Are you preparing for a job interview?

Here are the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make. Unfortunately, it's easy to make these job interview mistakes without even realizing it - and many of them are more common than you might think!

Take the time to prepare before your job interview, so you don't have to stress out about blunders after it. If you’re on the market and find yourself in a job interview, you’d be wise to avoid these pitfalls:

Arriving Late
First impressions are very important in any job interview no matter the position you are applying for, and arriving late at the interview venue can make a bad impression, hence do everything possible to avoid arriving late.
Running late not only suggests poor time management skills, but shows a lack of respect for the company, the position and even your interviewer.

Using Your Phone During the Interview
Silence your phone before you get to the interview. Receiving of calls or sending text messages during your interview is not only rude and disruptive, but it's a pretty clear message to your potential employer that getting the job is not your top priority.
In order to avoid been tempted, silence your phone and put it in your bag.

Offering a Long-winded Explanation of Why You Left, or Are Leaving, Your Last Job
This discussion, no matter how complicated the actual circumstances are, should be short and sweet. Simply state a succinct summary of the facts: that there was a down-sizing, a reorganization, change in leadership, etc. I suggest that you know ahead of time how you are going to address this question and stick to the answer. Don’t be distracted by silence. Remember always answer the question, give a clear concise answer, and move on.

What do you think about these mistakes?

What are your tips for successful job interviews? Share with us in the comments.

the topic says 10, so where are the 7?

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Failing to Show Your Personality
In an effort to come across as professional and credible, candidates make the mistake of being too serious and lacking humor, warmth, or personality. We are not suggesting that candidates should crack jokes during an interview, but it is important to remember that clients want to see that you have a sense of humor and an amicable personality. Furthermore, clients usually assume that a lack of emotion may mean that you are not interested in them or lack enthusiasm for the role.

Not Doing Your Homework
Do your research, and not just a cursory glance at the company's website. Aim to really understand its mission, vision, culture, and recent news-worthy events.
Thorough research of the organization is critical preparation for an interview. An in-depth review of the company is important, regardless of the level of position. Most consultants will tell you that you should know the full name of the organization, their product portfolio, key historical issues, legal and FDA challenges, and some of the names of the senior executives as a basic level.
With the advent of the internet and the ease with which you can learn about most companies, decision makers expect that you have educated yourself about their business and could consider inadequate research a sign of laziness. In other words, don’t wing it.

Focusing on Your Needs, Not Theirs
This pitfall plagues candidates of all experience levels. Instead of focusing on how to set themselves apart from other applicants and convincing the decision makers that they can make a difference for their business, they focus on why the job would be great for them and their requirements for acceptance. Each candidate, even those at senior levels, should think about what decision makers are most likely going to see in the other candidates and how to differentiate themselves. Never assume that the company needs you more than you need them.

Not Asking Questions
The last question of almost every job interview is, “So, what questions do you have for us?” and “none” is not an acceptable answer. Not having any questions for the interviewer signals to them that you are unprepared, uninterested or uncaring about the job and your prospects for it.

Go for the interview prepared, what do you think you need to know about the company? Show the interviewers that you have been paying attention, you care enough to prepare for the interview. Ask questions related to the operations of the company, ask questions that show you’ve researched the company and are prepared for the job.

There is no secret to nailing an interview, but making one of these top mistakes is a sure-fire way to stop your candidacy in its tracks.

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