Sometimes we learn from the advice of others, but more often I find, we learn from their mistakes. With that in mind, here are 20 mistakes people commonly make in their interviews. It’s not a comprehensive list. But if you can avoid these errors, then the ones you do make might seem a little less egregious. Read and learn.
Mistake 1: Not getting information when the interview is scheduled. At least ask how long the meeting will be, who will be there and what their titles are. If that works, you might ask if there are multiple interviews planned in the process, how many candidates there are, and whether any of them are insiders. Be polite and gracious and you may learn a surprising amount.
Mistake 2: Scheduling too tightly around the interview. A one-hour interview could easily become two hours if you're invited on a tour or to meet another work group. These are opportunities you don't want to decline, so don't overbook yourself.
Mistake 3: Not researching the company, its products and its competitors before the meeting. The more you know, the better your answers will be.
Mistake 4: Not preparing a strategy, including two or three key messages and examples of previous successes. Take the time to identify your best skills for this job, then practice getting that information across.
Mistake 5: Not bringing anything with you to the interview. At a minimum, bring notepaper, a pen and extra resumes, all tucked neatly into a professional-looking notebook. For extra credit, include giveaway copies of your references, letters of recommendation and work samples.
Mistake 6: Arriving late, unkempt or poorly organized. What else needs to be said?
Mistake 7: Not shaking everyone's hand. Maybe you can skip the receptionist, but then again, maybe not. A warm, professional handshake exudes confidence and reliability, regardless of the job level. Practice yours until it feels natural.
Mistake 8: Not shutting off your cellphone or, worse, putting it on the table during the conversation and looking at it intermittently.
Mistake 9: Not listening to the question before answering. Nerves can lead to fast answers, but it's essential to truly hear the question before giving your response.
Mistake 10: Not tying your answers to the job at hand. Skip the one-size-fits-all answer and instead provide the details most pertinent to this particular job.
Mistake 11: Not reading the interviewer's body language. Plowing ahead with an answer while your interviewer slides under the table in boredom is never good. Watch for signs that you're still being heard, or alter your presentation accordingly.
Mistake 12: Talking down a former company, boss or co-worker. You knew this was wrong, didn't you?
Mistake 13: Presenting solutions instead of options. You don't know what's already been tried at this company, so never provide firm answers to hypothetical questions. Practice starting answers with, "Depending on what's already been tried here, one thing I might do ... ."
Mistake 14: Not asking questions of your own. A few well-considered questions will demonstrate your engagement and overall awareness of the field, while keeping the conversational ball in play.
Mistake 15: Not playing to win. Go into every interview as if you want the job badly; otherwise, don't go at all.
Mistake 16: Not expressing interest in the job, even if you think it should be obvious that you want it. Interviewers aren't mind readers. Playing to win includes saying clearly, "I'd like to work here." Make it difficult for them to choose someone else.
Mistake 17: Not immediately sending handwritten thank-yous to each interviewer -- even if there were five of them. This is so easy to do, it boggles the mind that more people don't. Sure, it may not matter to a particular person receiving the card; but what if it does?
Mistake 18: Not sending a more formal email or letter within a few days to reiterate your strengths for the position and your thoughts from the interview. This follow-up letter is an essential tool for helping busy interviewers remember you.
Mistake 19: Not maintaining contact, even when it seems fruitless. A few weeks without communication from them could mean you didn't get the job, but it also could mean they got bogged down. Stay in contact until you are told the job has been filled.
Mistake 20: Putting too many eggs in this basket. Even if an interview goes wonderfully, you need to press forward on your search. This will keep you sharp for the negotiating stage, while also hedging your bets in case an offer doesn't appear.
Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 626 Armstrong Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.
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