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Common Interview Errors and Solutions

Resume_Jobs | Apr 8, 2010 |

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Having a great resume can be totally useless if you are not prepared for the interview. You may have even paid good money to have your resume prepared by a professional, but if your interview skills do not match the strength of your resume, you will not get the job.

Having a solid interview is something that should be prepared for as early as possible. As an example, when perusing Taco Bell employment or when one is looking for JCpenney employment one should take note of things like company history and pertinent current details which could set one apart from that other people competing for the available positions. Below are some common interview mistakes with tips on how to avoid them.

Common Mistake #1: Poor Non-Verbal Communication

Confident body language can be very effective in an interview. Forgetting to sit up straight, make eye contact, and give a firm hand shake can be fatal to the interview before it even starts. First impressions go a long way and body language is the key to a good first impression. The first impression is often the main reason why you did or did not get the job. Let's face it, anyone can say anything they want and put anything on a resume that they want, but your body language tells when you are not being honest. Your body language is the window to who you really are.

Common Mistake #2: Failure to Actively Listen

To actively listen means to make eye contact and take notes. Active listening shows enthusiasm and attention to detail. If you actively listen, you are less likely to ask questions that have already been answered. Taking notes enables you to ask intelligent questions when it's your turn to ask questions. It is important to be observant and to match the interviewer's manner and tempo. Actively listening will help your level of observance.

Common Mistake #3: Being Overly Talkative

It is important to only answer the questions they ask you. Do not elaborate when you are not asked to. Being able to give brief and concise answers will show the interviewer that you have good communication skills. They do not want to know your life story. It is possible to talk yourself out of a job.

When you prepare for an interview, be sure to read the job requirements and make sure you are qualified for most of them. During the interview, focus on the skills you have that match their requirements. Do not offer information about your lack of knowledge unless you are asked about those specific skills.

Common Mistake #4: A Desperate Perception

Even though you desperately need a job and the job market is highly competitive, you do not want the interviewer to know you are desperate. Being desperate means being unconfident and could lead the interviewer to wonder if your answers to their questions were honest or just what they wanted to hear. Show confidence in your knowledge and capability. If you know you can do the job, the interviewer will know it too.