Don't Make These Top 10 Interview Blunders 1. Don't Prepare
Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available on most company websites.
2. Dress Inappropriately
Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position. When interviewing for a summer job at your local theme park or as a lifeguard, for example, dress accordingly in neat and casual attire.
3. Poor Communication Skills
It's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. Especially be sure to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence and engage the person you are speaking with. This will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position, before you even answer an interview question.
4. Too Much Communication
A recent candidate for employment (who didn't get the job) didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references.
5. Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused.
6. Don't Talk Enough
It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. Even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.
7. Fuzzy Facts
Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information.
8. Give the Wrong Answer
Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond.
9. Badmouthing Past Employers
So you hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so. It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including the boss you never liked... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.
10. Forget to Follow Up
Be sure to always follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.
By Alison Doyle, To view the original article CLICK HERE
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