Job interviews can be highly stressful — even for the most experienced job seeker. Often, candidates stumble through an interview and make mistakes that turn off potential bosses. Knowing the most common mistakes job seekers make can help you avoid them on your next interview.
Arriving Too Early
Obviously you'd never want to show up late for a job interview, but many candidates mistakenly believe that the earlier they show up, the better. In reality, it's best not to arrive more than a few minutes early. Doing so puts undue pressure on the interviewer to wrap up whatever she's doing, and quite frankly, it's annoying. If you have extra time, wait in your car or at a nearby coffee shop until just a few minutes before the appointment time.
Not Bringing Copies of Your Resume
Sure, you've already emailed the hiring manager a copy of your resume, but bringing an additional hard copy to the job interview shows that you're organized and prepared, especially on the off chance that the interviewer forgot to print it. In fact, it's safest to bring a few extra copies, in case you end up meeting with more than one person.
Not Dressing to Impress
No matter the industry, you can never go wrong by dressing professionally, as it shows you care about looking polished and professional. Leave the jeans and T-shirts at home; a clean, wrinkle-free professional outfit is your best bet: Think collared shirt, tie and slacks or a women's suit.
Not Preparing an "Elevator Pitch"
You can almost guarantee that in any job interview, the interviewer will ask you to tell him about yourself. What he's really asking for is a brief history of your life and professional career so far. You should be able to communicate who you are, what you're good at and what you're looking for in 60 seconds or less. To help perfect your pitch, write it down beforehand, and practice with a friend.
Not Asking Questions
Remember, a job interview is not an interrogation. It should flow just like any normal conversation, and that requires a healthy amount of contribution on your end. Asking questions shows you have a genuine interest in learning more about the company and its people. Make sure the questions you ask are not easily answered with a Google search, however. Instead, ask thoughtful questions, such as what skills and qualifications make up the ideal candidate or what the interviewer likes most about working there.
Forgetting to Follow Up
Even if you ace the job interview, forgetting to follow up afterward can kill your chances of getting a call back. Send a quick email to thank the interviewer for his time, and offer to answer any further questions. It keeps your name at the top of his mind and conveys enthusiasm.
While many mistakes are not serious enough to completely ruin your chances of getting the job, they can still go a long way in damaging your first impression. Review this list of common mistakes so that you can proactively prepare yourself and make your next job interview the best it can be.
Photo Courtesy of Flare at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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