10 Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid

If you've read one or several of the countlessregarding the job and the organization, more probable it
publications about job job interviews and how to avoidis you'll be able to represent yourself as the solution to
messing up the interview, you may have some goodmeet the employer's needs. When you're in a major
tips and suggestions.job hunt, you ought to have completed considerable
Most of that information may be just fine, howevercompany research prior to getting the interview.
here are 10 common mistakes made in one fashion orInformation sources for could be:
the other. Consider these just the "cliff notes" version.- The Internet. Both the company's website and/or
Avoid These 10 Mistakeswebsites focussing on the profession or industry.
1. Arriving late for your job interview. The one thing you- The library. Industry magazines or publications like the
avoid at all costs is being late for your interview.  IfOccupational Outlook Handbook tend to be helpful.
you're hired you'll be expected to be on time and your- Networking. Talk to individuals who are acquainted
ability to be on time for the interview is often awith the actual job or business. Linkedin is a great
judgement of whether you'll be late if you're hired.resource for this. In case you do not know a person
Some suggestions to prevent tardiness are:with the knowledge you seek, you probably know
- Obtaining through directions to the interview locationsomebody who knows somebody who has that
from the recruiter or hiring manager or the HRinformation. Networking begins with asking them
representative. When possible inquire further about justquestions, so you shouldn't be reluctant to ask others
how much time to allow to either drive (or use publicfor information and facts.
transportation) to your job interview location from7. Failing to pay attention for hints in relation to
wherever you'll be coming. When it's a big organizationrequirements from the company. Numerous
or plant setting, find out which building your interview willinterviewers begin the job interview by supplying you
take place in. Don't forget to ask about parking yourwith an understanding of the business and its needs.
car and if the parking is free or paid.Treat these details as a treasure. As soon as you've
- Get phone numbers of the interviewer just in caseacquired these details, you'll be able to customize your
you need them during your trip to the interview, orreplies to how you are able to assist them fulfill those
should you need to reschedule your interview dateneeds. The company is trying to find somebody to
time (illness, family emergency, current work conflicts,solve their challenges and, if you are able to persuade
etc.)them that you are capable of doing so, you will end up
- If at all feasible make a trial trip, by driving to thesignificantly ahead of your competition.
location for the interview. This includes driving to that8. Failing to recognize when to quit speaking. When
location at about the same time during the day thatyou have practiced your interviewing, you will definitely
your job job interview is planned. This provides youhave the ability to plainly and briefly answer their
with the best idea of just how much time to allow toquestions and explain your accomplishments. Avoid
get to the interview. This is a good time to also scoutrambling replies that will move away from subject of
out the parking arrangement.the job interview. Use the SMART method for
- Permit yourself a minimum of a 10-15-minute safetystructuring your answers. This should be a one to
net. It's much better to be early, instead of being late.three minute initial response in most cases.
- When you are running late despite all your planningS = Specific
and best efforts (traffic jam, flat tire, inclementM = measureable
weather, etc.) phone the interviewer so that you canA = Action oriented
notify her or him that you'll be a little late and includeR =Results oriented
the causes for your delay. See whether you can stillT = Time specific
be interviewed or if you need to reschedule.Don't be frightened of silence during the interview and
2. Overlooking a last minute personal grooming check.don't try to fill in lulls in the conversation. If you're unsure
By arriving early ask for the nearest restroom andwhether or not the job interviewer has gotten
look in the mirror so that you can make certain youradequate details from your answer, ask them if your
grooming is still appropriate. Make certain your clothesresponse was sufficient, i.e. "have I given you enough
are strait and neat and comb your hair if needed and ifinformation, or would you like more detail?"
you've eaten recently check your teeth to be sure that9. Failing to ask insightful questions. Usually, at the
you don't have food lodged in your teeth. Rememberconclusion of the job interview, you'll be asked if you
this is a good time to also take that "pit stop" so youhave any questions. Avoid using these times to inquire
won't have to ask to use the restroom in the middle ofabout benefits or when you might take your very first
interviews.holiday. The questions you ask need to display your
3. Dressing inappropriately. No mater what level of jobdesire for the job. You might want to ask questions
you're interviewing for, your clothes must clean andlike:
neat.. For professional positions, men and women must- The most important long term plans for your
dress professionally and what that means may varycompany? The most important plans for the position
from company to company. For many jobs, well putyou're interviewing for?
together business informal clothing will be all you need.- Exactly what do you believe are the most crucial
This isn't right time or place for jewelry or clothing thatskills needed for this job?
is flamboyant. You wouldn't want anything to draw- How will you evaluate my progress and my
attention away from focus from your qualifications toaccomplishments in this job?
do the job. It's best to inquire about proper dress code- May I answer any questions for you before I leave?
when setting up the interview appointment. And just in10. Failing to remember to always use a thank-you /
case, it's always best to err on the side of being a littlefollow-up response. Attempt to get business cards
over dressed, vs. under dressed.from every person you interview with and make at
4. Being trapped into making casual conversation.least one key note about what you talked with during
Numerous interviews start with a casual conversationinterview with that person (use the back of the card),
to place the two you at ease. No matter what, staythen include a comment about that point in your thank
away from topics such as politics and religion.you letter. Emails are OK to use. The interviewer's
Acceptable subjects for casual discussion includeemail should be on the business card.
sport or the weather,regardless and if you needed anyA thank you correspondence has a number of
assistance locating the company facility for the jobexcellent points.
interview. Making comments about photos or other- It's going to help remind the interviewer of both you
things at place of work is generally effective.and your qualifications. Very few people really send
Nevertheless, be sure you are in the actualthis sort of correspondence and submitting one should
interviewer's office, instead of in a office just beingcause you to differentiate yourself.
used for the job interview, before you discuss- You can use it add to the responses you presented
workplace items.during your interview.
5. Being unable to communicate effectively about your- You could strengthen areas in places you thought
current and prior work background. Many interviewersyou failed to thoroughly explain during your interview.
are certainly not really experienced and often a few- It is possible to add more details - the points you
of the more knowledgeable ones will use your resume"wish you'd have stated" during the job interview. This
as a guideline during job interview. Be ready to discusscould even include a document or white paper or a link
everything in-depth that you've listed on your resume. Ifon the web that points to what you've done.
you can, rehearse having an interview with anAll through the job interview process, remember that
associate or friend. Your practice may not be optimal,the process is actually a competition. Its not necessary
but it will sure help you increase your interviewing abilityto be perfect, just superior to the competition. By
all of which will place you ahead of many of youreliminating these ten ways to mess up a job interview,
competitors.you will have a high probability of beating your
6. Being unfamiliar with the job you are beingcompetitors.
interviewed for. The more knowledge you get