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Job Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
By Sid | June 11, 2007
Welcome to the hot seat, AKA the job interview. Here you will be asked many pointed questions about yourself while you’re so nervous that you’re digesting your own stomach - all the while trying to impress the person you’d like to start working for. Not the most pleasant thought, is it? The first thing to do is relax. The job interview is nowhere near as hellishly nerve-racking as it might seem. Despite this, there are some major mistakes that should be avoided at all costs.
The first mistake is showing a noted lack of confidence in both yourself and your abilities. Whether you think you’re showing it or not, your interviewer will be able to sense your lack of confidence like a vulture catching the scent of an impending death, and your interviewer will be unlikely to trust in the abilities of someone who doesn’t appear to trust themselves. You should be honest about your capacities but play up your talent in what you can do when speaking to your interviewer. Don’t worry about rubbing your potential employer the wrong way by seeming arrogant. As long as you don’t act like a prima donna, take the potential job seriously, and avoid demeaning your interviewer or their organization, you should come off as self-confidant, rather than a pompous ass.
Many people want temporary work or aren’t sure if they’ll be with the company for a long time. Whether you’re looking for long-term employment or something shorter, always try to leave your interviewer with the impression that they won’t have to go through the hiring process again anytime soon. At the same time, be honest about your intentions if the question comes up and have your explanations and reasons handy. Employers look for staff that are reliable and those who tend to bounce from job to job aren’t going to have good chances of being hired. Also, if your work history shows that you’ve changed jobs frequently, be prepared to answer why and make sure those reasons are solid.
Preparation for a job interview is another must that people often overlook. Don’t even try thinking you can wing it without at least some level of planning. If your resume has less than flattering facts or history on it, you’ll want to prepare for the interviewer to discover those facts and discussion about them. A little research into the organization you’re trying to work for (as well as researching the person interviewing you) can go a long way. Further, a pre-written list of questions about the position for your interviewer to answer will make you seem smart and savvy, both qualities interviewers want to see in an applicant.
So, pull yourself out of that puddle of sweat that emerges every time you go in for a job interview, lest you drown in it. With a little self-confidence, pre-interview planning, and common sense, that torturous process could net you the job of your dreams.
Topics: Job Interviews |