TRICIA PHILLIPS

If you are wondering why you didn’t bag that job at your last interview it could be due to doing something that employers find unappealing. Three quarters of bosses say there are key things that put them off a candidate and many of these crop up time after time during interviews.

It could be something basic, and easily avoidable, from not turning up on time or not dressing appropriately to simply coming across as arrogant. It’s easy to put a potential boss off.

Here’s the top five things bosses hate: 1. Coming across as arrogant or rude 2. Not preparing thoroughly for an interview 3. Dressing inappropriately – usually too casually 4. Turning up too early – or worse, too late 5. Being excessively shy.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “It goes without saying that coming across well in an interview is a must if you want to bag yourself that dream job.

“So if you’re looking to make your next career move this summer, make sure you’ve done all the right preparation, know how to get to the interview (and on time), have got a smart outfit prepared and are able to confidently talk about yourself and your experience – without sounding too full of yourself.”

It’s not just during the interview where you can mess up. It’s a bit of a minefield what to do after.

There is a lack of consensus about following up after an interview as recruiters can’t seem to agree whether we should or shouldn’t.

Our advice is it’s always worth dropping a short note to the interviewer afterwards - but don’t pester.