How to Avoid Common Job Interview Mistakes

A good resume, the right experience and matching skills don't mean the job is yours. The job interview is where a potential employer gets a good look at you as a possible employee and decides if you fit. Avoid common job interview mistakes with preparation. Read on to find out how to steer clear of errors that can put you in the rejected pile.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proper business attire
• Notebook or notepad for recording information

1. Dress accordingly. Even if the daily dress code at the company is casual, take it up a couple of notches. Clothes should be clean and pressed, skirts a reasonable length, pants not too tight, absolutely no jeans ever and leave the flip-flops at home.

2. Research the company. One of the most common interview mistakes is lack of preparation for the inevitable question that aims to find out what you know about a potential employer, or the one where you are asked for impressions or your own queries.

3. Make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Show confidence, maturity and approachability. Look the interviewer straight in the eye, smile and shake hands firmly.

4. Avoid overconfidence and talking too much. Answer questions thoroughly without babbling. If the interviewer wants to know more, he or she can simply ask.

5. Work on striking a balance between showing you know you can do the job and avoiding the "I can do it all, you have nothing to teach me" kind of attitude.

6. Wait to ask the money questions. Naturally you want to know how much the job pays. A good interviewer may tell you toward the end of the session, but it is a mistake to raise the issue of compensation too early in the job search process.

Tips & Warnings

• You can never go wrong with a blazer and tie for men, or a simple dress or blouse and skirt for women.
• Speak clearly, keep your head up and don't mumble. Shrinking back in the chair makes you look ineffective.
• Read what recruiters and search firms have to say based on years of experience with job interviews. There are many lists of common interview mistakes available online and elsewhere.
• Take notes. It shows you are interested in what the interviewer says and helps you remember things afterward.
• Placement offices at colleges and professional programs have tips on avoiding common interview mistakes and making the right impression.
• Don't use profanity. Believe it or not, surveys of job interviewers show this is fairly common.
• Don't say negative things about a past employer. It makes you sound like you aren't a team player.

Resources

• Help Preparing for an Interview

[mayreach]

on 4/25/2009 Thanks for publishing this article. I am seeking employment so I take this advice to heart.