| As part of my job, I give interview advice to | | | | the company, and use it as an opportunity to further |
| candidates applying for travel jobs. When I ask them | | | | express your interest in both. 5 - "I'm sorry, what was |
| how it went afterwards, most people don't come out | | | | your name again?" During one job interview, a |
| remembering what went right. They remember the | | | | candidate complained at length about his previous |
| bad things. The joke that fell flat, the awkward silence | | | | boss. Unfortunately, he didn't realize that the |
| halfway through, the question that left them scrabbling | | | | interviewer and his former employer were closely |
| for an inadequate answer. And while some people just | | | | related, and even had the same last name. Interview |
| seem to have the knack for doing well in job | | | | Tip: This man was particularly unlucky, but it just goes |
| interviews, most of us have probably had at least one | | | | to show that it is never a good idea to badmouth your |
| complete interview disaster in our time. But it's not all | | | | former employer. 4 - "So tell me, what is your biggest |
| bad - however poorly a job interview has gone, you | | | | weakness?" When pressed to answer this question, |
| can always be reassured by the fact that someone, | | | | one candidate answered "My dishonesty." Interview |
| somewhere, has done much, much worse than you | | | | Tip: This is a difficult question to answer. Responses |
| ever have. Here are ten of the worst interview | | | | like "I work too hard" are no good, and owning up to a |
| howlers that I've heard of, and ten pieces of interview | | | | severe character flaw might sink your application. Pick |
| advice that can help you to avoid the same mistakes. | | | | a weakness that is true but that won't affect the job |
| 10 - Who are you, and what am I doing? After a | | | | that you are going for. For example, being erratic at |
| telesales job interview that had gone well, the | | | | paperwork is a disaster for an admin role, but is only a |
| candidate surprised the panel by saying, offhand, "By | | | | minor drawback for a sales position. 3 - Mums the |
| the way, I don't do cold calling." Interview tip: Do your | | | | word! Everyone knows that you have to switch your |
| research. Make sure you fully understand what the | | | | phone off during a job interview. But one candidate, |
| company does and what your job entails, otherwise | | | | after the first few questions, got his phone out and |
| you're likely to make an obvious mistake. 9 - Job | | | | called his parents to let them know how well the |
| Train-ing After an unsuccessful job interview, one | | | | interview was going. Interview tip: Stay focused during |
| candidate followed his interviewer to the train station. | | | | an interview. Don't get complacent if you think it is |
| He spent the rest of the train journey pleading with her | | | | going well, and don't be discouraged if you feel it is |
| to give him the job. Interview Tip: Enthusiasm is good, | | | | going badly. 2 - A picture is worth a thousand words... |
| desperation is not. Accept it if you haven't got the job - | | | | One candidate was asked to draw a picture that best |
| hassling your interviewer isn't likely to get you anything | | | | described him. He drew a clown with blood pouring |
| except a restraining order. 8 - Fancy your chances? | | | | from its eyes, ears and nose. Interview Tip: |
| One candidate concluded a job interview by asking the | | | | Interviewers are looking for people who can both fill |
| interviewer out on a date. Interview Tip: No matter | | | | the role and work well with other people. Worrying |
| how well you think an interview has gone, this really | | | | personality traits can be just as off putting as a lack of |
| isn't a good idea. Make sure you end it professionally. 7 | | | | experience or inadequate skills, so be on your best |
| - Demonstrate your skills When asked to give a | | | | behavior in the interview room. 1 - Murder, she said No |
| practical demonstration of his abilities during a job | | | | matter what unfortunate facts from your past happen |
| interview, this candidate got out a deck of cards and | | | | to surface in a job interview, you can't cause more |
| proceeded to perform a series of magic tricks. | | | | alarm than this woman did. Alarmingly, in the middle of |
| Interview tip: You don't need interview advice to tell | | | | the interview she managed to imply that she'd |
| you that this is a bad idea. Remain professional at all | | | | murdered her husband. Interview Tip: Think before you |
| times! Silly jokes, inappropriate clothes and strange | | | | speak. Perhaps you think a strange remark or crude |
| behavior are all guaranteed to put an interviewer off. 6 | | | | joke will make you memorable - you'd be right, but for |
| - Any questions? At the end of a job interview, this | | | | precisely the wrong reasons. |
| candidate was told that she could ask one question | | | | Gail Kenny is the managing director of Gail Kenny |
| and one question only. After thinking intently for a few | | | | Executive Search, an executive travel recruitment |
| minutes, she said "Are you going anywhere nice on | | | | agency specializing in travel jobs. The site caters |
| your holidays this summer?" Interview Tip: You know | | | | exclusively to talented individuals with skills and |
| that you'll be expected to ask questions at the end of | | | | experience to succeed in the travel management, and |
| a job interview, and there's no excuse not to prepare | | | | businesses looking for such candidates. |
| a few. Keep your questions focused on the job and | | | | |