I coach people daily on interview techniques and etiquette and yet I know I would dread the prospects of an interview. However, when the end goal is a job that you really want, you need to put your best foot forward and not leave anything behind you in the interview room.

An interesting point is that most hiring decisions are made within the first two minutes of meeting the candidate. If you start off on the wrong foot it is extremely difficult to turn the hiring manager’s opinion and generally you will find that you’re overselling yourself as a result.

You can come out of an interview thinking “I’ve said the wrong thing” or “I should have expanded more on that point” but the truth of the matter is you can lose an interview before opening your mouth. Below are three reasons why certain candidates weren’t successful in progressing in the interview process…before they even spoke a word:

1) Arriving too early or too late

Striking the right time balance is critical when going to an interview.

• You wouldn’t show up to a date 30 minutes before you’ve arranged, so why would it be appropriate to show up to an interview that early? Hiring managers out of courtesy don’t like to see people waiting so you might put unwanted pressure on them to come out to you even if they aren’t ready or prepared.
   
• Likewise you don’t want to arrive too late or bang on the minute that you’ve scheduled. If you are struggling to make an interview on time, what confidence do you think that will give the hiring manager that you will be punctual for work day in day out? Likewise from your perspective, you will probably be flustered and won’t have time to gather your thoughts.

2) Bad handshake

A limp handshake is one of the most off-putting in the business. It shows little conviction and doesn’t portray the greatest self confidence. Likewise, you don’t want to leave the hiring manager squirming in pain by a too tight or too strong a handshake. Think about it; if you become an employee you will also become a representative of that company/their brand.

Hiring managers want to be confident that an employee of theirs creates the most positive first impression of their business. A firm handshake with good eye contact is what hiring managers are looking to see on first greeting.

3) Inappropriate interview attire

If in doubt, wear a suit. You might feel stuffy and out of place when employees are going around in jeans and tops but you aren’t one of them…yet! When wearing a suit, please go the whole hog and tie your top button and do your tie up nice and neat. Attention to detail is paramount in any role and an open top button can come across as sloppy. Regarding makeup and jewellery, of course you can wear both but keep it to a minimum. Heavy eye make-up or big costume jewellery can be off putting to those conducting your screening.

Interview dress code: The essential do’s and don’ts »