These Mistakes Could Cost You the Job

It is common for nervousness to creep its way into your job interview, but slip-ups that leave a negative impression with a hiring manager can lead you back to your job search. Learn how to calm your nerves, respond to interview questions professionally and put your best foot forward when you're sitting in the hot seat by avoiding these errors.

1. Putting Negativity in the Spotlight

You may not have fond memories of a previous boss or past position, but a job interview is not the place to reveal these thoughts. Negativity can squash your opportunities and lead hiring managers to assume you have a negative outlook. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your previous experience and show genuine warmth toward seeking out new opportunities that are an ideal fit for you during your job search. Smile often during the interview, show off your stellar personality and put positivity first.

2. Taking Over the Interview

Job seekers should approach a job interview with an assertive nature, but avoid becoming overly aggressive. Show your leadership skills by detailing on-the-job experience, successful teams you have guided in past positions and describing your leadership approach. Do not try and take control of the job interview to display your knack for solving problems or leading others. Instead, follow the lead of the hiring manager and respond to interview questions in a concise and clear manner. Give the potential employer complete control of the pace of the interview and resist the temptation to guide the questions or activities.

3. Trying to be a Jack of All Trades

Focus your responses to interview questions toward what you do know versus trying to convince hiring managers that you know it all. Be honest about your experience with computer applications, hardware and equipment and if asked, indicate additional training you desire. Show your willingness to learn and improve your skills to not only display that you are motivated but also committed to performing your best while on the job. Candidates who embellish their skills during the job interview are likely to underperform or struggle while on the job, which can lead to your termination or demotion if you're hired. Hiring managers may also become suspicious of your qualifications if you claim to have every skill they mention when discussing the operations of the company or the job duties required of potential employees.

Evaluate your positive attributes to boost your spirit prior to walking in the door to avoid common mistakes. Spend ample time prior to the job interview researching the company to better prepare yourself and angle your responses toward displaying your knowledge of the industry and the business operations. Seek out opportunities to discuss how you fit into the company's culture and possess the skills necessary to become a positive influence on staff.

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