Beware of the Top 5 Interview Mistakes
We’ve all heard stories of job candidates who looked great
on paper but who were absolute disasters in person. With fewer interview
opportunities available in our competitive job market, it’s essential to make
the best possible first impression. Learn from the mistakes of others and avoid
these top five worst interview blunders:
1. Not preparing for the tough
interview questions.
Like every job seeker, you probably have your own set of
tough interview questions you hope will never be asked. The best strategy is to
prepare ahead of time with answers to ALL of these questions. A career coach
can be a great resource for helping you work out suitable answers with a
positive spin on negative or challenging career situations.
2. Failure to match communication
styles.
Making a great first impression is easier to do when you
communicate effectively with your interviewer. The best way to do this is by
mirroring his or her communication style. Allowing your interviewer to set the
tone of the conversation will put him or her at ease and makes the conversation
flow more naturally.
For instance:
* If the interviewer seems all business, don’t attempt to loosen him or her up with a joke or story. Be succinct and businesslike.
* If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his or her interests. Often personal items on display in the office can be a clue.
* If asked a direct question, answer directly. Then follow up by asking if more information is needed.
3. Talking too much.
In my recruiting days, I abhorred over-talkative candidates,
and so did most of my client employers who interviewed these candidates.
Over-talking takes several forms:
* Taking too long to answer direct questions. The
impression: This candidate just can’t get to the point.
* Nervous talkers. The impression: This candidate is covering up something or is outright lying.
To avoid either of these forms of
over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner.
Using role-playing in preparing for your interview will help you avoid
excessive, nervous talking.
4. Saying negative things about your current or past
employers or managers.
Even if your last boss was Attila the Hun, avoid stating
your ill feelings about the person or work situation. No matter how reasonable
your complaints, your negative comments will be viewed as disrespect towards
your boss. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers,
make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.
5. Giving away too much salary and
earnings information.
Candidates often weaken their future earning potential by
speaking too freely about their current income. No matter the official salary
range of the position you are interviewing for, your current earnings have an
enormous effect on the size of the offer. Investing in a career coach to help
you answer salary questions can add thousands of dollars to your new job offer.
You already know that it takes a strong resume that sets you
apart as a candidate of choice to be invited for an interview. The next step is
to hone your interviewing skills to actually win job offers. Polishing your
interviewing skills can mean the difference between getting the job and being a
runner-up.
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Deborah
Walker, CCMC
Resume
Writer ~ Career Coach
To
see resume samples and read more job-search tips visit www.AlphaAdvantage.com
Email:
Deb@AlphaAdvantage.com
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