I'm sure you've sat through movie or TV "bloopers" at the
end of shows and laughed at the mistakes the actors make
during the filming of the show. If I could put together a
film with bloopers that people make in interviews it might
seem funny as well - but not when it happens in real life -
to you!
How do you avoid bloopers? First you become aware of what
some of the pitfalls of interviewing are and then you
prepare and practice so that it won't happen to you. Here
are 10 of those very pitfalls to watch for.
1.Poor non-verbal communication - slouching - fidgeting -
lack of eye contact
It's about demonstrating confidence - standing straight,
making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm
handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning,
or a quick ending to your interview.
2. Not dressing for the job or company - "over casual"
Today's casual dress codes in the office, do not give you
permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is
important to look professional and well groomed, above all.
Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on
the company culture and the position you are seeking. If
possible, call and find out what the company dress code is
before the interview.
3. Not listening - only worrying about what you are going
to say
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer
is giving you information, either directly or indirectly.
If you are not listening - turning up your intuitive - you
are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills
include listening and letting the person know you heard
what they said. Observe your interviewer and match that
style and pace.
4. Talking too much - telling it all - even if it's not
relevant
Telling the interviewer more than they need to know could
be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of
time you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself
right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading
through the job posting; matching your skills with the
requirements of the position, and relating only that
information.
5. Being over-familiar - your new best friend is NOT the
interviewer
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business.
This is not about making a new friend. The level of
familiarity should mimic the demeanor of the interviewer.
It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the
interview, and to ask questions, but not to over-step your
place as a candidate looking for a job.
6. Using inappropriate language - you "guys" know what I
mean
It's a given that you should use professional language
during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang
words or references to age, race, religion, politics, or
sexual preferences - these topics could get the door
slammed very quickly.
7. Acting cocky - being overconfident - "king of the hill"
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There
is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism, and
modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to
demonstrate your ability, over-doing is as bad, if not
worse, as being too reserved.
8. Not answering the question asked - "jumping in without
thinking"
When an interviewer asks for an "example of a time," you
did something, he is seeking a sample of your past
behavior. If you fail to relate a "specific" example, you
not only don't answer the question, but you miss an
opportunity to prove your ability and tell about your
skills.
9. Not asking questions - a missed opportunity you will
live to regret
When asked if they have any questions, the majority of
candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer! It is extremely
important to ask questions. It demonstrates an interest in
what goes on in the company. It also gives you the
opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you.
The best questions come from listening to what is asked
during the interview, and asking for additional information.
10. Appearing desperate - "Please, please hire me!"
It's a tough job market, and you need a job! But, when you
interview with the "Please, please, hire me," approach you
appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three
"C's" during the interview: Cool, Calm, and Confident! You
know you can do the job, - now, make sure the interviewer
believes you can, too.
Everybody makes mistakes - that's what makes us human. We
can laugh at ourselves a great deal of the time when we get
tongue-tied or forget someone's name - even our spouse's.
But in the interview you want to be as prepared and
polished as possible. If you do make a mistake, consider it
a human error and learn from the experience. In the
meantime do your homework and get prepared.
----------------------------------------------------
Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can
give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy
of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by
visiting Carole on the web at http://www.interviewcoach.com
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