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8 Job Interview
Mistakes You Should Avoid
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING
When you interview with a prospective employer, you probably have 100
things running through your head, and this may cause you much anxiety.
However, if you can focus on the most important items of the interview,
then you will feel more relaxed and in control of the message you wish to
send. Many people find it helpful to know what not to do in the interview
in order to better understand what they should do.
TOP 8 INTERVIEW MISTAKES TO AVOID
In order to best prepare yourself for that all-important interview, make
sure you avoid the following mistakes that could prevent you from winning
that position.
1. Dressing inappropriately
Know the culture of the company. Don’t dress in business casual if many of
the current employees wear more conservative clothing—you want to look
like you already fit the bill.
2. Appearances that are loud, bright, excessive, or extreme
Resist the temptation to wear perfume, bright colors, or loud nail polish;
cover up those tattoos. You want the interviewer to focus on your skills
and accomplishments, not your appearance.
3. Being late to the interview
This mistake pretty much speaks for itself. This leaves a bad taste in any
prospective employer’s mouth. If you can’t be on time for the interview,
how dependable could you be as an employee? Arrive at least ten minutes
before the interview begins.
4. Not asking questions
Do not sit like a bump on a log during your interview. Show interest in
the company by asking the employer what his or her biggest challenges are;
what the average work day for this position is like; or what the next step
is following the interview. The questions you ask are indicative of your
interest in the position. If you don’t ask questions, the interviewer will
assume you won’t accept the job offer if it is extended.
5. Asking about salary and benefits
The appropriate time to discuss issues of compensation is when a firm
offer is on the table. Don’t bring up the topic prematurely. Take the time
to learn about the company and the open position. In the end, money isn’t
everything. Career satisfaction comes in many forms (opportunity for
growth, a collaborative team environment, etc.). Most individuals are
seeking positions due to issues other than financial matters. So during
the interview, concentrate on what really matters—the responsibilities of
the job at hand.
6. Lack of resume or vita copies
Don’t assume that the employer already has a copy of your resume. Many
employers now conduct group interviews, so you should always bring extra
copies of your resume to pass around. This will demonstrate that you have
foresight and consideration.
7. Being unprepared for the questions
Avoid going blank during the interview by preparing your answers in
advance to some of the most common interview questions. You will appear
poised and confident to the employer.
8. Dishonesty
Never, ever lie to an employer to get the position. You undermine your own
strengths and abilities and the trust of the interviewer. If you can’t get
the position based on current and potential skills and accomplishments,
then you probably shouldn’t be applying for that particular position.
MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION
Now that you are aware of the most common interview mistakes, you can take
proactive steps to ensure that your interview is the best that it can be.
Review the above list before each interview and formulate your plan to
make an outstanding impression.
By Linda Matias |
Writers
Profile
Linda Matias
Certified in all
three areas of the job search—Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC), Job &
Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)—Linda
Matias is qualified to assist you in your career transition, whether it be
a complete career makeover, interview preparation, or resume assistance.
You can contact Linda directly at linda@careerstrides.com or visit
www.careerstrides.com for additional career advice and to view resume
samples.
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