Interview Mistakes That You Should Avoid

Hello Ladies and Gentleman,

If you read the information carefully and do the exact OPPOSITE of what is listed, you should be well prepared to take on any interview with extreme confidence.  Again, do the exact OPPOSITE and you will find yourself as a top candidate prospect.  Good luck in your searches!

1. The interviewee is not ready (unprepared)

Planning and Preparation are crucial in interviewing.  The more you can find out about the company, the hiring managers and the staff, the better an idea you'd have about the culture of the company, the growth, and the direction the company is heading toward.

It is important to match your qualifications, skillset and background  with those sought by the employer.  It is necessary to perform the "due diligence" and research as much as you can about a company before going on an interview.  By involving yourself in those activities, you put yourself in a better position for a successful interview because you went out and did some homework about the company.  Learn about the company and its success.  Find out about the success stories and the origins of the company.

2. Candidate says too much (Less is More!)

Most responses should be kept short, simple and to the point sentences.  If the interviewer digs for more information, respond but keep it brief, and directed.   Answer and tell them what they want to know, but at the same time, there's no need to explain your entire life story!

3. The interviewee doesn't ask enough questions

Your questions should convey interest and initiative.  Show some assertiveness.

4. The Candidate does not listen, pay attention, or comprehend well

Carefully listen to every question and then respond.  It's absolutely necessary to pay attention to what is being said during an interview.  A lot of communication is often nonverbal as well.  We tend to overlook those things and allow unnecessary things to distract us and oftentime it results in losing focus.  A hiring manager can ask you a question, and you are completely clueless as to how to even answer the question.  Or you have so many other thoughts that you were speaking over top of the person doing the interview.  Know you role and pay attention! 5. The interviewee doesn't care about the needs of the company and doesnt' understand the bigger picture.

5. The interviewee presents a nonchalant attitude

The candidate has an ego that is too overbearing and may believe that he/she is too "good" for the job.  They don't show intent or desire for the position and that is an immediate turnoff. You have to change your attitude to become the person you need to be.

6. The candidate arrives late

Always arrive 5-10 minutes early.  Arriving late only increases stress and reflects negatively on how responsible you are.

7. The interviewee doesn't  write a follow up/thank you letter for the interviewers

The follow up note presents the opportunity to show your appreciation of  their time and it also shows them your appreciation for being considered as a candidate.  It reminds the interviewer again of who you are and it is a very good sign of character on your behalf.  Interviewers remember those traits and it works in favor of the candidate.

Please read through these carefully.  If necessary, print these out and review over and over again.  Repetition is very important.  Keep in mind that your livelihood may depend on learning this information.