Interview Blunders
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.
Deborah Walker, CCMC
Career Coach / Resume Writer
Read more job-search tips and resume samples at:
http://www.AlphaAdvantage.com
Email: Deb@AlphaAdvantage.com