How to Avoid Costly Mistakes in an Interview

Tips for candidates to have a successful interview

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Dress appropriately. Never wear denim or collarless shirts. Being well groomed also is a sign of respect for the interviewers. Also do not wear loud colors. Wear neutral colors. Do not bring bags and large coats to the interview room. You dont want to look like you are going to stay a while. Do not wear hats or ribbons or funny looking hair ties.

2. Greet all of your interviewers by repeating their names. Do not start talking until told to start or asked a question. Do not seem too eager. Act like you have other job options even if you dont.

3. Answer all questions succinctly. Do not give one word or one line answers. But also do not ramble on and on about yourself. Get to the point and make your point. Make sure to answer all of the points of the question. Do not make up your own questions. And never act like it is not an appropriate question. Keep your facial expressions from showing that you dont like the question.

4. Always smile. Do not act nervous even if you are. Speak clearly and loudly so that all can hear. Make sure you use proper english. Do not say "you know" or other slang terms. Do not play with your hands or wave them around during the interview. If asked a question about confrontations in past job experiences, never tell the panel that you won an argument or that you were right. Always say that "you" learned a great lesson from that experience. Never act like you know it all. Most panels will want someone that fits in with the other employees not someone that knows everything and is desperate to prove it.

5. Acknowledge the interviewers questions by saying that they are very good questions. If you dont know the answer to a question do not fake it. The interviewer will not be fooled. Try to find out who is on the interview panel before going to the interview. This will help you formulate your answers. For instance if the Director of Maintenance is at the Interview you will want to say things he or she is interested in. Bring copies of your resume in case the panel does not have copies.

6. Ask if you can add a closing statement. If you are allowed to make one use this time to say how valuable you would be to the company that is hiring. Never say that you are the only person that can do this job, but say that you are very enthusiastic about the prospect of working there. Talk about the connection between your work experience and the job that is available. And finally ask the panel if you have answered all their questions to their satisfaction. This may prompt the panel or interviewer to re-open a topic that they did not feel you answered very well. Do not "name drop." Even if you know the President of the company, do not mention it. This will seem threatening to the panel. Never ask when you will be contacted. This is a sign of desperation. You can tell them that you are available for follow-up interviews if needed. Never ask for the interviewers card or phone number. They dont want you to call them. They will call you if interested. Thank the panel and smile on your way out.

Tips & Warnings

• Interviewing well like anything else must be practiced. Sit in front of a mirror and practice. Prepare mock questions and practice your answers. The worse thing to do is to sit and think for a long time when asked a question. This only means you dont know the answer or you are trying to come up with something.
• Interview panels can be very brutal. One slip from you and that is all your interviewers will remember. Make sure you do not say things that are subjective in nature. Stick to facts. Do not make comments like "in my opinion..." nobody cares about your opinion. Do not say that you are looking for an easier job. This will make it appear that you are lazy.

[vickymom64]

on 12/12/2009 Great article?

[stephybc00]

on 9/1/2009 Thanks for the tips.

[NatalieEngland]

on 8/5/2009 Thanks for sharing.