Five Things Not to Do in a Job Interview

(Casually dressed guy playing it too cool. Photo credit: Billy Wuot)

1.       Don't critique the technical approach of the organization you're interviewing with. People do this all the time, believe it or not. I think they are trying to demonstrate the depth of their technical knowledge and show they researched the organization. It's still a mistake. Your interviewer most likely takes pride in the organization, and your critique will not be appreciated.

2.       Don't highlight your own flaws. I used to do this myself, to show how fair and honest I was. Now I know it just made me look like I didn't want the job.

3.       Don't overstate your technical skills. If they hire you thinking you can use SPSS or train midwives to insert IUDs, and you can't, people will notice quickly, the organization will suffer, and you'll get fired. Faking it more dangerous in global health, where human lives depend on your skills. Focus on the skills you really do have; you want a job that will make use of them, not a job where you'll be constantly faking it and possibly harm people.

4.       Don't play it cool. I know I said that different organizations have different cultures, but everyone wants employees who care about their work. Given the choice between two equally qualified candidates, I'll always take the one who is really excited about the job.

An actual example, contributed by Drew Conway via twitter. When asked why he wanted the job, the applicant answered "I don't really know; it was something people told me I should apply to." Drew's response was "You are not getting this job, and a bit of advice: In the future, only apply to ones for which you CAN answer that question."

5.       Don't be too casual. I once suggested a friend of mine as a consultant for an agriculture project. He rolled into the interview in jeans, and treated everyone like old college buddies. It made my colleagues feel like he wasn't taking us seriously. It's easy to see a laid-back office and people wearing jeans and act too casually. That's an error. This is still a job interview. You are still being evaluated. They want to see your A game, and that includes formality.

If you get the job -whatever it is - there will be times when you need to meet with a local government official, an important donor, or the media. You'll need to act like an adult. Your interview is your chance to show that.

I am sure I missed things. Anyone have other suggestions for what not to do?