COMMON
INTERVIEW ERRORS
Avoiding these
common mistakes could win you the job.
by Jim
Owen
Even though we're enjoying one of the hottest job
markets in decades, career advisors warn that you still
won't land your dream job if you don't do well at the
job interview.
Many job hunters unwittingly sabotage their own
chances by making common, but easily avoidable,
interview mistakes. They will agonize over their resumes
and cover letters but rehearse only minutes for what
arguably is the most vital step in the whole job hunting
process, says Emory Mulling, an executive career coach
and president of the Mulling Group in
Atlanta.
Here are five common interviewing blunders that can
cost you the job:
 |
Arriving unprepared.
Before setting
foot in the company's offices, be sure you're
well-versed in as many of the firm's products or
services as possible. Try to make sure you can discuss
knowledgeably how your skills and background will mesh
with those of the company, says Mulling. You also need
to have all your materials that may wish to show right
at hand.
|
|
|
Wearing the wrong clothes.
Experts say
that no matter what the corporate culture--whether
khakis and polo shirts or three piece suits--you
should still dress professionally for that first
interview. Simple, conservative business attire for
both men and women are still the standard. No heavy
fragrances, loud clothes or flashy jewelry.
|
|
|
Talking too much during the interview.
Some candidates are so eager to impress the
interviewer that they scarcely allow questions to be
asked. You wouldn't be in the interviewer's office if
you hadn't already demonstrated your appeal. Use the
actual interview to impress the interviewer with your
listening skills, and then thoughtfully lay out why
you'll be an asset to the company.
|
|
|
Undervaluing or overvaluing your worth.
The first won't necessarily cost you the job, but
the second definitely could. In either case, it pays
not to bring up salaries too early, if at all, in the
first interview. Once the company has made its offer,
then it's appropriate to ask for between 10 and 20
percent more than that, depending partly on what your
previous salary was. If you're right for the job,
you'll get a reasonable offer.
|
|
|
Acting desperate for the job.
Even if
you've been on the job market for some time, the last
thing most hiring managers want is someone who looks
too eager. "It makes me think there's something wrong
with them," admits a Washington, D.C., human resources
manager. If you've been asked in for an interview,
then the company believes you have something to offer
because of your skills and experience. Don't derail
that by acting too eager or nervous, or by asking
questions such as, "When would you want me to start?"
Instead, appear confident, relaxed and in control. |
|
