Personal Habits You Must Leave Out of Your Job Interview

So, you’ve landed an interview for the position you want. Many will advise to do your homework to succeed, but what does that entail exactly? In paralegal training, success involves learning all the right answers for a test – simple and direct. However, interviews have more complex requirements beyond giving correct answers to a set of legal questions – behavior.

The interviewer either takes to you or they don’t. Given this subjective climate, you want to make the best impression and leave these unwanted habits outside the door:

Whining

Everyone has a tendency to badmouth others, such as an old employer, but it’s a habit best left out of the interview. Complaining about your old boss not only displays a lack of tact, but will not do anything to invite the next one to hire you. Talk about what you learned in your old position and how you can apply them for the new challenges and experiences awaiting.

Swearing

No matter how casual and candid the interview may seem, your choice of words should remain professional at all times.

Sharing TMI

In this case, “too much information” means career plans in the near future, like your dream of going to law school. You can talk about your vision and aspirations if/when hired, but an interview is not the place to do it. Otherwise, you either come off as ambitious or uncommitted – or both. That won’t help if the company plans to keep you for the next five years.

Talking about what you want

People have a habit of focusing on what they want, which would be socially acceptable elsewhere, but inappropriate for a job interview. Your interviewer is supposed to evaluate whether or not you fit the bill, not listen to your pre-judgements. Address your specific requirements only when offered the position.

Rambling

Interviewers often ask applicants personal and informal questions to break the ice. But it’s not an excuse to regale them with your life story. Keep it short and succinct, just enough to keep the atmosphere relaxed and to sustain your likeable persona.

For more advice on how to be effective in your professional challenges, whether as an aspiring paralegal or legal nurse consultant, stay tuned with our blog.