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Job Interviews – Get the Job you Deserve - 10 Mistakes You Should Not Make Well you’ve worked hard and finally have your interview! It’s your dream job and your really want it. Want to know how not to make a mess of your job interview? Here are ten mistakes you should not make. 1. Being late – you are going to be anxious and nervous and you are visiting a place you probably don’t know where it is? How about planning out your journey beforehand and giving yourself an extra hour. Better to find the building that you are being interviewed in and then spend an hour relaxing and preparing for your interview, than making a mad dash and arriving flustered and late. 2. Not knowing the basics – you should know all you can find out about the company you hope to work for. You will be asked about why you want to join the company and you should have a sensible answer ready. Your new company will like to feel chosen by you – and they will want to employ a prepared and organized person. 3. Being unprepared – bring copies of your resume/CV with you, even if an agency obtained the interview for you. Know the job specification off by heart. Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask. Potential employers like candidates that show a keen interest in the job. 4. Trying to “Wing It” - practice get a list of questions that you could be asked, prepare your answers and practice, practice, practice until you are natural at it. Our resource box gives you some suggestions as to where you can obtain some help on this. 5. Forgetting that your interviewer is the expert! – pretending you know more than you do is a great way to blow an interview! Be yourself, don’t say you know something you have no idea about – you can be sure that your interviewer knows the answer because they work in that environment all the time. As an interviewer myself in the IT and business world, I often put in a technical question to check whether the interviewee really knows what they are talking about. 6. Not dressing the part – first impressions count, if you are interviewing at a bank, for goodness sake wear a suit and if you are hoping to enter marketing, dress design etc – then dress appropriately. Your interviewer will understand that you might not have enough money to own an expensive suit, but there is no excuse for shabby and unclean clothes. Don’t forget your shoes! 7. Not being enthusiastic – no one wants to employ someone who appears bored, inattentive and answers all questions curtly. Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake and show common courtesy. Don't be afraid to display your passion for the job and industry. Answer questions as fully as you can and be confident. 8. Not listening: Focus on the question that is being asked and don't try to anticipate the next one. It's acceptable to pause and collect your thoughts before answering a question. If you don’t understand the question, then ask for clarification by saying “my understanding is….” Pay special attention to technical or work related questions that are related to the job specification. The interviewer may have provided information you will need to answer the question earlier in the conversation. Employers will be looking for your ability to assimilate new information, retain it, and, most importantly, recognize that information as useful to you later in the interview. 9. Not marketing yourself correctly - define yourself and map your skills to those that the job spec/advert are requiring. Know your major strengths and accomplishments as they relate to the job you are applying for. Use your answers and questions you ask to make you stand our and be memorable to your interviewer. If you have an unusual hobby, job experience or skill, then bring this up naturally. This is not the time to name drop though. Be careful that you do not make the interviewer feel inadequate or uncomfortable. 10. Being impolite – remember your interviewer maybe your future boss! Don’t sit down until asked, ask to take of your jacket if hot, say thank you to offers of refreshment etc. Express your interest towards the job you are interested in and thank them for their time. Even if you end up not being interested in the job anymore, you can never know if that person can’t become a great contact person for you. If you obtained an interview from an agency, then also ring them back promptly and advise them of your interest in the role. Good Luck with getting the job you deserve! ------------------------------------------------ © Copyright 2006 - 2007 Biz Guru Lee Lister owns and manages one of the busiest CV, Resume and Interview Services web sites in the UK www.JobSuccess.co.uk from where she provides these services all over the world. She also manages www.JobsBiz.com which supplies job seeking, interview and resume writing assistance including the brand new Writing Attention Grabbing Resumes which comes in MP3 and ebook format. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached. --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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