiter, Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry, has seen it all. He learned to identify the most common mistakes made in job interviews.

Based on that, he told CNBC what are the worst mistakes a candidate can make to make the interview a failure.

1. Lying, exaggerating or inflating

If in your CV you say that you have mastered a skill in which you are only a beginner, if you state that you quit a job from which you were fired, if you collaborated on a project but in the interview you say that you led it, you are plain and simple lying.

It is better to tell the truth, despite the fact that it apparently lowers your points to be hired, than to turn the job interview into a lie. For starters, you're probably talking to someone with years of experience dealing with candidates; will know how to detect lies to the league. On the other hand, imagine that you are hired and it turns out that you do not meet expectations; how will you get out of this?

2. being late

Being late for an interview is one of the worst mistakes you can make.

What do you think the interviewer and potential supervisor will think of you if you show up late without warning? It is true that first impressions are full of prejudice, but it is also true that they are very decisive, especially when the interviewer must analyze dozens of candidates in a very short time. If he can cross out a name fast, he'll do it unceremoniously.

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3. Not knowing how to specify your achievements

The interviewer asks if you can elaborate on your previous achievements and milestones. So you smile and say, "I'm a great problem solver" or "I can lead teams." What the interviewer wants are details, specific times when you used that skill.

In today's world of job interviewing, abstractions or generalizations don't cut it. The interviewer will have heard "I'm a great problem solver" about 6 times before lunchtime.

You must be specific for two reasons: to create a more or less clear image of your positive impact on your future company, and to demonstrate to your potential supervisor that you have good communication skills.

Burnison says, "You have to give concrete examples that cover these 4 main areas."

4. Talk a lot or a little

It's a good idea to speak just the right amount when answering the coach's questions

If during the job interview you are surprised with a question that you did not expect, it is very possible that either you stay very quiet and speak little, or you try to fill the silence with a long but noisy speech. Both options are a problem: you must speak fair, be concise and relevant.

"The best way to prepare is to practice," the hiring expert explained, suggesting mock interviews with a friend or mentor to give concise answers in a job interview.

5. Give off despair

Beware of showing desperation. "You will put your own skills or merits in doubt, the interviewer will have a hard time seeing you within their organization, and will think to see reasons why you have not been hired until now."

Practice to naturally emit these non-verbal gestures that denote confidence:

6. Eat or drink during the interview

Do you want to end all your chances of getting a job in 5 seconds? Eating and drinking in the middle of an interview is generally a display of rudeness that will repel many interviewers.

There's an exception to that: "If the front desk or interviewer offers you water or coffee, then take it," recommends Gary Burnison. "In fact, offer to help, as if you've just been invited to a friend's house. Ask where the glasses are or offer to go get some drinks," he said.

7. Not having a plan B

You had agreed to conduct the job interview by video call, but fate wanted your computer to stop working right at that moment. Or you arrive at the offices and discover that, due to an error, the interviewer gave you the wrong time and he is busy. You can't wait because you have other things to do and you leave without giving reception a contact number or asking for the recruiter's cell phone so you can call him later.

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