Failing the Interview

First impressions from a job interview are crucial for job seekers trying to land that high-paying position at a vaunted company. It does not take much to fail an interview, so candidates should avoid common blunders that can sink their chances. Learn how to recover from a mistake to earn points from your interviewers.

Experts agree that politeness is the key to winning over your prospective employer. With this in mind, be outgoing, maintain a straight posture, and use a firm handshake to appear as if you mean business. Prepare for the face time by researching the company ahead of your interview. Follow up with an email to show your interest, and never discuss salary and compensation during the interview.
No matter how well you perform these basic functions, you still may fail an interview. Keep in mind several subtle clues that may give interviewers the impression that you are not the right candidate for the position. Master these aspects of job interviewing skills to avoid disappointment afterward.

You may fail an interview before it starts if you do not use a firm handshake to greet your interviewers. The very first impression of a candidate should not be someone who is fragile and lacks confidence. Chewing gum is also a huge faux pas. Smacking sounds and constant jaw movement can become annoying and distracting. Chewing gum represents an easy way to fail an interview.

Wearing the right clothing is something to take into consideration, as well. Before you fail an interview due to shabby clothes, make sure you do not wear sandals, flip-flops or informal shoes. Unusual attire, although it stands out from the rest, is not a wise choice. Overly done makeup, such as false eyelashes, draws the attention away from the task at hand.

The entire presentation, from body posture to facial expressions and nonverbal cues, has the potential ruin your chances or reward you with a dream job. Avoid fidgeting, sit up straight, and keep extra bags on the floor to maintain a constant state of alertness and attention during the interview. Keep rude or underhanded comments to yourself, and most certainly do not answer your cellphone. Keep your phone in the car, or silence it completely.

Despite all of these possible mistakes, you can still recover from them and begin your new job in two weeks. Have a confident attitude from the start to make up for any mistakes. Gloss over errors with humor by laughing it off, making a pun or smiling. Own up to your mistake, and show your future boss that you can take the heat for something you did.

You can fail an interview with one glaring mistake despite your best efforts. A good attitude may help your interviewers see past any errors, so maintain an even keel during your face time to win the day.

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