Five mistakes you should not make at job interviews

This post came out from The Straits Times (8 March 2016)
Title - Five mistakes you should not make at job interviews

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Talking about salary and staff benefits too soon
2. Complaining
3. Focusing too much on the job title
4. Asking irrelevant questions
5. Criticising other candidates

On Talking about salary and staff benefits too soon

• Do not be hasty when it comes to the salary discussion and staff benefits. You may come across as presumptuous and taking it for granted that the interviewer is keen to hire you. Wait for the employer to mention the subject. It is appropriate to talk about the pay only when you have convinced the hiring manager that you are an ideal candidate. 

On Complaining

• When asked the reasons for your departure from your previous job, steer clear of negative comments about the working experience. You should let the interviewer know what you are capable of contributing. Don't say anything negative about your former employer, workplace or ex-colleagues. 
• Focus on the positive aspects of the role you applied for and the company you applied to. But there is a need to strike a balance between being authentic and overly positive. An 'overly positive' candidate can come across as insincere or evasive.
• Reflect on what you have learnt about your own preferences and strengths from working in your previous company. Instead of complaining, adopt a more reflective attitude.

On Focusing too much on the job title

• Strike a balance between the position and the company. Avoid focusing solely on the role and title, and neglecting to explain why you are keen to be part of the organisation. Doing so gives an impression that you do not really want to join the company specifically, but merely using the company as a stepping stone to acquire a more senior title.

On Asking irrelevant questions

• Avoiding asking questions that have already been answered on the company's website. You may come across as being too lazy or negligent to conduct basic research before the interview.
• Ask questions that show you are genuinely keen to be part of the company. Be interested to learn more even after doing ample research and keeping up with the organisation's developments. Demonstrate a passion for the field or position you have applied for. 
• Asking questions about projected industry trends, or how the latest industry news will impact the organisation or department, are ideal. Some organisations may not just want candidates who have what it takes to complete the job. Instead, they may be looking for people who have a strong desire to be part of the organisation or make the effort to go the extra mile. 

On Criticising other candidates

• During group interviews, which are commonly held for fresh graduates or management trainees, do not put down other interviewees. Spare a thought for others in the interview. They may eventually become your future colleagues. Although you should have your own voice and opinion, be open and listen to others' perspectives. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big