Four Job Interview Mistakes That Can Torpedo Your Chances of Success

What are the worst mistakes job hunters make? It turns out there are four big ones. These four mistakes turn up repeatedly when executives responsible for hiring talk about the reasons why someone didn't get a job offer.

If you make even one of them, you'll drastically reduce your chances of getting selected.

Interview mistake #1: Thinking like a job hunter

The only reason why an employer hires you is because they want you to achieve certain results for them. Or solve specific problems. In other words, you have something of enormous value to offer the employer.

Yet, most who turn up for a job interview think that the only one with anything worthwhile to offer is the employer. Result -- they treat a job interview as a one-sided affair where the interviewer holds all power.

To be successful at interviews, it's essential that you become a full participant in the meeting, retaining equal power. Just as the employer must judge if you're the right person for them, you must judge if this organization offers the right opportunities for you.

Go in with clear objectives of what you need to know about them, while putting your best foot forward in responding to their questions. Obviously, this does not mean being rude or arrogant. It does mean that you are proactive in directing the conversation and getting the information you want.

This is very different from the traditional job-hunter's mentality. It's about developing an assertive, confident mindset that'll get you results. Try it.

Interview mistake #2: Getting lost in generalities

When you are asked what you do at work, does your reply sound like a dull recital of an official job description written by a committee?

If so, you're losing a big chance to score at the interview.

Yes, employers do want to know what your responsibilities are. But they're more interested in hearing what results you achieved, your specific accomplishments and skills.

To put it another way, they want to hear how you performed at a task rather than just hear about what the task was. Use actual stories with names, products, places and so on.

Make sure you prepare beforehand, outlining specific accomplishments in brief story form. Convey slices of life rather than dull job descriptions.

Interview mistake #3: Not knowing enough about your target organization

It's not enough to read just the job description in an advertisement before you walk into an interview.

All other candidates have that same information. If that's all you know, you won't be able to distinguish yourself nor be able to tailor your responses to what they're really looking for.

Do your research. Tap your network, online sources, the company's website, people who currently work there -- in short, use any lead that can give you information about the organization and the job.

Apart from basic facts about the organization, find out a bit about their culture, what the position you're applying for is actually all about, the people you'll be working with and more. This kind of information serves two purposes.

One, you'll get a feel for whether this organization will truly fit in with what you're looking for. Second, it helps you prepare better for the interview. You'll be able to fine-tune your responses to anticipated questions.

Both are critical to success in your job search.

Interview mistake #4: Not being natural

A remarkable thing happens during job interviews. Someone who's normally down-to-earth, genuine and personable transforms himself into someone else who's formal, stiff and obviously on his best behavior.

He sits with an erect posture, dutifully answers all the interviewer's questions and in general, tries to do everything just right.

By not acting naturally, he ends up not connecting with the interviewer. When that connection doesn't happen, he will lose out. Irrespective of how much research he has done or how well he has prepared his responses.

That's why one of the best pieces of advice for job interviews is -- be yourself.

Stay clear of these big interviewing mistakes and you'll automatically better your odds or winning.

Mary Brent is an expert on job interviews and careers. Her numerous articles offer valuable job interview tips, answers to tough questions, effective ways to write thank you letters and more.

---

Stop Searching for A Job and Start Attracting Professional Success!

1. Assess ? Evaluate your skills, interests and abilities. Understand... Read More

Waiting for Lightening to Strike

Author and management guru, Peter Drucker says, "People adjust to... Read More

Intuition: The Secret To Your Career Success

For far too long, we moderns have relied on our... Read More

So you want to work at home

There are several ways to work from home. Some of... Read More

How To Get That Promotion

If you're looking for that promotion or pay rise then... Read More

What Exactly Online Recruitment Agencies Do?

Any online recruitment agency can help you to submit for... Read More

Make a Great First Impression

Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More

How to Think Like a Headhunter to Find Your Dream Job!

In this ever changing world, we need to think out... Read More

Resume Objectives ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Why Use Resume ObjectivesBefore we can discuss the pitfalls you... Read More

Finally The First Online Job Agency in Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean with... Read More

How To Prepare For A Telephone Interview

It is important to prepare thoroughly for your telephone interview.Begin... Read More

The Surefire Way To Getting A Pay Raise

If you are working for someone else, it is important... Read More

Does Your Career Change Itch or Burn?

Two weeks ago, I received a newsy email from a... Read More

Great Salary Negotiation Tips

11 Commandments For Smart Negotiating1 - BE PREPARED. The... Read More

Knowing and Guessing

The line between average and exceptional work performance is dotted... Read More

Don?t Be Too Passionate About Your Work

Of course, she then offered me a six-month process, costing... Read More

Resume Writing Tips

Resume Writing doesn't have to be a solo gigResume writing... Read More

How to Get Paid More Without Being Pretty or Good Looking

Guess what. The results are out they are ugly. Pretty... Read More

Turning Their Loss Into Your Job Gain

It isn't the end of the world, even if it... Read More

Driver Team Solo Positions: The Nitty Gritty On Truck Driving Jobs

Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More

Six of the Best for a Winning Resume

1. Be CompleteMake sure that your resume includes EVERYTHING your... Read More

Writing CVs and Resumes for Professionals with Examples

Tips on writing your Skills and Achievement Based CV (ABCV)... Read More

Travel Light to Work

As a frequent traveler, my goal for each trip is... Read More

How to Terminate an Employee and Live to Tell the Tale

1. Employee Backdrop in AustraliaThe whole arena of Industrial Relations... Read More

Finally Revealed: The Top 7 Resume Killers?

During my job search I read dozens of books and... Read More

Unlimit Your Life!

Do you have a tendency to think in absolutes?Is everything... Read More

Strange Jobs Still Pay The Bills

Strange jobs? How do we define that? Years ago I... Read More

A Concept That Could Double Youre Income in Mystery Shopping

Do you want to double, or increase significantly you're income... Read More

Find Passion for Your Work

Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their... Read More

Prepare for YOUR Future now --

All Presidential candidates (before and after) make all kinds of... Read More

Become A Personal Trainer

Every human body is different and a personal trainer will... Read More

Preparation is Key

Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be... Read More

It May Be Time to Walk in an Employers Shoes

If you are in a job search and aren't receiving... Read More