| The job interview is typically where the job is either | | | | right and the longer you delay the issue of money, the |
| won or lost. | | | | better for you. |
| Often, you leave a job interview feeling good about | | | | 5. Don't focus on your needs during the interview. |
| your effort but when you don't get the job offer, you | | | | Employers hire people to solve a problem not because |
| are left wondering what went wrong. | | | | they have a spare seat to fill. Address the needs of |
| This is especially true these days where employers | | | | the employer, not what you need. |
| are often hesitant to provide real reasons for turning | | | | 6. Don't disparage your current or former employers. |
| you down for or where they simply don't give you a | | | | Speaking poorly about your current or former |
| reason that suffices. | | | | employers is just bad form and does not make you |
| Telling you that they found "someone more suited for | | | | look good. |
| the position" doesn't really help you improve your | | | | 7. Don't give away secrets about your employer or |
| interviewing skills, does it? | | | | discuss any confidential information you know about |
| Here are some tips to help you ensure you are doing | | | | them during the interview process even if you are |
| everything right during the interview process and to | | | | asked about it. Trust is highly important when looking |
| ensure you aren't doing anything unwittingly that might | | | | for a new staff member and spilling the beans about |
| be costing you jobs: | | | | confidential information shows that you are not |
| 1. Don't show up for the interview late or unprepared. | | | | trustworthy. |
| There is no excuse for either. This should be obvious | | | | 8. Don't leave your cellphone or pager on during the |
| but I've spoken with plenty of candidates who don't | | | | Interview and certainly don't answer it if it rings. |
| think arriving 5 minutes late for an interview is a big | | | | 9. Don't swear, tell off-color jokes or say anything |
| deal. Trust me, it is. | | | | otherwise considered offensive during the interview. |
| 2. Don't under dress for the interview. It's usually best | | | | 10. Show enthusiasm during the interview. Act naturally |
| to over dress if you're not sure how to dress for the | | | | and don't forget to allow your personality to shine |
| interview. Business attire is almost always standard for | | | | through. |
| professional positions. | | | | 11. Don't assume that the receptionist or whoever |
| 3. Don't forget to offer the interviewer a firm | | | | greets you when you arrive for the interview is |
| handshake and remember to look them in the eye and | | | | unimportant. I've seen some employers that will ask |
| address them by name when introducing yourself. | | | | their receptionist about what they think about a person |
| Maintain eye contact during the interview but don't | | | | who they interviewed for a position. If the receptionist |
| stare at them constantly and freak them out. | | | | notices something that you do or say while waiting to |
| 4. Don't make it look like you are money-motivated. | | | | be called into the interview, don't assume that he/she |
| Employers aren't interested to hire people who are | | | | won't tell the hiring manager. I've seen it happen and it |
| simply looking for a raise. Let them bring up the issue | | | | can cost you a job. |
| of money, not you. It will come up when the time is | | | | |