Outdated Interview Advice to Ignore

Preparing for a job interview is a nerve-racking process, and it can feel even more stressful when you're trying to balance all of the unsolicited yet well-intentioned advice that people in your life give you. 

If you're not sure how to differentiate the bad interview advice from the good, then you've come to the right place! Continue reading for job interview advice to ignore and what you should do instead.

Bad Advice for Interviews

Below are some common pieces of advice you're likely to hear when preparing for your next job interview, and the advice you should follow instead.

"Don't Discuss Salary"

Some of your friends or family members may tell you not to talk about money during your job interview because it will give the impression that you care about the paycheck more than the company. 

Good Interview Advice:

In reality, conversations around salary are essential early in the interview process to honor everyone's time. While you should be sure to bring the topic up when appropriate, salary should be discussed during the first or second interview.

Prepare ahead by researching average salaries for your role in your location using resources like iHire’s Salary Research Tool, Payscale, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Always aim to get a number from the employer first, but also be prepared to offer a pay range. Consider the lowest amount you're willing to accept and which benefits aside from pay are essential to you. If the company can't meet your needs, then it's best not to continue the interview process.

"Arrive as Early as Possible"

The age-old advice that you should arrive early to a job interview is essential to show that you're reliable and take the interviewer's time seriously, but showing up too early could have unintended consequences. 

Good Interview Advice:

You should show up for your job interview 15 minutes early. This signals that you prioritize punctuality without appearing desperate or inconveniencing others. 

Showing up too early to an interview is almost as inconsiderate as showing up late. By showing up before the job interviewer is prepared, you may inadvertently pressure them and make it challenging for them to adequately prepare for your arrival.

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"Always Wear Formal Clothing"

Job seekers have long been told to "dress for the job you want," but what if that job is in a relaxed office environment where jeans and T-shirts are the norm?

In a work environment like this, dressing too formally for an interview may make you look stuffy and like you won't be a good fit. 

Good Interview Advice:

Instead, you should research the office culture of where you're interviewing and get a feel for what people typically wear to work. Then, once you determine the organization's standard dress code, wear an outfit slightly more formal than this. 

For example, if jeans and tees are acceptable, wear a pair of slacks and a button-up to your interview. 

"When Asked What Your Greatest Weakness Is, Answer With a Strength"

Most of us have been told our entire lives to make sure every answer we give in an interview paints us in a good light, but this can be tricky when asked what your greatest weakness is. 

If you've been told to say your greatest weakness is that you're a perfectionist, you're eliminating the opportunity to show that you're a self-aware individual who can respond to their imperfections. 

Good Interview Advice:

Rather than trying to appear perfect in an interview, answer this question with a legitimate weakness that won't affect your performance within the role and what you're doing to work on it.

For example, if the job you're applying for involves very little public speaking, you can say that you're not a great public speaker but that it's a skill you're actively trying to hone. 

"Just Be Yourself"

While your loved ones might tell you to "be yourself" when heading out the door for a job interview, this isn't always the best advice. 

Holding to your values and giving interviewers a snapshot of your personality is essential to ensuring you and the company you're interviewing with are a good fit, but being too open about who you are can also backfire.

Good Interview Advice:

Instead of adopting a "take it or leave it" attitude in your job interview, communicate to the interviewer what makes you unique in the best way possible. 

You want to strike the right balance between being authentic and portraying the most desirable, professional version of yourself.

The job interviewing landscape has changed in recent years, and you shouldn't take outdated interview advice when preparing for your next interview.

For more modern job interview advice, help with your resume and cover letter, and other expert guidance, visit iHire's Resource Center.