Avoid These Ten Interview Mistakes and Win the Position

By: J.C. Freund, JobResourceCenter.com

It Seems Some Job Seekers are Self-Destructive

Be smart not self-destructive. The interviewer is looking for the best candidate for the position. If you make any of the following mistakes in the interview, you will not get the job. Consider the following next time you are called for an interview. It may be a lifesaver and could help you land the job.

1. Do not bring up salary in the interview.

It is a major turn off for HR to have a prospective employee ask what the position pays. It gives the impression that all they are interested in is a paycheck. You will not make it on the employer's short list if you talk salary prematurely.

2. Show self-confidence in the interview.

Even though you are nervous, try not to show it. As you progress through the interview, you may be wondering how you are doing. Whatever you do, do not ask. This will be a sign that you are not confident and probably not the right candidate for their company. After all, attitude is everything. If you think you will win, you already have.

3. Do not admit you do not know how to do a task.

If you do not have a certain skill set that the interviewer has asked about, do not despair. Never admit that you do not know how to do a task, simply tell them that you pick up new skills quickly. It is important to keep your skills fresh however, so consider an online course or an evening class at the local college.

4. Do not give out family history.

If you have recently divorced or have had a traumatic experience affect your life in some way, keep your mouth shut. Simply talk about what you would bring to the company. Make sure you present your best behavior and keep the interview professional.

5. Never put down your prior (or current) boss or workplace.

Stay positive. They will consider you a gossip or troublemaker if you do. Being honest does not mean being stupid. Never share your negative feelings about prior employers.

6. Be personable and show respect.

Some job seekers tend to joke around when they are nervous. Unfortunately, the employer may not get your humor and feel disrespected. Always be professional and save your humor until you have actually gotten the job. Show respect by making eye contact, sitting upright, and shaking hands firmly. Let them know you are the right candidate for the job.

7. Do not sabotage yourself in the interview.

If you inflated you resume, do not admit it. Do not tell the interviewer that your dream is to move to Tahiti as soon as you have saved enough money or that you want another child right away. These will definitely put you on the "do not call back" list.

8. Turn off your cell phone in the interview.

Even if you do not answer it, a ringing cell phone is distracting and indicates that the phone call is more important than the interview. Also, do not chew gum, click your pen, or tap your foot to the song stuck in your head. All of these can eliminate you from a second interview.

9. Do not ask if you can telecommute.

Do not question how long it will be before you would qualify for a promotion. Be humble but confident. Do not be arrogant and above all do not act as if you have received the job already.

10. Do not suggest that you will work for a smaller salary.

It will make you look desperate. Do not under value your skills.

A Final Thought to Consider

Silence is golden. Do not feel you need to fill the silence in an interview with chatter. Be quiet after you have answered the question. If you ramble, you will appear unfocused and not get the job. Good luck, we wish you well.

Tags: Apply for Jobs, career tips, job interview tips

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