HOW TO LOSE AN INTERVIEW IN 10 STEPS
Don't be late. Because of rain or traffic or car problems or location issues. Just don't be late.
And if you excuse the lateness in your mind because I'm just the recruiter, ask yourself how your recruiter can endorse the attributes you have listed in your resume, including attention to detail, strong relationship building skills and reliability.
Give specific and concise examples to each question. Don't be vague or tell me what you would do in a pretend situation - ie don't start the sentence with 'I would'. I want to know what you (not your team) have actually done.
Maintain eye contact.
Don't pull your resume out so you can remember what you have written re job title or dates - not credible.
Don't use the words 'work/life balance'. With me or the client. The most overused words in an interview over the past 3 years. Work/life balance is aspirational and is earned. If you ask about it in the first interview, it implies you don't work hard. Period.
Speaking of work ethic, don't ask about office hours. If you are a junior candidate, it may be really important to you, but an interview is all about delivering what the client wants. Work ethic is ranked very highly on their list and you must ensure you have ticked that box. Asking about office hours changes that tick to a cross.
Salary expectations should absolutely be discussed with a recruiter, when prompted. It should not be spoken about with the client, unless they raise it.
Great candidates never answer questions with just a yes or no - they always elaborate and look to give as much of their personality as possible.
Try to smile often, work some humour and some empathy or commonality into the conversation. You want me to sell you to my clients - if we have a good relationship, it will be much easier for me to do that.