Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your chances of having a successful interview and landing the job of your dreams.

1. DON'T SHOW UP LATE.
There is no easier way to lose points with a prospective employer than to show up late. First impressions do last. And unfortunately, showing up late screams things like "I am unreliable" or "your time is not important to me". Is this what you want a prospective employer to think before you even have a chance to utter a word? Make it a point to try to be early to every interview. That way, bad weather, traffic and that last minute phone call stand less chance of ruining your entrance. If the unforeseen 18-wheeler does happen to dump 10 tons of tomatoes across the interstate, upon arrival, apologize first thing, offer a quickexplanation and move on. (Ideally you would have called from your cell phone as soon as you caught sight of the delay.)

2. DON'T ACT DISINTERESTED.
No matter what the circumstance never act disinterested during an interview. If 10 minutes into the meeting you become certain that nothing on the planet could convince you to take a job with the company continue to pay attention and act like you care about the conversation. Remember that the interviewer does not exist in a vacuum. He or she has friends, relatives, and associates who may influence future job opportunities. If you behave poorly, the interviewer will remember and will share the story of you and your unprofessional behavior with others. Haven't you shared bad job search experiences with people close to you? The interviewer is probably no different.

3. DON'T BE UNPREPARED.
Being prepared has many facets. Interviewers expect you to know something about the company and the position you are seeking. Having this knowledge makes you appear both motivated and truly interested. So make sure you do your research! Excellent sources of information include, the Internet, periodicals and people already in the field. Another facet of being prepared is being ready for the types of questions that may be asked. There are numerous articles on the web and in bookstores with practice interview questions and answers. Make sure to utilize all such resources available to you. And finally, don't forget to have extra copies of your resume and references on hand should they be requested.

4. DON'T FORGET YOUR MANNERS.
No matter how old fashioned it appears to use word like "please", "sir", "ma'am" and "thank you", do not delete these words from your vocabulary. These simple words can work wonders towards making a positive impression. Always use a respectful tone of voice. Do not unnecessarily interrupt the interviewer. Maintain eye contact and a pleasant expression. Leave the slang, slouching and gum chewing at home. Good manners signals respect for yourself and the people around you; never underestimate their importance.

5. DON'T DRESS INAPPROPRIATELY.
Whether you like it or not, the job interview is not the time to express your individuality. Always remember that your goal is to gain employment, not to make a fashion statement. Accordingly, you should not dress in any way that will distract attention from you and your qualifications. Things to avoid include unconventional hair colors, excessive jewelry and makeup and any clothes that you would wear to a nightclub. Prior to the interview, contact the companies HR department and inquire about the company dress code. Do your best to dress accordingly. If there is any doubt, err on the side of being overdressed.

6. DON'T BE UNTRUTHFUL
Never, ever lie during an interview. Mistruths have an uncanny habit of catching up to people. If the interviewer catches you in a lie during the interview, you have seriously damaged your chances of being hired. After all, would you hire someone that you couldn't trust? If your employer finds out you lied after you have been hired, it could be grounds for dismissal. Even if they do not dismiss you, you are still in serious trouble as you have damaged your integrity in the eyes of your boss. The bottom line is that you should always be truthful when interviewing.

7. DON'T BE MODEST.
When searching for the right job, put your modesty aside. Don't be afraid to confidently describe your skills and accomplishments. After all, if you don't sing your praises to your potential boss, then who will? Don't count on your resume to do all the work; it is only a tool to help you land the interview. Once you get your foot in the door, it is up to you to convince the interviewer that you are the ideal person for the job. Worried that you will come across as conceited instead of self-confident? Then practice how and what you will say with a friend or family member who can provide honest feedback.

8. DON'T FORGET THE "THANK YOU NOTE.
Once the interview has concluded, take a few moments to jot down your impressions of the interviewer, what you talked about and any interesting points that were brought up during the meeting. The ideal time and place to do this is in your car a soon as you have exited the building, as your thoughts will be most fresh at this time. Use this information as you compose a well thought out thank you note to the interviewer. Mail this note no later than the day following the interview. Remember promptness signals interest.

This article can also be read online at: http://www.worktree.com/n ewsletter/interview-mistakes-to-avoid.html

Sincerely,
Nathan Newberger,
http://www.WorkTree.com
You Find More Jobs Faster

Nathan Newberger is the job and career expert at http://www.WorkTree.com. Nathan has over 10 years experience in staffing and human resources. He has worked both as a recruiter and career counselor. Mr. Newberger has been the Managing Editor at http://www.WorkTree.com for the past 5 years and his articles have helped thousands of job seekers.

---

Get A New Job - Career Choices

Career change is tough but rewardingThere are a number of reasons why people might be due for a career change:? They don't like their current career. Maybe... Read More

Seminars: Why Are They Popular, and What Advantages/Disadvantages Are There to Attending One?

Seminars dealing with "special topics" have actually been around for decades, and are an older form of marketing and information exchanges, that have seen quite a resurgence... Read More

Leave Your Dead End Job?For Good!

So here you are?stuck in a dead end job. Are you hitting the glass ceiling in a job you once loved, but now can't stand? Maybe the... Read More

Where Do I Go From Here?

Making Your Future Work Better For YouIt's the commonest concern people have about their careers. Where am I heading? Is this the right direction for me? How... Read More

Employment Under A Microscope

A certain amount of oversight is involved in almost any job. The more important, the more highly skilled, the more successful the position, the lower the degree... Read More

Any Job is an Honorable Job

Seeing your job as an honorable job, adds more meaning and peace to your life. Also, seeing the honor in what you do now, creates an ideal... Read More

Should You Join a Modeling School for Petite Modeling?

If you are thinking of breaking into the petite modeling industry and wondering if you should hundreds of doll ars on modeling school or classes you need... Read More

5 Things Every New Caterer Should Know

It has been over twenty five years since I started a small catering company that specialized in International Tapas, tiny silver trays of finger foods to delight... Read More

Career Change: Success Tips

Successful career change is based on first making an honest assessment of your skills and experiences. Then you match them against the current market conditions. Finally you... Read More

Big Job Sites Vs The Small Ones

There is much to say about posting resumes on the big job sites online. There are many positives and also negatives to doing this as well. Posting... Read More

Nuts and Bolts of Effective Cover Letters

As a job seeker, you shouldn't overlook the importance of a cover letter. If written strategically, a cover letter increases your chances for consideration, and provides an... Read More

Writing Great Cover Letters

Cover letters are an essential ingredient to your complete résumé package. This is the best opportunity for you to demonstrate your personal character, knowledge of the company... Read More

Hair Dressing as a Career

Since the world started hair has been a very important aspect of individual personality and with the change in time hair has emerged as a big form... Read More

How to Choose Your Ideal Career

They say that most people do complete and total career changes at least once often twice in their lifetimes. Very few people chose the ideal perfect career... Read More

Cleaning Houses for a Living Has Some Unexpected Benefits

If you're looking for a way to earn a living or just to make some extra money on the side, cleaning houses for a living is probably... Read More

A Cover Letter Tip Guaranteed To Land You More Job Interviews!

Looking for a new job?I'm about to reveal one of the most powerful cover letter tips you'll ever discover. This little-known secret can dramatically increase your job... Read More

Prepare for YOUR Future now --

All Presidential candidates (before and after) make all kinds of promises about YOUR 'social security' when running for the top job. Regardless of the promises, YOU are... Read More

For My Second Career, I Want to Do Nothing!

Q. For my second career, I'd like to know "What to do when you have done a lot and nothing really interests you anymore. The things that... Read More

What Every Employee Should Know About How to Overcome Boredom

Do you find yourself easily becoming bored or tired at work for no apparent reason? If that's the case, then pay close attention. Research has shown that... Read More

Genes and Work Ethic

If you have good genes, you are blessed. If they are exceptional, you might be successful on that alone.Add work ethic and you will be successful and... Read More

Rekindling Passion for Work

Passion comes in many forms. I'm focused on the version of passion that is "boundless enthusiasm". Looking up enthusiasm in the dictionary, I learned it is derived... Read More

The Last Minute Interview

Your breath catches in your throat - at last, an interview! Elated, you write down the time and place of the interview, who to ask for, say... Read More

Career Education Options For Working Adults

Ask yourself this question: "Do I like what I do for a living?" If you answered "no", what are you doing about it? Maybe you have a... Read More

Sample Resume Objectives: Read, Dont Copy

The resume objective statement is typically something that trips people up.Confronted by the silent challenge of the blank page, most folks Google for "sample resume objectives". They... Read More

Dissatisfied With Your job? Stop Trying To Go It Alone!

Being dissatisfied with your job is a cycle, a very long and undesirable cycle. Here's how it goes:-You start to lose interest in your job. Next thing... Read More

6 Steps to Re-inventing Your Career

Meaningful work honors the deepest part of your being. It is the embodiment of your gifts and talents and all that you value. Finding it in a... Read More