A job interview is one of your only chances to show a hiring manager how valuable you are as an employee. Participating in mock interviews is a good way to build your confidence and get used to the process of answering open-ended questions, but even the best interview answers can't help you overcome major mistakes. Avoid these cardinal sins of interviewing if you don't want to torpedo your chances with the hiring manager.
Showing up at the wrong time is one of the worst things you can do if you are scheduled for a job interview. Most people assume being early is a good thing, but showing up too early can actually annoy interviewers. Showing up late is also a big mistake. If you show up late to an interview, the hiring manager might think you are unreliable. Give yourself plenty of time to travel to the interview location, especially if you have to use public transportation or take an unfamiliar route.
It's not unusual to answer questions about your previous employers during professional interviews. If an interviewer asks about a previous boss, be very careful about what you say. Even if the boss was a tyrant who belittled everyone and didn't have very much industry knowledge, you can't say that to the interviewer. If you badmouth a previous boss, the interviewer is likely to wonder about your professionalism.
How you look and smell has a definite impact on your chances of getting a job as well. If you have to walk from the train platform or subway station to get to the interview location, make sure you have a stick of deodorant in your bag. Leave plenty of time to freshen up before your job interview takes place. Avoid wearing too much cologne or perfume to a job interview. Although the scent is pleasing to you, it can aggravate the interviewer's asthma or allergies.
Don't make the mistake of dressing inappropriately for a job interview. For an interview with a large company a business suit is your best bet. Avoid wearing an excessive amount of makeup or piling on the accessories. You want the interviewer to focus on your skills and personality, not your jewelry or your ability to apply eyeliner. If the company has a more casual environment, dress a step above what current employees wear to work. If employees wear jeans and polo shirts, wear a pair of khaki pants and a dress shirt.
The key to acing professional interviews is answering questions appropriately. Take time to practice your answers beforehand, but be careful not to sound too rehearsed when you meet with a hiring manager. Ask a friend to play the role of the interviewer so you can practice a job interview from beginning to end.
If a hiring manager asks you to come in for a job interview, don't hurt your image by showing up late or stammering through your answers. Spend plenty of time practicing your interview skills, preparing your interview outfit and brushing up on your industry knowledge.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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