3 job interview red flags, according to a recruiter who’s interviewed ‘thousands’: Showing up very early looks 'too eager'

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When you're participating in a job interview, whether it's online or in person, you'll want to follow the proper protocol.

You're picking up on nonverbal cues to determine when to contribute to the conversation and when it's a good time to ask questions.

Levine says she's interviewed "thousands and thousands of people" in her career, often on behalf of famous individuals who are seeking a personal assistant or chief of staff.

Here are Levine's top tips for steering clear of her major red flags during a job interview.

"Don't arrive too soon."

Firstly, it's a good idea to arrive at a suitable time, particularly if you're attending in person.

Showing up late to an interview can result in missing out on crucial conversation and wasting the interviewer's time, ultimately making a poor impression. However, "if you arrive excessively early, it may come across as overly enthusiastic and put pressure on the interviewer," Levine notes. The ideal time to enter the interviewer's office is 10 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment.

It's a good idea to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early into the building to be safe," Levine advises. "This way, you'll have enough time to locate the suite or office, without showing up too soon before the interview.

Make sure to dress according to the industry norms or the requirements of the specific event. Aim to blend in with the professional environment while still expressing your personal style. Finally, pay attention to your body language, such as uncrossing your arms or standing up straight, to project confidence and approachability.

Presentation is also key.

It's best not to chew gum or wear your sunglasses on your head, either online or in person during an interview, as Levine advises. These behaviors are regarded as casual and unprofessional.

When you're in person, make sure you don't come across smelling strongly of cigarettes or wearing too much perfume.

She suggests that you want to leave a lasting impression based on who you are and the experiences you've had, not on your outward appearance or personal hygiene.

Don't divulge confidential information

Ultimately, regardless of your professional background, be thoughtful in how you speak about it.

In general, I recommend that people avoid criticizing their previous employers, or sharing confidential information about their former workplaces," says Levine. "Since some of my clients require employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, sharing proprietary details about a former job can be a serious concern.

According to Levine, regardless of how secretive your employer is, mentioning company secrets during an interview raises the question: if you're hired, will you share their proprietary information in the future?

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