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Interview Blunders
Karin Call
October 12, 2000
Get the bugs out of your interview skills
Techies are reputed to dress slovenly, be notoriously bad communicators and have despicable manners – traits that can sabotage a crucial interview.
Is it true? Not from where I'm sitting. But just to be sure you haven’t picked up one of these interview bugs, download these recommendations and install your free Interview Anti-Virus program.
Behind the times
Don't be late. No matter what the scenario is, however legitimate, there is no excuse - from the interviewer's point of view, for you to lag behind schedule. Being late signals that you are unprepared to deal with the unexpected, i.e. the traffic or the weather. Arrive 15 minutes early and spend the extra time sitting in your car, reading, meditating or checking stocks on your cell phone.
How rude
Mind your manners. Be polite to everyone, no matter who it is. That means the receptionist, the mail carrier and the CEO. It is not uncommon for interviewers to ask the receptionist for her opinion of your personality, after you have left. Smile warmly and don't kick Fluffy, the company cat.
Send a thank you note to each member of the interview team. It's like this: the company may be using the thank you note - or lack thereof, to weed out candidates. If you don't send a thank you note, you are out of the running. Do you really want to take this chance? Send a note and send it within 24 hours.
Stretching it
You are what you are, and don't you forget it. But not according the Pinkerton Services Group, the background verifications company. They found, on average, that 12 percent of resumes had major misrepresentations. Luckily, there's no need to pad your already-impressive high-tech industry experience.
There is no quicker way to sink in an interview than to distort, exaggerate or lie about your job experience. Remember to use "we" - if applicable, when talking about a project you have worked on with colleagues. After all, you are a team player and want to be viewed as such.
Rumpled suit?
A messy appearance indicates you may be unorganized, disinterested, or be an “I'll get it done tomorrow,” kind of person. Wear the right clothes to show you care about getting the job.
Dress professionally. No sneakers or khakis. Even if the corporate culture is casual Friday, every day of the week, it's safer to don business attire for that first interview. You look as though you’ve made an extra effort to be presentable. And you won't offend anyone with that tattered Grateful Dead t-shirt you’ve been wearing for four days straight.
Don't slouch
Watch your body language. Good posture indicates energy and enthusiasm. Make eye contact. Uncross those arms to show you are open to new ideas. Mirror others’ behavior to make them feel comfortable and connect with you. For example, match your rate of speaking to your interviewer’s.
Listen closely
Be observant. Watch and hear what the employer wants. Once you know what the company wants, it's easier to make them want you.
Big mouth?
Don't ramble on, no matter how eager you are to impress these bigwigs. Get to the point or just stop talking. Otherwise, you are demonstrating insecurities, nervousness - or even worse, a lack of regard for the interviewer’s valuable time.
Tight-lipped
On the flip side, simple head nods and one-word answers will get you nowhere fast. Since the interviewer is trying to get to know you, and vice versa, it is best to thoroughly answer questions. Just keep it straight and to the point. Anything less makes you appear scared, uninterested or just plain egotistical.
Be prepared
Research the company and their products so you can showcase your talents in a way that connects with what the company does.
Need to buy time?
Go ahead and pause. Reflect on the question for a moment. Just don't take too long or the interviewer with think you're lost in space. Feel free to seek clarification by asking a question for yourself. Be sure the question is directed to develop a finely tuned answer and isn't being tossed out as a blatant stall tactic.
Badmouthing
Even if your previous boss ran off with your spouse and the company payroll, don't complain about it in an interview. Stick to your own accomplishments and job performance.
Timing is everything
If you negotiate salary too early, it’s clear that your primary interest is in the money, not the career opportunity. This is hardly a team player attitude. Let them bring it up first. Be prepared by knowing what the average compensation is in your area.
Know yourself
The interview is designed so you can decide whether you want to work there. Look around and see how the environment suits you. Are you comfortable working in cubicles or do you have a strong aversion to anything that resembles a maze with a piece of cheese at the end?
Decide if you can do this job. Be honest: do you posses the skills required to be productive? If not, bow out of the running gracefully.
Why not just be yourself? We play different roles at various times in our lives. And productive interviewing is a particular role. For instance, if you don't know the rules of tennis, then you're going to lose the game. Developing effective presentation and communication skills are a way we portray ourselves as competent workers.
Final word
Why put forth all this effort for a meeting that lasts an hour or two? An interview is the ultimate test of a job candidate’s suitability. Interviewers may see on paper that you are an able-bodied IT expert, but they also want to know if you fit into their unique company culture.
With a sense of sincere interest in the company, and enthusiasm for the job, you will get noticed. By conveying a positive attitude, you will cast yourself in a favorable light. And you’ll be well on your way to winning a job offer.
Recommended Links:
Personal Skills from The Bee Hive.
Thank you notes; The nice way to finish an interview.
Liar, Liar, Beware of Tale-Telling Executive Hire.
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