Four Ways to Ruin a Job Interview

A great job interview is the first step in landing a great job. In the course of your career, job interviews are going to be the most stressful meetings you'll hopefully ever have. Although there are many things you can do to help calm your nerves and show your best self to a hiring manger, there are a few things that almost everyone has done, at one point or another, that can sabotage the interview and make the hiring manager think twice about hiring you.

Here are four ways to ruin a job interview:

1. Not knowing when to stop talking – When you're nervous, it's natural to talk quickly to fill up all of the gaps and silences. It can happen out of the blue, even when you're trying your best to make a great impression. It's often a result of over-preparing what you're going to say and neglecting the interviewer's responses. Try to embrace pauses, take a deep breath, and try to keep your answers fairly short and targeted to questions the hiring manager asks.
    
2. Talking bad about a previous employer – Few things will make you look as bad as slinging mud. Even if the interviewer appears to be empathizing with your situation, or if they seem to be encouraging you to go on, keep all negative comments about previous bosses to a minimum. Imagine the interview like a first date: avoid sensitive experiences and past bad relationships. You'll make a much better impression if you only have good things to say about the people you've worked with.
    
3. Playing it cool – Because it's a struggle to keep nerves at bay, it's tempting to try to adopt an attitude of indifference. Acting cool makes it less likely that you'll embarrass yourself, but if you aren't careful, it can make hiring managers believe that you aren't interested in the job. Even though you're trying to stay calm, allow yourself to show your enthusiasm for the job. A job interview is one of those times when extreme enthusiasm is not only allowed, but encouraged.
    
4. Forgetting to be gracious – Many applicants forget that it's the small things that really matter the most. Simple acts of graciousness like sending a thank-you note or shaking hands can make a great impression. Remember that even though a company will benefit from having you as an employee, they are still doing you a favor by hiring you. Being grateful and thanking people for every little thing is the mark of a true professional. Being gracious doesn't cost you a thing, and it can really pay off.

During an interview, remember to stay calm but enthusiastic and don't forget your manners. It's really not that hard; just be the most professional and happy person you can be and you'll be sure to stand out.

What other mistakes have you made during a job interview? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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