Mistakes to Avoid at Job Interviews

For many, the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search process. Any number of
things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful is avoiding simple mistakes. The following
is a list of some of the most common mistakes to advoid during a  job Interview.

1. Failure to research the company:

An interviewer will expect candidates to spend time researching and reading about their company.
Do your homework before the interview; really know what the company does and who their competitors
are. If you have not taken the time to review the employer website and understand what they are recruiting
for, then you are reducing your chances of continuing successfully through the interview process.  

2. Lack of enthusiasm:

Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (not too weak, not too
strong), and show common courtesy. Don't be afraid to display your passion for the job/industry and to
show confidence.

3. Not clear on what you are interviewing for: 

Be familiar with the job description so you can draw on your experiences, talents, strengths and abilities
to match with company needs. Highlight how you're suited to that particular job.

4. Do not try to adlib your way through the interview: 

Practice! Get a list of general interview questions, a friend, a tape recorder, and a mirror and conduct
an interview rehearsal. Practice until your delivery feels comfortable but not canned.  

5. Not listening:

Focus on the question that is being asked and do not try to anticipate the next one. It's OK to pause
and collect your thoughts before answering a question. Pay special attention to technical or work
process related subjects that are unique to a given firm or organization. The interviewer may have
provided information you will need to answer the question earlier in the conversation. Employers
will be looking for your ability to assimilate new information, retain it, and, most importantly,
recognize that information as useful to you later in the interview.  

6. Not providing enough details:

When answering case questions, technical questions or solving technical problems, take the time
to "talk through" your thought process. Recruiters are much more interested in seeing how your mind
works and how it attacks a given type of problem, than the answer itself. Articulate your problem solving
process and verbalize your thinking.

7. Not being yourself: 

Be yourself and be honest! Do not pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you do not. The
interviewer will pick up on this. If you don't know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself. Remember
you're interviewing the company as well as vice versa.

8. Not marketing yourself correctly: 

Define yourself. What makes you different from others? Know your major strengths and accomplishments
as they relate to the job you are applying for and the company.

9. Not asking meaningful questions:

Have at least 3-4 intelligent questions to ask the recruiter. It is OK (it may actually leave a positive impression
with the recruiter) to have them written down in advance and to reference them at the appropriate time. Interviews
are an exchange of information, and not coming in with questions shows that you did not prepare for the whole
interview.

10. Under-dressing for the interview:

Professional attire and attention to detail still count. You can never be too professional. Remember that everything;
your appearance, your tone of voice, your conduct -contributes to the impression (positive or negative) that you make.
Be presentable - wear a pressed suit and shirt and polished
shoes.

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