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Top 18 Items Guaranteed to Kill a Job Interview

  1. Showing up Late
    1. Most employers polled agree that the proper time to show for an interview is 15 minutes prior to an interview.
    2. Be aware that you may need to complete a job application prior to the interview.  Ask if this is necessary as you arrange for the date and time of the interview so that you can arrive earlier to complete the application.
    3. Be sure to check in with the receptionist or sign the employer’s sign-in log if they have one to insure that your timely arrival is charted in case they need to confirm at a later date.

     

  1. Not Being Professional to the Receptionist
    1. Many employers will ask the receptionist after you leave, “So, how was she when she was in the waiting area?”
    2. There are a few companies that will go so far as to have an executive pose as a receptionist to watch your behavior while your guard is down

 

  1. Knowing Nothing or Little about the Company
    1. It is a given that you understand the job posting, but that is just the beginning.  Employers want to see a candidate that is excited about their team and has done research about the company.

 

  1. Dressing Inappropriately
    1. Unless otherwise specifically told not to do so, assume that the interview attire will be business professional.  SUIT!  SUIT!  SUIT!
    2. A good guide is to try and dress at least one level above your interviewer if possible. 
    3. An interview is not the place to show-off piercings, tattoos or the latest in hair trends.  Conservative but strong is always the best choice in choosing what to display or present.
    4. Cologne and perfume should be modest or not present.

 

  1. Cell Phone or Pager is On You
    1. Most advice found recommends that you turn your cell phone or pager off during an interview.  However, our research suggests that interviewers are turned off by their mere presence.  Best bet is to leave them in the car!

 

  1. Not Getting on a Soap Box for the Company
    1. Overwhelmingly, employers and recruiters express their desire to see passion and “fire” in the eyes of their candidates.  Show them your shared desired in their company’s successes.

 

  1. Running around The Questions
    1. This is a common annoyance found pervasive throughout employers polled.  Answer the question asked of you, or ask the employer to clarify the question if you do not understand.
    2. Not answering the question quickly and concisely may reflect poorly on your ability to take quick and decisive action.  Moreover, it may look as though you are trying to hide something.

 

  1. Showing up Late
    1. Most employers polled agree that the proper time to show for an interview is 15 minutes prior to an interview.
    2. Be aware that you may need to complete a job application prior to the interview.  Ask if this is necessary as you arrange for the date and time of the interview so that you can arrive earlier to complete the application.
    3. Be sure to check in with the receptionist or sign the employer’s sign-in log if they have one to insure that your timely arrival is charted in case they need to confirm at a later date.

 

  1. “But, I already know all that…..so what can you do for ME?”
    1. Arrogance will kill your interview every time.  Confidence is acceptable, but arrogance is a trait no employer wants.
    2. Display confidence, but always show willingness to learn and try new things.

 

  1. Not Asking Questions
    1. This is nothing more than your opportunity to display interest in the company and position by asking questions.  If you ask no questions, then the interviewer will interpret the absence as being no interest in the position.
    2. You MUST ask questions.   Of course, keep the questions job specific or company specific.  First interviews are never the time to discuss compensation, benefits or paid time off issues unless the interviewer does so first.

 

  1. Bad Mouthing Previous Employers
    1. Everyone understands that it is hard not to speak poorly about the company that “did you wrong.”  However, the interviewer will be asking themselves, “Would he/she say this about us as well?”
    2. If you have a bad experience with a previous employer, address it as a learning opportunity.  For example, “I learned after being laid off by Acme Widgets to be better prepared with my Cisco skills.  Since then, I’ve earned a Cisco certification and have been aggressive about staying on top of the latest technologies.  It was a great learning opportunity.”  Yes, you may have to swallow the lump in your throat afterwards.  But, you will come across as a positive instead of negative candidate with this answer.

 

  1.   Ramble. Ramble.  Ramble.
    1. Rambling on is a common symptom of being nervous.  Try to hold your tongue and keep your answers and questions to the point.

 

  1.  Not being Prepared for Various Types of Interviews
    1. There are several types of interviews and associated questioning.  You will need to do homework to understand the different types of interviews so that you are properly prepared.  Some questions may be yes/no, others may be open ended.   
    2. Have answers prepared for the tough questions.  Some examples might be:

                                                               i.      Answer for gaps in employment

                                                             ii.      Answer for most weak skill areas

                                                            iii.      Answer for when you feel your biggest accomplishment was

                                                           iv.      etc., etc., etc.

 

  1. Talking when You Should be Listening
    1. NEVER interrupt a talking interviewer – period.
    2. Listen carefully to every word from the interviewer for clues as to the company’s culture, what they are looking for in their positions and what his/her “hot buttons” are.

 

  1. Using humor – a dangerous road
    1. Being friendly in an interview is appropriate, being a comedian in an interview is dangerous.
    2. You know nothing about the interviewer’s background or interests, and your run great risk in offending someone.
    3. Best bet = No jokes in an interview

 

  1.  Using Slang
    1. Careful with your jargon.  An interview should be the time you display your best linguistic skills, not the latest locker room talk.

 

  1.  Poor Body Language
    1. If the person interviewing you is a trained behavioral interviewer, they will be looking for certain items with your body language.  Here are a few of them:

                                                               i.      DO insure you maintain eye contact, but don’t stare.

                                                             ii.      Don’t cross your arms

                                                            iii.      Don’t tap your feet or fingers

                                                           iv.      Don’t crack your knuckles, neck, etc.

                                                             v.      DO sit upright in your chair, but appear comfortable

                                                           vi.      Don’t touch your face

                                                          vii.      Don’t touch your hair

                                                        viii.      Don’t pick lint or hair from your clothes

                                                           ix.      Don’t lean on the interviewer’s desk

                                                             x.      DO take notes when appropriate

 

  1. No Follow-Up
    1. Many a position was won over with a simple “Thank you” note.  Always follow-up a job interview with note delivered postal mail.  If you know their decision timeline is quick, then deliver it via email.  However, a personally signed note is preferred.  As always, express enthusiasm about the position.