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Top 10 interview blunders
Top 10 Interview Blunders
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Don't Prepare
Ignoring about how answering the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information such as company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company websites. Investigate it ahead of time, then print it out and review it over just before your interview to refresh your memory. -
Dress Inappropriately
Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will really want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position. When interviewing for a summer job at a local theme park or as a lifeguard, e.g. dress accordingly in neat and casual attire. If you don't know what to wear, inspect the organization and watch employees coming in and out of the office to appreciate what they are wearing. -
Poor Communication Skills
It's essential to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, nevertheless, most essential to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, obtain eye contact, get confidence, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are a splendid candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question. -
Too Much Communication
Believe it or not, a potential candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't obtain the job, because didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. So, leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the interview's place. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at an interview. -
Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on. The interviewer certain doesn't need to listen, your complete life. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question. -
Don't Talk Enough
It's certainly hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. The interviewer needs to know more than a word or two. So, even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can. -
Fuzzy Facts
Even if you have provided a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to complete a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to fill an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information. -
Give the Wrong Answer
Make sure you listen very well to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Like the following candidate, you'll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer. -
Badmouthing Past Employers
Your last boss was an cretin? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if this is absolute true, you shouldn't say so.
It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best. -
Forget to Follow Up
Afraid you didn't make the best impression? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.
Finally, even if you had some mistakes in the interview, don't take it to heart. I don't think there is anyone hasn't blown an interview or two. If it happens, look at it like it just wasn't meant to be, learn from your mistakes and move on to the next chance.
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