Interview Tips: Five Big Interview Blunders and How to Avoid Them – Part 1

There’s no need to reinforce how important the interview is to landing the job of your dreams. Yet, many hiring managers continue to be disappointed by the majority of college graduates who have not properly prepared.

If you want to stand out and make a good impression with prospective employers, there are a number of things you need to do well and others you want to avoid. Here is a list of five major blunders to avoid during your interview and how to turn things around If needed. Keeping these items in mind will make your interview memorable (in a good way) to help you land that job.

1. Don’t Share Too Much Personal Information
According to Tina Kadish, recruiting manager for a regional insurance firm in Connecticut, many students talk about family situations and other parts of their life that is not important to the job. This tendency to share can work against you if you reveal something that gives the interviewer a reason to doubt your capabilities or readiness to enter the work force.

The Solution
Don’t ramble. Stick to answering the questions that were asked thoroughly, but as succinctly as possible.

2. Don’t Use Slang or Lingo
We know you are hip, but the hiring manager may not be. Plus, using words that others may not be familiar with could lead to misunderstandings which will work against you.

The Solution
To make the best impression, avoid slang or local lingo and elevate your speaking habits to sound more like a peer rather than a college student.

3. Don’t Fidget
Maybe interviewing isn’t the most exciting thing you’ve ever done. Or perhaps you feel nervous. Either way, you might be prone to fidgeting. Tapping, looking around the room, constantly shifting in your seat are clues that you may have problems paying attention or concentrating for periods of time.

The Solution
Catch yourself if you start to fidget and stop immediately. Focus your attention on the interviewer and what he or she is saying. Your ability to be fully engaged demonstrates your interest in the position and the company.

4. Don’t Go on the Interview without Learning about the Company
Many students don’t bother to visit the employer’s web site or learn anything about the company. This can tip off the interviewer that you aren’t very interested.

The Solution
If possible, talk to a few people who work for the employer to get a feel for what the company is like. Read through the web site especially the mission statement, company history or about us section. Then you can ask questions about what you have read and illustrate how serious you are about working there.

5. Don’t Forget Your Resume
Even If you sent in your resume weeks ago or yesterday, don’t assume the interviewer will have a copy. In addition, realize that many people won’t have read your resume prior to meeting you. So don’t act surprised if this happens.

 The Solution
Bring extra copies of your resume with you. If you impress a hiring manager, he or she might want to introduce you to other managers on an impromptu basis. Might as well be prepared for success!

Follow these five simple suggestions and you’re performance will exceed that of your peers. Your goal is to make a good impression, demonstrate your interest and readiness to join their team and leave them feeling like you’ll make a solid contribution to the company.

Photo Credit: Nick Wheeleroz