Landing a job interview is often an exciting experience. You know you need to put your best foot forward so you can secure the welding job you had your eye on, but sometimes that is easier said than done. Certain mistakes can cost you a coveted position, making it vital that you avoid them at all costs. To help you do just that, here are some common job interview mistakes with tips on how to prevent them.

Being Late

First impressions are incredibly important, and being late to an interview automatically sets you back before you’ve even had a chance to say hello to the hiring manager. Not being on time suggests a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time, poor time management skills, or a lack of interest in the role, all of which hurt your odds of being selected significantly.

The easiest way to avoid this is to give yourself more than enough time to arrive for your scheduled appointment. Plan for a worst-case scenario, such as heavy traffic or another unexpected delay, with the intention of coming into the parking lot at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. If you are too early, you can always wait in your car and review the job description or practice some common interview questions.

Dressing Inappropriately

Since a welding role doesn’t call for a business suit, some job seekers assume that they can dress fairly casually when going in for an interview. However, not dressing formal enough can cost you.

Ideally, welders should select an outfit that qualifies as business casual. This can include slacks and a button-up shirt (with a tie being optional), a skirt and a blouse, or something similar. Adding a blazer can make you look sharp without the formality of a suit and tie, so that is a suitable option as well. However, even a nice sweater can work, as long as it falls in the business casual category.

Using Your Phone

Once an interview begins, the hiring manager deserves your undivided attention. That means you should silence your phone before you even enter the building. Having your phone go off or (even worse) answering a call or message isn’t going to leave a positive impression on the interviewer, so it’s best to eliminate the temptation by setting your phone to silent or simply turning it off.

Being Ill Prepared

Before every interview, you need to prepare, even if you’ve been a welder for quite some time. This includes going over the job description, practicing answers to common questions, and doing some basic research about the company. Particular topics in these areas are almost guaranteed to arise and, if you aren’t ready to answer them, you may be more likely to stumble as you respond.

As they say, practice makes perfect, so being thorough when you prepare is vital if you want to land the job.
If you are looking for a new welding position, the professionals at CPS Recruitment can connect you with some of today’s leading employers. Contact us today to see how our services can help you find your ideal welding job.