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Tips

Interview Problems to Avoid

What you do and say during the first 10 seconds of an interview may determine whether you are hired. Your first impression can show attitude and personality. You can learn from others and avoid the worst interview blunders.

Poor Handshake
The three second handshake is your first opportunity to create a great impression.

• The limp or half-hearted handshake gives the impression of disinterest or weakness.
• The tips of the fingers handshake shows lack of ability to engage.
• The arm pump makes your sincerity questionable.

Ask for honest criticism from people who will give you an honest view.

Eye Contact and Good Posture
Not enough or too much eye contact can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact and it could indicate a lack of self-confidence or disinterest. Too much eye contact and you will wear the interviewer out. Sitting up straight with your arms relaxed gives the impression of being interested, open and confident. Practice interview sessions can help you work out these issues.

Talking Too Much
Overtalking can be because you are a nervous talker and can give the impression that you are covering up for something. Talking too much when answering direct questions makes it seem that you can't get to the point.

Overconfidence
Boastfulness, egotism and being overly aggressive are negative interview behavior. Stay on point and be factual without inflating your accomplishments.

Poor Grooming and Inappropriate Dress
Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism. Remember, you are marketing a product -- yourself -- to a potential employer, and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire; thus, you must make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking.

Talking Negatively
Never state ill feelings towards a current or past employer or manager. No matter how reasonable your complaint is, if you disrespect your boss, the interviewer will assume that you will trash him or her. If this is a challenging area, be prepared with a positive spin on your experience.

Showing Up Late or Too Early
It is vitally important to be on time to an interview. However, showing up too early can create a poor impression also. Arriving more than 10 minutes early can give the appearance of being desperate.

Lack of Preparation
Nothing communicates lack of interest like a candidate who hasn't bothered to do pre-interview research. Demonstrate your interest and give a good impression with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of their company.

Treatment of Receptionist
The first person you usually meet on an interview is the receptionist. Do not be cavalier or condescending. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression. That receptionist has the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you meet your interviewer. The interviewer might ask for this person's input after you leave.

What Not to Ask
Do not ask about benefits, vacation time or salary in the first interview. Wait until you have won the interview over before beginning that discussion.

Verbal Ticks
The first signs of nervousness are usually verbal. They are usually "umm", "like" and "you know." You can sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing before each response. Practice ahead of time so you are comfortable with your comments and you will feel more relaxed during the interview.

Failure to Match Communication Styles
It is important to effectively communicate with your interviewer. You can pick up cues from the interviewer and try to take the same tone. For example, if the interviewer is all business, don't attempt to loosen him/her up with jokes or stories. Be businesslike and to the point. Direct questions should be answered directly. If the interviewer is more personable, you can pick up on office clues to discuss his/her interest.

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