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Things To Avoid At Your Job Interview

February 20th, 2008 · 4 Comments

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Since this week seems to be the week of interview advice, I thought I’d pitch in one of my all-time favorite posts about interviewing don’ts.

This is a pretty comprehensive list and covers almost everything I could think of.

Here Are 35 Things Your Should Avoid at Your Job Interview:

1. Show up unprepared: Most candidates have several days to prepare for a job interview. This is plenty of time to freshen up your resume and references, and learn everything you can about the company and job for which you’re applying. Knowing the business and its major players is great way to give you the edge over other candidates.

2. Pay little attention to your appearance: Think your appearance doesn’t count? Think again! The trend may be for business casual, but it’s still proper business etiquette to wear a suit. When it comes to the job interview, it’s all about the first impression. The company wants to hire the best person to represent the business, mohawked and hardwared individuals usually don’t fit the description.

3. Have nothing to say: It’s frustrating to an interviewer to receive one syllable answers. Go into detail. Sell yourself.

4. Say too much: Give your interviewer time to talk. By monopolizing the conversation and not letting others get a word in edgewise, you’re showing yourself to be a poor listener and disrespectful to higher ups.

5. Give a sob story: No one cares how deep in debt you are. If you give your interviewers the impression you’re irresponsible or your problems are a distraction, you won’t get the job.

6. Tell jokes: A job interview isn’t the time or place to be a comedian. You need to show you’re serious about the job.

7. Lie: Don’t lie about education, qualifications, past employment or a prison record. These are all things that businesses look into nowadays. Lying during a job interview can also be grounds for dismissal later on.

8. Trash a former employer: This is one of the biggest mistakes made during interviews. When asked why they’re seeking new employment many candidates will complain about a past employer. Why would anyone want to hire a malcontent?

9. Blame problems on co-workers: If there was an incident at a past place of employment, own up to it as honestly as possible. Casting the blame on other people only makes you look worse.

10. Act too familiar with your interviewers: Don’t call your interviewers Bob and Suzy (even if it is their names). Unless invited to do otherwise, address them as Mr. Ms, Dr or another respectful title.

Since I didn’t write this post originally, please go to the original post and read the remaining 25 tips.

Related posts:

  1. The Secret of a Successful Job Interview
  2. What To Wear To A Job Interview
  3. Ask Brian- How To Schedule An Interview When You Already Have A Job
  4. Ask Brian- How Do I Know If I Aced the Interview?
  5. Interview Questions You Need To Know How to Answer
  6. Interviewing Tips From Someone Who Does The Hiring

Tags: Interviewing

  • http://www.theprofessionalassistant.net Richard Rinyai

    It’s amazing of how many people don’t have any questions at the end of the interview. It’s always important to show that you are eager to find out more information about the company, the job, etc.

    Thanks,

    Richard Rinyai
    http://www.theprofessionalassistant.net

  • CC

    I went on a interview everything seem to go well. I was told I would her from HR to get the job offer and schedule. I waited and for 4 dys after the interview nothing no call. I call The person that interviewed me and she said she is interviewing more app. I have not heard back from her or HR.
    Now what?

  • Anonymous

    Do not be shy

  • Buffalo Wings

    Oh crap, I addressed them by their first names, even in the thank you letters… but is this ever ok, like if they introduced themselves as “Bill” or “John,” for example… and I only got their last names at the end when I asked for business cards…?