How Not to Interview What shouldn't you do when
interviewing? Here are a selection of blunders, mistakes and errors a candidate
for employment can make. Spend time preparing to interview so these don't
happen to you!
Don't Prepare
Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?"
might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer.
Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a
mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company web
sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before
your interview to refresh your memory.
Dress Innapropriately
Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a
suit if you are interviewing for professional position.
When interviewing for a summer job at your local theme park or as a lifeguard,
for example, dress accordingly in neat and casual attire. If you aren't sure
what to wear, visit the organization and watch employees coming in and out of
the office to see what they are wearing.
Poor Communication Skills
It's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for
employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the
person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence,
engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know
that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer
an interview question.
Too Much Communication
Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't
get the job, didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an
interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the
building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your
resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at
an interview.
Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and
on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep
your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply
answer the question.
Don't Talk Enough
It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word
or two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth
to get any answers from the candidate. It wasn't pleasant. So, even though you
shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the
question as best you can.
Fuzzy Facts
Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also
be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you
will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment,
graduation dates, and employer contact information.
Badmouthing Past Employers
Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your
job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so. I cringed when
I heard someone ranting and raving about the last company she worked for. That
company happened to be our largest customer and, of course, I wasn't going to
hire someone who felt that way about the company and everyone who worked there.
It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your
interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't
want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her
company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.
Forget to Follow Up
Afraid you didn't make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the
interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating
your interest in the position and the company.
Don't Take it to Heart
Finally, even if you do flub the interview, don't take it to heart. I don't
think there is anyone hasn't blown an interview or two. If it happens, look at
it like it just wasn't meant to be, learn from your mistakes and move on to the
next opportunity.