Congratulations! You made it through the crowd that thronged in at the job opening, and you have been selected to come for an interview. This victory comes with loads of anxiety for the next phase – the meeting.

An interview is a meeting where the hiring manager wants to know if you are the right one for the job. If you want to nail an interview, it’s essential for you to understand what to do and what not.

Below are five things to avoid during your interview;

1. Not Preparing

Luck is when preparation meets with opportunity. It’s tempting to think that the invitation to an interview means you have gotten the job; hence, the decision to go unprepared. If you want to be the lucky one who gets the job, it’s imperative to come prepared and show that you would be a great hire.

2. Coming in late

First impressions are super important, and you shouldn’t make a wrong first impression as this could be detrimental to you getting the job. Not being punctual is the very first wrong impression you make before your arrival. If you want to seal the deal, you should start by getting to the location for your interview about 10-15 minutes earlier.

3. Wrong outfit

Having on a wrong gear is the next buzzer that gives you away as unfit for the job. If indeed you want the job, it’s only right that you dress for it. For example, if it’s a casual job, dress casual and keep it neat. If it’s office work, make your dressing official and elegant all the way.

4. Having a negative body language

Not making eye contact, expressing anger or frustration, using your phone during an interview session makes you appear incredibly awkward, and it passes you off as rude. Expressing confidence and enthusiasm, putting your phone aside and observing manners as mama taught, you will assure the interviewers and hiring manager that you would be a perfect candidate for the job.

5. Not paying attention

You do not want to be caught unaware and sound unprepared, but it would also be a misfortune if you miss out on details or questions for whatever reason. Make sure to be at alert and to pay rapt attention; otherwise, you might come across as someone who would be unfocused on the job.