Avoiding Interview Mistakes

Fortune Magazine published a hilarious article this morning on 13 dumb mistakes interviewees make. While the interviewing process can give us all the heeby jeebies, being prepared and avoiding common mistakes will set us free from these embarrassing moments.

The magazine collaborated with professional staffing firm, Office Team, to poll several U.S. and Canadian hiring managers to get their stories on interviews gone wrong. The results ran the gamete from plain dumb to just plain unlucky. They recount several instances of poor interviews; however one that stuck out was the story of a man arriving to his interview with his cockatoo perched on his shoulder.

Most of us know that our pets aren't a normal accompaniment to an interview; however, there are tons of mistakes we might overlook in preparing to interview.

Arriving late

Perhaps the cardinal rule of interviewing, you should NEVER be late. Arrive 10 minutes early to show that you've accounted for every possible obstacle. If some sort of unforeseen event takes place that causes you to be late, make sure you call the company to notify them, but don't waste time explaining the circumstances as these are often seen as excuses for poor planning.

Inability to articulate

You are the master of your talents, so you better know how to communicate them. Always think ahead of what attributes you bring to a company and practice saying it. They go on to suggest that any weaknesses you possess be turned into positives if asked.

Be decisive and succinct but not overbearing in communicating why you're right for the job. You should never say anything negative and be careful that your confidence is not confused for self entitlement. It's all a delicate balance which is why practice makes perfect.

Talking too much and listening too little

You should never overpower the interviewer. Ideally you want a balanced exchange between yourself and the interviewer. Try not to speak for more than three minutes unless the person you're interviewing with has encouraged it. Don't be afraid of a little silence as it allows the interviewer to take notes.

Failing to research

Never walk into an interview cold. You should have a clear understanding of what the company does before you arrive. Research their product and any other information that will help you convey that you know the company and why you're a perfect match.

Ok, so you've done the research, you arrive early but for one reason or another, the interview goes bad. Perhaps you let a word slip out that shouldn't have or you've confessed too much. How do you recover from interview mishaps?

Most mistakes can be corrected by simply following up in a professional manner. A hand written thank you note or a thank you call after the interview will help you redeem yourself by appearing more professional and appreciative.

You can also use any future correspondence with the interviewer to ask questions you didn't get to address during the interview.

TwentySet.com, a website dedicated to the career enhancements of 20-somethings, suggests that in instances of spilling too much to an interviewer, try to recover during the interview by spinning what was said to be positive. Explain the circumstance as something that made you stronger for experiencing it.

Perhaps the most practical tip for recovering from an interview is learning from your mistakes. This is the perfect opportunity to learn and grow, making you a better candidate for the next interview.

While we've spent so much time primping, plotting and researching, it's easy to miss the important information to prepare for. While knowing the company you are interviewing with and how to articulate your strengths are important tools to walk in with, shouldn't we know what an employer is looking for in an interview?

Isnare.com gives examples of possible attributes you should touch on. While they have a laundry list of items to be versed in, these topics are the most important in portraying the stellar worker you are:

Teamwork skills

Be sure to give examples of teamwork you've exhibited in the past. This will show that you work well with others and don't cause distracting drama within the office.

Work related experience

You will likely be asked by the interviewer the skills you've learned that transfer to this potential position, so be ready. Because you've done the research and know this company inside and out, you should be able to give specific examples of past tasks that have prepared you to take on the work load they have to offer.

Flexibility

Nobody wants to deal with a rigid, "my way or the highway" type of person, so be sure to convey your flexibility. Whether it's the hours you're not used to working or a computer program you're not familiar with, express your desire to learn. If it's something you absolutely can't live with, thank them for the opportunity and leave politely.

Appearance

While many businesses are taking a more casual approach to their work appearance, you should always dress nicely for an interview. A suit for men or similarly professional attire for women is the standard and should never be deviated from.

Ambition

It's important to share your goals and aspirations as long as they're appropriate. Your prospective employer is not likely to be happy with someone who has no desire to climb the corporate ladder so be sure to convey your goals...unless they are with another company. Leave out any information that does not include the company you're interviewing with or is not a position that is attainable within that company.

Interviews make can make your stomach knot, your arms perspire, and your tongue tie. I can recall an interview I went on a few years ago. I was wearing uncomfortable shoes that I was not confident in wearing, and my nervousness made me a bit clumsy. As I exited the meeting room, I tripped over the door jam and as I watched the ground plummet towards my face, the executive I was interviewing with reached out his hand and forcefully rescued me from falling. Although this is probably not the reason I didn't get the job, I was none the less mortified that he and the rest of the office witnessed my lack of grace.

Though planning cannot curb a person's clumsiness, we can alleviate some of the jitters by simply being informed. Don't let misconceptions and poor planning stand in the way of your dream job. Heed these warnings and put these tips to practical use to ace your next interview.

Have you committed interviewing faux pas? How did you recover? What have you learned from your interview blunders?