In order to successfully sell yourself, you must market your personal brand. That is, you must build a reputation that qualifies you, and only you, to successfully fulfill the job requirements. The job interview is your time to shine – your time to sell yourself and your abilities. In order to do that, you must have faith in your personal brand.

That’s what separates you from the rest of the candidates for your desired position. If you can do so successfully, you will be well on your way to landing the job of your dreams.

The successful job interview process begins when you accept the interview, and ends when the employer decides to hire you. The more you are able to communicate professionalism with personality, distinction and skill, the better your chance of getting the job.

15 Sure-fire Ways to a Successful Job Interview:

Before the interview:

Use the 3 P’s – Plan, Prepare, and Practice.

1. Prepare for the interview; research the company and prepare questions based on your research.

2. Do mock interviews in order to prepare for all questions, especially uncomfortable ones.

3. Dress professionally even if the company dress code is business casual.

4. Arrive early! (12 – 15 minutes before the interview)

At the interview:

5. Give your interviewer a firm handshake. A powerful handshake and a genuine smile will get you off to a good start.

6. Beware of your Body Language; sit erect, stand and walk with confidence, lean forward toward the interviewer.

7. Build rapport – use powerful, effective communication techniques. Take charge of the encounter without being overbearing.

8. Be a good listener. Answer only what’s asked, in a brief but effective manner.

9. Show enthusiasm and sincere interest. Don’t act desperate.

10. Take notes. You may need to refer to them later in the interview.

11. Communicate your skills, qualifications, credentials and the benefits you offer.

12. Demonstrate your accomplishments; how you improve sales, reduce cost, improve productivity, solve organizational problems. In short, demonstrate why you’re good for the organization’s bottom line.

13. Make eye contact. It demonstrates confidence, trust, and power.

14. If you want the position, ask for it – directly.

After the interview:

15. Send a follow-up thank you letter. The letter should state what interests you about the position, why you are suitable for the job, and your appreciation for the interviewer’s time.

The Top 10 Interview Questions

According to a recent survey by ResumeDoctor.com, the following are the 10 most frequently asked questions in interviews:

1. Describe your ideal job/boss

2. Why are you looking for a job? or Why are you leaving your current position?

3. What unique experiences or qualifications separate you from other candidates?

4. Tell me about yourself.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

6. Describe a time when you were faced with a challenging situation and how you handled it. It’s almost guaranteed that you will be asked this question.

7. What are your short-term/long-term goals?

8. What are some of your strengths in dealing with people?

9. What are your salary requirements?

10. Why are you interested in this position? Our company?

Copyright: Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Author: Cecile Peterkin

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2. 5 Tips For a Successful Phone Interview
3. 10 Easy Ways to Be Much More Confident in Job Interviews

Most likely you will send out a greater number of resumes than ever before, you will have fewer interviews than ever before, and you will face rejection frequently. This frustrating situation is the result of a weak economy and a shattered job market. Secondly, it is important to remember that this type of rejection really is not personal. You are riding the “rejection boat” in the company of many competent, experienced and talented applicants.

So, when rejection comes, and it will, what should you do? Be sure you do an attitude check and choose to handle this minor setback with a positive attitude. If you need an attitude adjustment, quickly work on it. Use this rejection as a learning tool. Honestly review your resume or have a trusted associate critique it for you. It is possible that it needs a few tweaks.

Mentally review the interview process. Were you on time and prepared for the interview? Was your appearance appropriate for the job? Were there any “oh no” moments in your mind during or after the interview? Maybe you could have provided better responses or asked better questions. It is not the end of the world. Use this experience to make the next interview stronger. Do some additional research and rehearsal for a more focused interview.

The question that haunts everyone after rejection is “but why?” It is possible that there was a candidate with more education, more experience and better qualifications. Or, maybe you were just spared a miserable work environment. We all want to believe that everyone likes us, but it is possible that there was a lack of chemistry during the interview. Would you really want to work for someone that had a negative attitude toward you? Can you imagine the communication problems that would result in the work place?

Although everyone would like the answer to ‘but why?’ accept the fact that you will probably never know the reason for the rejection. You need to move forward. View this as an opportunity to improve, grow and learn. You are in control and you have the option to stay positive. You can go forward stronger and better prepared. The perfect job is waiting for you and may be just an interview away!

Mel Otero, author, worked in management in the mortgage banking industry and title insurance industry for over 25 years. She has been mystery shopping part time for over five years. She has started web sites and written articles to provide information, resources and inspiration during this difficult economy. She loves to write, learn, and share information.

Author: Mel Otero

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What exactly is the purpose of an interview? What are the goals of both parties involved in the interview, and how does this tie in to receiving a job offer? What is the best way to prepare for an interview, to avoid being nervous, anxious, and blowing the entire appointment?

According to a general dictionary, an interview is defined as a formal meeting, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant. Seems simple enough, right? As a job seeker, it’s necessary to change the way that you view an interview. Let’s take our thinking from a passive appointment in which an employer gets to know a prospective employee, to a dynamic process in which a prospective employee has the opportunity to sell his or her skills.

You see, many applicants have the misunderstanding that they will participate in an interview, for the purpose of determining whether or not they want to work for an employer, at the wages and salary the said employer is willing to pay. Think about this for just a second. Many applicants walk in to an interview with limited information about the company they have applied to, and believe the answer as to whether or not they work for this company comes down to the money.

In today’s competitive job market, it’s necessary that every applicant realize there are plenty of applicants for most jobs. Unemployment is at an all time high. When you get that call to interview with a company, it’s not time to asses and be assessed – it’s time for you to audition for the role of your life!

The goals for the hiring manager during your interview is to get to know you, uncover any hidden information not provided on your resume or application, and determine whether or not this person is a good fit for the position. As the applicant for the job, your goals should always be as follows:

• to display a professional and personable attitude
• to openly discuss and show the hiring manager how your past experience can connect to their current needs
• to ask thoughtful questions of the interviewer that provide additional information about the position, and the type of individual that will best perform the position

Obviously, the hiring manager performing the interview hopes to fill this job with the “right candidate.” Conversely, the applicant’s goal should be provide such a stellar performance, the employer will have no doubt their company cannot continue to operate without you as a part of their team.

The best way to prepare for an interview is with the help of your career agent or the recruiter who is representing you. In the event you pursuing your search alone, here are some helpful tips to ensure you are ready for the big interview:

1. Do a thorough research of the company’s website.
2. View all news articles and press releases for the company for the last year.
3. Find out the name of the person you will be interviewing with, and search for information about them on LinkedIn, Google, MySpace, Facebook, or any other social networking websites.
4. Contact the company’s human resources department, and request a detailed job description be emailed or faxed to you.
5. Go through the job description, line to line, and write down all of the skills and experience you have that relate directly the position. Be prepared to discuss each of these with the interviewer.
6. Write down a minimum of five good questions you wish to ask the interviewer during the appointment. Make sure your questions are not answered by the company website, and further show your interest in the position on a long-term basis.
7. Make sure you have directions to your interview, and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive early.
8. Dress for success – it’s always better to be ultra-professional than to be under-dressed for the meeting.
9. Bring three clean copies of your resume to the interview, with cover letter and references.
10. Write a thoughtful thank you letter to each person you spoke with during the interview, and email them as soon as you return to your home or office.

When you attempt to handle a job search on your own, it can be a cumbersome and time consuming process, that results in fewer interviews and employment offers than expected. Oftentimes, the decision to work through a career agent or professional recruiter can be the difference between obtaining your target position and remaining in your current situation.

Changing your perspective on how to interview, and the goals of each party involved in the activity can ultimately provide you with the success in obtaining your next career move, with proven results.

Author: Chris Archer

Related posts:

1. Interview Tips – An Interview Crib Sheet
2. 5 Tips For a Successful Phone Interview
3. 5 Job Interview Tips

It is just as important to prepare for a telephone interview as it is for an in person interview. It could be more important as this determines whether or not you ever meet the employer. Following are five tips that can help you prepare for and ace the phone interview.

1. Do not take an unexpected interview – If an employer calls you and is interested in conducting a telephone interview on the spot tell them you are not in a place where you can speak in detail and schedule a later time to call them back. This will give you the time you need to get prepared for the telephone interview.

2. Find a quiet place to conduct the interview – Prior to calling back, make sure you are in a location that is quiet and where you will not be interrupted for the duration of the interview. A phone interview can last anywhere from ten minutes to an hour depending on the position and the interviewer.

3. Get Prepared – Gather everything you will need for the interview. This will include your resume, job description, an outline of your experience, skills and accomplishments as they relate to the position, information on the company you are interviewing with, a list of questions to ask the interview and a pen and paper to take notes.

4. Sound Enthusiastic about the position – You do not have the advantage of being in front of the employer, therefore you must do everything you can to appear upbeat and enthusiastic. Make sure you smile while talking to the interviewer. Even though they cannot see you it makes you come across on the phone as pleasant. Also, be sure to answer the questions directly without giving to much additional information. The goal of the phone interview is to land an in person interview.

5. Lastly, let the interviewer end the call. Thank them for their time, reiterate your interest in the position and ask what the next steps are.

The key to any interview whether in person or on the telephone is preparation. Follow the above steps and it will flow smoothly. Good luck.

Author: Theo James

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3. Interview Tips – An Interview Crib Sheet

Prepare a resume that sells. Is your resume a timeline, historical document, or a sophisticated marketing and sales piece? Sell the employer on your best attributes and what you can bring to them. Quantify when possible!

This may sound like a no brainer but practice makes perfect. Actually practice answering interview questions. When I’m getting ready for a big job interview I think about all the questions I could possibly be asked during the interview and I already have my answers formulated in my mind. This way there are no long, uncomfortable pauses and I’m not scrambling to put something together on the spot.

Be prepared. Boy Scout motto or instrumental piece in landing a great career? Take a notepad to the interview with you. I usually jot down 3-5 accomplishments I am most proud of, my three biggest strengths, and my one weakness. Because you know they’re going to ask so you might as well be prepared. In addition to having your notes handy when they ask you those big questions you can also jot down notes during the interview. This is great because it makes the interviewer feel that you are really interested and are paying attention to what they are saying.

Be early. I recommend showing up 10-15 minutes early. Sure you will have to wait but what happens when the interviewer walks out to the waiting room and you’re not there yet? If you are going to be late because of an earth shattering emergency call ahead. But don’t be late! That pretty much assures the job is not yours. The common belief here is if you can’t make an interview on time you won’t make it to work on time. I would say that is a fair assessment.

Make sure you show up alone. When I was a recruiter for a staffing agency I don’t even want to go into how many people showed up for the interview and brought their family or kids along. This is a big no-no!

Bring extra copies of your resume. You never know when an extra person may sit in on the interview. I always bring one copy for everyone, a copy for myself and a few extras. Just in case there is someone extra.

I know you are nervous but do not fidget, play with your clothes, hair, jewelry, shoes, etc. It is just bad form.

When introduced make sure you smile, shake their hand firmly (but don’t break it) and wait to be seated until they sit down first. Common courtesy and professional etiquette – it’s the details that matter, believe me.

Answer their questions professionally and when applicable use an example from your previous experience. This confirms to your employer that you really do have experience in the area they are questioning you.

If they ask “Have you ever done…” something before and you have not; do not just say no. Say something like: “I have not actually had experience with that but I am confident that if someone showed me how I could do it.” Or “No, I have not done that before however, I am a fast learner and I am confident that I could learn quickly and provide the results you expect.” This communicates your willingness to learn new tasks, your ability to adapt easily and your confidence in your abilities. Being flexible and open is always a great quality!

When they ask if you have any questions do not say no! This is one of the biggest mistakes I see candidates make. If you say no it appears as though you have no interest. Even if they have answered all your questions surely there are some you can think to ask. I always have 2-3 questions jotted down on my notepad before I come in. They usually consist of ‘how the position/person is managed’, ‘what the management style is of the person who will be managing me’, and ‘what the next step will be in the hiring process’. The last question is always important; you want to know where it is going once you’re done interviewing.

It is not okay to ask the interviewer “How did I do?” That is BAD FORM! And puts the interviewer on the spot and they will most likely not tell the truth because if your interview was awful they’re not going to come out and say you did horrible you’re not getting the job. Plus, the majority of interviewers will discuss the interview with other team members before they come to a conclusion about your performance and the next step for you.

When you leave make sure you thank them for their time and let them know you look forward to hearing from them soon. This conveys your interest and is a professional way to exit.

Follow up with a thank you note. Yes, you MUST send a thank you note. Do you have any idea how many people don’t send thank you notes? Do you know how many people that do send thank you notes actually get the job?! Every interview I’ve been on that I’ve mailed a thank you note to I’ve received an offer (minus one). In addition, the majority of hiring managers I know will give someone a second look if they thought enough to send a thank you note. It lets the interviewer know you are still interested in the position, you are excited about it, and you are thoughtful, organized, and professional enough to send a thank you note. Don’t question it – just do it and see what happens.

Do not call the interviewer every day asking about the status. This is so annoying and YES people really do this. Please do not be one of these people; it will get your name scratched off the list so quick you won’t even see it coming. Calling a week after you mail your thank you letter to check the status is acceptable, anything after that I think becomes a nuisance. Chances are if the job was yours within two weeks of your interview you would have heard something.

Last but not least do not put your eggs all in one basket. I knew someone that every time he had an interview he immediately stopped his job search. I never understood this; he stopped sending out resumes, stopped applying on line, and stopped mailing out letters. He put all his eggs in this one basket and sadly when it didn’t work out he had lost two weeks in his job search, had to start all over again and was more discouraged then ever. Getting a ‘no’ is inevitable you are not going to ace every interview and be the perfect fit every time.

If you stay consistent, focused, and look at finding a job like it is your full time job then eventually you will succeed and it will all be worth it. Keep these interview tips tucked away and refer back to them before each interview.

Author: Jessica M Holbrook

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Do not smoke at the site where you apply or interview.

Smoking or chewing tobacco makes a bad first impression – wait until you are in the car leaving before using any tobacco products. Even if the interviewer is smoking (such as at a construction site), wait until you leave.

Many businesses do not allow tobacco use of any kind on the premises. If they do allow to smoking, anytime during the application or interview process is the wrong time for several reasons: you will smell like smoke, your breath will stink, you will make their office or lobby stink. Employers also do not want to see your cigarette butts in their parking lot. If you walk outside to smoke while waiting for your interview, it leaves the impression that you will take too many unauthorized breaks if they hired you.

Do not bring anyone with you, especially children.

I don’t know how many times I have interviewed someone that had a child with them – I even had one applicant start breast-feeding in the middle of the interview!!! I have also had applicants tell me that they were in a hurry because they left their child in the car – I refused to interview them until they found someone to watch their child.

It is totally inappropriate to bring a child into a business – especially an office or manufacturing plant. Even if you are applying at a daycare facility, leave your child at home for the interview. It is equally inappropriate to have your spouse, family member or friend tag along. Even if that person works at the place that you are applying, you should go to your interview alone. The one exception to that rule – if the employer called both of you in, or if the employer is hiring for multiple positions and you are both applying. In that case, you need to make sure that the employer knows that you both have your own transportation to and from work.

Do not use your cell phone to talk, text, or email.

Write down any phone numbers you may need prior to going inside, then turn your phone OFF – not silent or vibrate – OFF. It is distracting to you and the interviewer when your phone vibrates or lights up. The interviewer will wonder if you are planning to be on your cell phone all day, or texting while he/she is paying you to work.

Do not be rude!

Do not be rude to the security guard, receptionist, interviewer, or any other employee or applicant that you encounter on the premises. Interviewers often ask the receptionist for their opinion before making a final decision.

Do not be in a hurry.

Plan to be there for at least 2 hours. It may only take you 10 minutes for the interview, but the average time is about 30 minutes. You may have to wait, so don’t get too antsy. Some employers will hire a good candidate right on the spot. That may mean taking a test, drug screen, or physical on the same day. In some industries, the employer might ask you to start work immediately. I like to tell people (if they are not currently working at another job that will require a notice) to go to the interview prepared to start work right away, the same day. When the employer asks when you are able to start, it gives you an edge above other candidates. Keep in mind, if you tell the interviewer that you are willing to quit your current job with no notice so that you can start immediately, you are taking a big risk that he will show you the door. Most managers will not hire someone that has quit a job without giving a proper notice.

Do not tell the interviewer how much you need the job or whine about your problems.

Everyone they interview needs a job. Do not try to get them to hire you based on sympathy. They are not looking for a charity case, but a qualified, well-skilled individual that will meet their needs. Unless whining, begging, or complaining were listed as job criteria, don’t do it.

Do not talk bad about your previous employers.

This includes the company, supervisors, co-workers, company policy, etc.

Do not go into an interview looking like you just woke up.

I have had people come in to my office wearing shorts, wife-beater t-shirts, pajama pants, flip-flops, slippers, hair messy, etc. You should dress as nice, or a little better, than you would be expected to come to work. You should not wear a three-piece suit to interview for a welding position, but dress appropriately. Also, the interview process begins when you ask for an application. You should not go to fill out an application unless you are ready for an interview.

Do not act like over-confident, pushy, know-it-all.

Yes, you should appear confident, but not cocky. I notice this most often with applicants that have 20+ years experience, and those applying for higher-level positions. Regardless of your vast knowledge and expertise, you are no better than anyone else and a bad attitude will keep you searching for a job.

Remember, the business you are applying with does not have to hire you. It is your responsibility to put your best foot forward & impress them with your job skills that can fill their need. In today’s job market, you are competing against plenty of other qualified candidates. You need to prove to the hiring manager that you stand out above the rest.

Author: Cathi Arwood

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They are pros at whatever their major responsibility is but hiring new employees constitutes only about 2% – 5% of what they do. That means that if you are prepared you have a fairly good chance of subtly controlling the interview by the questions you ask and the way you structure your resume.

Here are some of the kinds of interviews you can expect to encounter. Each takes a slightly different type of preparation and tactics.

1. Standard Interview. This is the type of job interview which you probably expect. It’s mostly a “getting to know you” walk through your background, perhaps by way of your resume. If you are actually in a face-to-face interview chances are better than 90% that they already know that you can do the job so this interview has as a primary goal to check out if the chemistry works. Can you fit in with the corporate culture? Are you the type of person who will fit well into our team?

2. Behavioral Interview. This type of interview is the exception to the amateur rule – most of the people conducting behavioral interviews have had specific training to do behavioral interviews. Frequently these interviews are conducted by 2 people with 1 asking the questions and 1 making notes on your answers and, possible, giving you a numerical score. For companies committed to behavioral interviewing, this is a hurdle you have to get over but it is seldom the only interview. You are more likely to encounter occasional behavioral questions in standard interviews.

3. Panel Interview. This type of interview may be conducted just because of scheduling efficiency but it more often has the purpose of observing how you interact with a group of co-workers (either the team you will be a part of or inter-departmental people you will be interacting with) or to observe your presentation style. In all cases, be sure to make eye contact with everyone and include as many of the panel as possible in your answer. And all of them get an individualized thank you note.

4. Sequential Panel Interview. This is when they sit you in a conference room and send in anywhere from 3 to 6 or 8 people in to interview you one at a time. There are 2 keys to this type of interview. The first is stamina – get plenty of rest the night before and don’t plan on doing anything that night. And the second – if you use a success story with one person and the same story, from a different angle, is appropriate in talking to another person, tell the second person that you have already discussed this situation from a different angle and with whom so that, when they compare notes they won’t be confused.

5. Technical Interview. Obviously this type of interview is a given if you are interviewing for a technical position. However, it may also happen to check out your professional acumen in any profession. This interview won’t usually get you the job but it will definitely get you eliminated if you don’t demonstrate the level of knowledge that the interviewer knows is necessary for the position.

6. Social Interview. This is an especially common type of interview for anyone in a business development or sales position. If you will be interacting with customers or prospects in public, your potential employer wants to know how you perform in a business social setting. Remember, this is still an interview and act accordingly. Don’t order anything sloppy (this is not the time for spaghetti or steamed crabs) and be very aware of your table manners. If everyone at the table orders alcoholic drinks, join in, but just take token sips.

7. Approval Interview. This interview is just to check that the boss’s boss doesn’t take an instant and strong dislike to you. Here, even more than everywhere else, the important goal is to create chemistry, chemistry, chemistry. This person can say “yeah” or “nay” about your coming on board but is probably not very interested in details. Best way to handle this interview is to follow the interviewer’s lead.

Regardless of the type of interview you encounter, the bottom line is chemistry. If they like you they will overlook all sorts of deficits but if they don’t you could walk on water and they wouldn’t care.

Author: Jane Trevaskis

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1. Risk and Reward – Panel Job Search Interviews
2. 10 Easy Ways to Be Much More Confident in Job Interviews
3. Job Interviews – 10 Cardinal Sins

Nothing makes me sadder than, once having heard that my clients have secured the interview, to find out later that they have been found guilty of one or more of the cardinal sins related to job interviews.

Cardinal Sin #1: Resting on your laurels. Falling into the trap of believing that your stellar credential and years of work experience speak for themselves is disastrous.

Cardinal Sin #2: Practice interviews are unnecessary. Think about the last time you were on the receiving end of job interview. Although it is likely that the information required by employers has not changed, it is highly likely that the employers’ method of acquiring that information has. Candidates should be prepared to respond to all types of interview styles including the following:

Behavioural Interviews – This type of interview is sometimes called a ‘competency-based’ interview. This type of interview is based upon the idea that a candidate’s past behaviour is a good indicator of the candidate’s future behaviour. Behavioural interview questions typically begin with the words, “Tell me about a time when…..”

Stress Interviews – Interviewers and hiring managers use this interview technique in an effort to intimidate candidates and to find out how these candidates handle pressure. While most questions will concentrate on areas related to the job, i.e. work overload, dealing with multiple projects, handling conflict, etc., candidates may also find themselves responding to an interviewer who appears to be completely uninterested in the candidate’s answers to the point of appearing almost hostile.

Interviewers, who deliver stress interview questions may, choose to avoid eye contact, roll their eyes at the candidate’s answers, interrupt the candidate’s answers, or ask questions in a demeaning or challenging style.

Candidates should know that the interviewer is playing a role and that the secret to successfully navigating through this style of interview is to de-personalize the process. Stress interview questions fall into a number of categories:

Sticky situations – “What would you do if you caught a colleague stealing?”

Putting you on the spot – “[Interviewer] I believe that this interview is going poorly. What do you think?”

Popping your balloon – “Is that your best answer?”

Oddball questions – “How many jelly beans do you think would fit in a 747?”

Platform Interviews – During this type of interview, the candidate is asked to make a presentation as part of the selection process. Some interviewers find this tactic to be a useful predictor of how the candidate will perform under similar on-the-job situations.

Technical Interviews – These types of interviews focus on problem solving and creativity. Interviewers expect that this type if interview is a good indicator of the candidate’s knowledge and ability. This type of interview may be delivered via computer module and use multiple-choice questions to determine proficiency

Telephone Interviews – This type of interview is typically used by hiring managers to reduce the number of prospective candidates that will be invited for a second ‘face-to-face interview.

Cardinal Sin #3: Dropping your guard in front of ‘the help’. – Be forewarned that hiring managers will often ask the receptionist for their input on hiring decisions. Also be forewarned that in many smaller companies, it would not be uncommon for the person who will be conducting the interview to place themselves in the receptionist seat to get a first impression of all potential candidates.

Cardinal Sin # 4: Over-sharing. - While all job-seekers should be prepared to address gaps in employment history, these holes in history need to be addressed in a formal manner only after these gaps are brought up by the interviewer or hiring manager.

Cardinal Sin #5: Using acronyms. – Job-seekers should not assume that the interviewer is familiar with the same acronyms you have used in your current or previous job. It is not unusual for acronyms to be organization specific and that these acronyms may mean something different for other organizations. If you, as a candidate want/need to use a particular acronym, make sure that you take the time to explain the acronym to the interviewer.

Cardinal Sin #6: Ringing cell phone - You’ve got places to go and people to see – we get it, you’re a big deal. But when an employer has taken the time to meet with you, your undivided attention is a must. Note to Gen-Yers (and iPhone addicts of all ages): Acing the interview is your primary mission. If you lack the impulse control to keep your hands off your phone, turn it off or leave it behind.

Cardinal Sin #7: Talking the employer out of hiring you. - In today’s tight job market, job seekers may find themselves accepting interviews for positions that they would normally consider as not taking advantage of the tremendous number of transferable skills they have to offer potential employers. Be wise and keep your option open! Remember that just because an opportunity has been offered, it does not mean that you, as a potential new hire, are required to accept the position.

Cardinal Sin # 8: Act like a Stalker. – There’s a fine line between enthusiastic and desperate, and you don’t want to cross it. If you are going to make a follow-up call and/send a “Thank you for taking the time to grant me an interview” e-mail, and you should, limit the number to ONE and leave a polite message to indicate that you would be happy to answer any other questions that may have come up as a result of the interview or to supply the interviewer with the information they requested.

Do not fall into the trap of believing that if you hang up without leaving a message that somehow negates the number of calls you have made. With the popular use of caller ID interviewers and hiring manager can track the number and frequency of hang-ups serves no positive purpose other than to leave a negative impression.

Cardinal Sin #9: Ignoring the value of social media. - Social media is another of the many tools that employers and hiring managers use to screen candidates. Make sure that your social profile is clean and a Google search of your name will not produce negative results. If you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see what’s on your profile, you don’t want potential employers to see it either.

Cardinal Sin #10: Treating social media communications casually. - These days, many employment relationships begin – or end – with social media. To ensure that yours falls into the former category, heed this tale. Whether you are using Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, or instant or text messaging, you still have to be professional in every communication related to your job search. Always use correct grammar and proofread your interactions before you hit the ‘send’ button. It is critical to maintain your professionalism at all times.

Author: Mary Salvino

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1. Job Search Strategies – Seven Kinds of Job Interviews
2. Job Interviews – 101 Common Mistakes to Avoid
3. Risk and Reward – Panel Job Search Interviews

It’s likely that you committed an interview mistake. Most hiring managers are willing to let one or two small matters slide. However, if you commit several of the common interview mistakes you will never make the short list.

We interviewed hiring managers, recruiters, and even job seekers to identify the most common mistakes made by job applicants. We intentionally did not rank the list of interview offenses, since their impact will vary widely depending on the attitude of the interviewer.

As you review the list below, some mistakes will appear quite obvious even common sense (and humorous). Some mistakes apply only to one gender but there are plenty to go around.

We recommend that you review our list and make a personal checklist of your own, based on the job, the company, and your past experiences. Prior to each interview look at the list again. In this way, you will become conditioned in your behavior and responses. After each interview debrief yourself as soon as possible. Go through the list, checking those items that were mishandled.

By carefully crafting your answers and avoiding interview mistakes, your confidence will increase and your job campaign will improve dramatically.

101 Job Interview Mistakes:

1. Arriving late for interview (and not calling to advise the interviewer)
2. Bringing food and drink into the interview
3. Wearing huge medals, chains, and gaudy jewelry
4. Smelling of smoke
5. Referring to any member of the staff in some derogatory or suggestive way
6. Using foul language
7. Forgetting to bring extra resumes
8. Taking liberties with interviewer Ex: addressing by first name
9. Leaving your cell phone on (and answering)
10. Wearing shirt unbuttoned down the front; sleeves rolled up
11. Bad mouthing your past supervisor or employer
12. Dressing very casual or overdressing – simple conservative always works
13. Failing to send thank you note after interview
14. Wearing shorts, T-shirts floppies, sneakers, baseball hat, blue jeans
15. Hair disheveled or unkempt
16. Chewing gum
17. Wearing tie or shirt with stains
18. Messed up clothes- poorly pressed
19. Tracking dirt, snow, rain, etc. into the office
20. Showing off tattoos
21. Wearing dirty or scuffed shoes
22. Putting briefcase or purse on interviewer’s desk
23. Poor posture when sitting- slouching
24. Failing to give firm handshake
25. Making derogatory references to gender, race, or age
26. Unshaved
27. Body odor;bad breath
28. Too much perfume or aftershave cologne
29. Shuffling papers and notes during interview
30. Failure to bring critical reference material -dates, names, addresses etc
31. Failing to get names and titles or bus cards of people interviewed
32. Failing to acknowledge everyone in the organization Ex: receptionist, assistants etc.
33. Assuming one or more of the staff are not influential in hiring decision
34. Interrupting receptionist or other staff with frivolous conversation
35. Laughing boisterously during interview
36. Telling jokes during interview
37. Failing to thank interviewer and express enthusiastic interest in the position
38. Failing to ask their level of interest – how you fit – the next step
39. Asking who else is applying – What are their names
40. Replying: ‘I already answered that question’
41. Lying
42. Losing temper or arguing with interviewer
43. Asking detailed salary questions on first interview
44. Focusing on medical benefits and sick time during initial discussions
45. No answer for “What kind of position are you seeking..What are your job objectives?”
46. Fidgeting – fooling with hair and hands, cracking knuckles
47. Picking up and fussing with stuff on interviewer’s desk
48. Asking personal questions of interviewer
49. Hemming and hawing when answering
50. Failing to answer a question – stalling – ignoring a question
51. Failing to be prepared for the most common questions
52. Asking about vacation and comp time in the beginning
53. Asking for flex time unless it is a routine and expected part of the job
54. Coming to interview sick
55. Bringing a friend or relative along (even to the waiting area)
56. Directing the interviewer – “You should…do this or that”
57. Failing to smile and show enthusiasm
58. Rambling on instead of a clear concise answer
59. Answering questions with irrelevant details
60. Exaggerating skills and achievements
61. Failing to maintain eye contact
62. Acting as if you are the obvious choice or already have the job
63. Being dismissive of the HR staff and its function
64. Offering apologies or qualifiers before an answer
65. Failing to do research -asking questions that you should already know the answers to
66. Showing off your knowledge about the company with items of common knowledge
67. Implying you are deserving of a promotion before you start
68. Failing to backup supposed skills with specific examples
69. Being a philosopher: Focus instead on your concrete value adding abilities
70. Being unprepared for tough questions about past failings, problems, dismissals etc.
71. Interrupting the interviewer
72. Using threatening language – “If I don’t get this job…..”
73. Mispronouncing an important word or name
74. Failing to address the interviewer by name in the course of the interview
75. Failing to overcome negative observations or conclusions made by interviewer
76. Saying money doesn’t matter
77. Asking for something to eat or drink
78. Asking “When can I expect my review and how often do you give raises”
79. Failing to follow interviewer’s lead:If all business-then you be all business etc.
80. Holding interviewer hostage: Recognize when the interview is over
81. Failing to find out the next step in the process
82. Focusing and commenting on the office trappings, titles, and office size
83. Declaring what you don’t do or won’t do
84. Making references to employment law and labor regulations
85. Debating issues with interviewer
86. Emphasizing your medical conditions
87. Being a pity applicant: employer is primarily interested in their needs not yours
88. Talking down to the interview implying your skills and experience are superior
89. Saying “You probably don’t know this because of your age or lack of experience but…”
90. Failing to change your personal voice mail to a professional response
91. Don’t cross your legs or ankles during interview
92. Failing to warn family and roommates of possible calls from prospective employers
93. Conducting telephone interviews in noisy environment or subject to interruptions
94. Using existing employer’s telephone or email to communicate with prospective employers
95. Forgetting critical info – Who are you interviewing with? Time, address
96. Making reference to prospective employers on social networks and blogs
97. Failing to get detailed directions beforehand
98. Texting in front of the interviewer or other staff
99. Asking to use the phone for routine matters
100. Talk about politics or controversial events involving politics, religion etc.
101. Offering details about personal life not needed by interviewer

Copyright 2009 T Collins Group LLC

Author: Timothy M Collins

Related posts:

1. Top 7 Resume Mistakes to Avoid For College Graduates
2. Common Interview Questions – The Dirty Dozen
3. 10 Easy Ways to Be Much More Confident in Job Interviews

However, there are ways you can feel more relaxed and prepared for interviews, and increase your chances of getting that job or promotion that you’re going for.

Here are 10 tips to help you approach a job interview more confidently and increase your chances of success.

They don’t appear in any particular order as everyone needs to improve in different areas, but there is something here to help everyone who has ever been nervous about a job interview… and who of us hasn’t!

1. Treat each interview as special

As was already mentioned you should approach each job interview as a new experience. Each interview requires you to sell yourself and your skills differently. An interview is about finding out if you are a good fit for a job, so you should not try to parrot answers you rehearsed months ago for another job.

Being well prepared for each interview will help minimize your stress and increase your chances of landing that perfect job.

2. Do your homework

Part of interview preparation is in knowing something about the company you will be interviewing with. It also means knowing at least the name and the position of the person who will be interviewing you.

Knowing the job description of the position you are being interviewed for is another important part of your interview preparation. If don’t already know this information you can get it by going online to the company’s website or by making a phone call to their human resources department.

There is one question every interviewer asks during the interview. That question is:

“Why do you want to work for this company?”

The question may not be asked exactly like this, but something like it will be asked. If you have researched the company it will make it much easier to answer questions like this without having to figure it out at the last minute and you’ll also feel more confident.

3. Make time for job interview practice

Once you have the information concerning the company and the job position you are applying for you can develop some anticipatory practice questions you might think you will be asked in the actual interview. After making a list of these questions you can then begin practicing answering them in front of a mirror or in a mock interview.

Ask a friend or family member to help you with the mock interview. Also, many school career centers are a great resource for interviewing help. Your local library may have employment videos that you can check out and watch from the convenience of your home.

The point is to take advantage of as many resources as possible to help you sharpen your interviewing skills.

4. Dress the part

The day before your interview select the clothing you are going to wear to the interview. As you get ready to go to your interview make sure that your clothing is appropriate for the type of company you will be interviewing with.

Men should wear a nice pair of slacks with a dress shirt and tie, or a suit. Women can wear either a skirt or slacks with a decent blouse.

Both men and women should not dress provocatively or outlandishly, or with an excessive amount of jewelry. If you are going to wear jewelry keep it simple.

5. Take what you need to the interview

You will want to bring copies of your resume to the interview to give to the interviewer, even if you had submitted one with your application. Your resume should be neat, clean and professional looking.

Also, take along a pen and pad of paper to take notes. Doing these things demonstrates your sincere interest in obtaining the position.

6. Be punctual

Make every possible effort to arrive to your interview on time; in fact, be there a little early. Never be late.

If you show up to the interview late you just told the employer that you are not punctual and will be late to work. If you are going to be late you need to have a very good reason then call the employer to explain the reason in advance and see if you can reschedule the interview.

7. Stay calm

During the interview stay calm and answer questions in an even and friendly tone of voice, expressing what you know about the company and how your skills can enhance and benefit the company.

As the interviewer is speaking demonstrate interest in what they are saying, keeping eye contact while they talk. Never let your eyes wonder around the room as this will show a lack of interest in not only the position, but the interviewer as well.

8. Sit comfortably

You don’t want to slouch in the chair at your interview, but you do need to be comfortable. Try and sit up straight, right back in your chair and take a few good, deep breaths.

This posture will not only make you look calm and in control; it will help to make you feel this way too.

9. Ask questions

You don’t give over all control in an interview: at least, you shouldn’t! An interview should also be about finding out whether you want to work within in this company and do the job you are being interviewed for. It may seem quite a different place once you are actually there, so you want to find out what the place is really like.

Also, asking questions like this will impress your interviewer. It will make you appear interested and intelligent and also willing to learn and to listen to people. Realizing that you also have the right to ask questions at your interview should help you stay calm.

10. Closing the interview

As the interviewer brings the interview to a close let them know that you appreciate the opportunity to have received the interview and restate your interest in the position you were interviewed for. Leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you and you will feel that reflected back at you.

You will feel much happier as you leave the interview room.

These tips are tried and tested ways to approach a job interview more comfortably. If you prepare for your interview well, and realize that your world will not end if you don’t get this job, and also that you have the right to refuse the job, even if it is offered to you, you should feel much better about going through the interview process.

Be calm, friendly and open. The interview is not threat to who you really are. There will be other jobs if you don’t get this one and it may not be a job you would be happy in.

Approaching the job interview in a more detached and rational and less emotional way, will help you to feel calm, and that will mean you are much more likely to do well at the interview.

Author: Peter Murphy

Related posts:

1. Job Interviews – 101 Common Mistakes to Avoid
2. 15 Sure-fire Ways to a Successful Job Interview and the Top 10 Questions to Ask
3. Job Search Strategies – Seven Kinds of Job Interviews