COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID IN AN INTERVIEW

1. Arriving late.
2. Arriving early. Don’t arrive more than 15 minutes early.
3. Dressing in a rush. If you select your clothes right before you leave, you won’t have time to fix things such as a loose button. Neatness counts.
4. Dressing wrong. Dressing too casually can ruin your chances. The safest choice for any interview is a tailored suit in a conservative color like black, navy, gray, or tan.
5. Not knowing your own strengths. You must be prepared to give strengths and to give specific examples illustrating your strengths.
6. Drinking. Even if others are ordering cocktails, avoid drinking alcohol.
7. Smoking. Smoking makes you look nervous. Tobacco-breath should be avoided at all times.
8. Bringing along a friend or relative. Even being seen saying goodbye to your best friend or your
spouse at the building door can make you look as if you didn’t have the nerve to get there on your
own. Being picked up afterward also reeks of dependency.
9. Not knowing about the organization or position.
10. Not preparing ahead of time and practicing questions.

11. Not admitting a flaw. To the question, “what is a weakness you have?”, do not answer “none”.
Illustrate a weakness that you have turned into a strength and give specific steps you have taken to
improve your weakness.
12. Chewing gum
13. Asking too many questions.
14. Not asking any questions. It makes you look uninterested in the position.
15. Inquiring about benefits too soon. Some organizations will describe their benefits during an interview. If not, do not broach the subject until an offer has been made.
16. Revealing your price tag. Let people discover your qualifications before THEY bring up salary.
Never bring up salary until an offer has been made.
17. Crying discrimination. Most of the time, inappropriate questions are asked unintentionally. Don’t
make accusations if someone asks inappropriate questions. You can always file a complaint after the
interview.
18. Losing your cool. Expect the unexpected. Remain calm and professional at all times.
19. Name dropping. Dropping names can backfire. Instead, ask inside contacts to recommend you.
20. Playing the hero/heroine. Never convey the message that the company is really messed up and that
you can turn things around.
21. Handshake failure. A limp handshake shows lack of confidence. Give a firm handshake.
22. Glancing at your watch. Clock watching gives the impression that you’re late for a more important
date and that you are not interested.
23. Energy failure. Job candidates with lackluster attitudes rarely get a job offer. You must appear
bright-eyed and eager.
24. Bad-mouthing your boss. Never say anything negative about a person or employer you worked for in the past. It brands you as a complainer.