Since the interview is such a critical step in job seeking, one must avoid common interview mistakes. Unfortunately some job seekers make critical and stupid interview mistakes. Such mistakes can be avoided if one learns what the common mistakes are and takes time to brush up on job interview skills.
Common Interview Mistakes
According to an article by Rosemary Haefner of CNN Living, CareerBuilder.com did their annual survey of the worst and most common interview mistakes.
- The results show that 51% hiring managers cited inappropriate dress as the most common and worst interview faux pas.
- Maligning former employers was cited by 49% of hiring managers as being the worst interview mistake.
- Arrogance was considered by 44% of hiring managers as a common interview mistake.
- Providing insufficient answers was considered by 30% of hiring managers as a common interview mistake.
- Failure to ask good questions was considered a bad interview mistake by 29% of hiring managers.
According to the CBS News article, “Dumb Job Interview Mistakes”, the survey from Career Builder .com also highlighted really dumb interview mistakes. Some of the dumb interview mistakes include asking the interviewer personal questions, using a cell phone during the interview, and lying in a job interview.
Interview Tips
According to advice provided in the article, “Job Interview Tips and Advice” on Monster.com, job seekers should consider how they look and smell at an interview. Not only should they be appropriately dressed (business attire), they should consider how they smell. Use cologne sparingly. The smell of cigarette smoke may negatively impact a hiring manager. Smokers often don’t notice the smell of tobacco, but those interviewees who are smokers, should take care that they don’t reek of that smell.
Personal grooming should be impeccable. Be sure that fingernails are clean and clipped and that hair is clean and neatly styled.
Monster.com suggests that job seekers be mindful of nonverbal communication. It’s just as important as verbal communication. Cracking of knuckles, fidgeting or chewing gum would not make a good impression. Sit up straight and stand up straight. Good posture is vital to giving an impression of confidence. Give a firm, confident handshake, making sure palms are not sweaty.
Employment experts from Monster.com stress the importance of asking the interviewer the right questions. When being interviewed, the interviewee should ask a question that will help assess any problems the company might have, what the company priorities are, and how the interviewee, if hired, would fit in. Asking the following types of questions would help determine that: “What is the biggest problem this company faces that someone with my experience could help resolve?” “If hired for this position, what would be two of my most vital priorities?” “What are the company’s long and short term goals?”
When being interviewed, one should show genuine interest by asking for any additional information that he or she could provide or what the next step in the selection process might be. Finally, it is recommended to send a follow-up thank you letter. In the letter, one should repeat his or her core strengths and the value he or she could offer to the company.
Resources
Additional helpful information can be viewed in the article, “Improve Business & Social Interaction with Body Language”.
References
CBS News.com: “Dumb Job Interview Mistakes” (accessed 5/9/11)
Karen Burns, Yahoo Finance: “50 Worst of the Worst (and Most Common) Job Interview Mistakes” (accessed 5/9/11)
Monster.com: “Job Interview Tips and Advice” (accessed 5/9/11)
Rosemary Haefner, CNN Living: “Top Ten Interview Mistakes” (accessed 5/9/11)
