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Avoiding these common mistakes could win you the job.
Our career advisors warn that you still won't land your dream
job if you don't do well at the job interview.
Many job
hunters unwittingly sabotage their own chances by making
common, but easily avoidable, interview mistakes. They will
agonize over their resumes and cover letters but rehearse
only minutes for what arguably is the most vital step in the
whole job hunting process.
Here are
five common interviewing blunders that can cost you the job:
Arriving unprepared.
Before setting foot in the company's offices, be sure you're
well-versed in as many of the firm's products or services as
possible. Try to make sure you can discuss knowledgeably how
your skills and background will mesh with those of the
company, says Mulling. You also need to have all your
materials that you may wish to show right at hand.
Wearing the wrong clothes.
Experts say that no matter what the corporate
culture--whether khakis and polo shirts or three piece
suits--you should still dress professionally for that first
interview. Simple, conservative business attire for both men
and women are still the standard. No heavy fragrances, loud
clothes or flashy jewelry.
Talking too much during the interview.
Some candidates are so eager to impress the interviewer that
they scarcely allow questions to be asked. You wouldn't be
in the interviewer's office if you hadn't already
demonstrated your appeal. Use the actual interview to
impress the interviewer with your listening skills, and then
thoughtfully lay out why you'll be an asset to the company.
Undervaluing or overvaluing your worth.
The first won't necessarily cost you the job, but the second
definitely could. In either case, it pays not to bring up
salaries too early, if at all, in the first interview. Once
the company has made its offer, then it's appropriate to ask
for between 10 and 20 percent more than that, depending
partly on what your previous salary was. If you're right for
the job, you'll get a reasonable offer.
Acting desperate for the job.
Even if you've been on the job market for some time, the
last thing most hiring managers want is someone who looks
too eager. "It makes me think there's something wrong with
them," admits a Washington, D.C., human resources manager.
If you've been asked in for an interview, then the company
believes you have something to offer because of your skills
and experience. Don't derail that by acting too eager or
nervous, or by asking questions such as, "When would you
want me to start?" Instead, appear confident, relaxed and in
control.
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