Top Ten Interview Mistakes
(Also reference Interview Tips and Interview Definitions)

We have been compiling feedback from our clients for over ten years. Candidates comeout of interviews thinking they did great. However, they never get the chance to find out the "real" reason why they didn't at least get a second interview or an offer. Also, keep in mind that 95% of our candidates are qualified for the position. Therefore, somewhere in the interview process mistakes are made. Here they are in a countdown format. Anything look familiar?   R.L.

Candidates don't find out what type of interview is going to be performed. Is it structural? Is it behavioral? Is it a stress tolerance interview? Is it informational? Is it a courtesy interview? Is it a screening interview? If you know in advance what type of interview to expect, you will be surprised how well you will be able to do!!!! The type of interview usually depends on the position and the company. Larger companies (most insurance companies) have a process in place and the human resource department can give you some information in this area. A smaller company is a mixed bag of interview styles.

Lack of enthusiasm! Managers often note that a candidateseemed to have all the qualifications but didn't seem genuinely enthusiastic about the position. An employer wants to feel that a candidate is excited and interested in the opportunity rather than just coming to the interview to see what's out there. You may decide later that you really want the job you were just curious about initially. Oftentimes we have candidates go to the interview to "check it out" and then really want the position. Don't be over enthusiastic! Sell your skills but don't oversell! The worst thing that can happen during an interview is that you waste a little bit of time!

Candidates SELF-DESTRUCT! You have pre-rehearsed presentation and are ready…then something goes wrong. They ask you a question that you didn't rehearse or the CEO unexpectedly drops in to interview you. Remember to listen carefully, gather your thoughts, breathe deeply, listen to the questions and speak when you are ready. Use positive affirmations and visualizations to maintain confidence in yourself and your career.

Thinking a second interview is a job offer!
It isn't. Dress and prepare the same way you did for the first interview. NEVER take the second interview for granted. We have seen many great candidates become "good" candidates after the second interview because they failed to prepare, showed up late, dressed too "casually" and failed to reinforce the first impression. We also know that a second interview means you will be meeting other managers and department heads for the first time. Don't think "they'll remember" or "tell the other interviewers".

Inability to express yourself CLEARLY! Too many candidates try to snow the interviewer. Answer the questions in a clear, precise manner. DO NOT RAMBLE! If a question requires a little time to formulate an answer, take a few minutes to collect your thoughts before answering the question. And don't hesitate to ask for clarification or repetition of a question if you aren't sure you understand it, for this is much more preferable than failing to answer the question.

Nonverbal communication skills NEED WORK.
Some of the feedback we receive from our clients is amazing. Candidates slouching at their seats, avoiding eye contact, "soft" handshakes, fidgety movements, soft vocal tones, etc. Wake up in the interview. Even if the job isn't for you, the best information can only be obtained if you make a good non-verbal impression.

No knowledge of the company you are interviewing with. Just a few years ago, we didn't have the information about companies available like we do today with the Internet. We had to take an excursion to the library to find company information buried in volumes of reference books. Today, you have no excuse. Some companies even have their candidate expectations somewhere on their website. If you are working with a recruiter, they should provide some information for you, but you should still do your own homework! Research can give you a good flavor for a company. You might find that the person interviewing you went to the same college. You might find the company hasn't turned a profit in 4 years. The research you do will also help you formulate questions for the interviewer. You are making a job change, not buying a new car. And it's amazing how many people spend more time with the later. Be prepared!

You arrive late and are poorly dressed! After scheduling the interview, test-drive the distance and directions to the physical location. Don't assume you "know how much time it takes". Being late to an interview adds stress…and interviewing is already stressful enough. Dress for success is a common phrase, but a lot of candidates do not take it seriously. Unless the company you are interviewing with instructs you otherwise, wear business professional clothing. If your interview falls on a "casual day" or the company is "Business Casual" at alltimes, you must STILL dress professionally as possible. We always suggest dressing as though you were meeting with your very best clients.

Additional Resources

Interview Tips Interview Definition

Candidates fail to listen. You don't have to talk at all times in the interview. It is not only okay, but also essential to ask the interviewer questions. You must read the interviewers gestures and tones and respond accordingly. Try not to ramble out of nervousness. Listen to the questions, think and then respond. Sounds simple, but a lot of good candidates don't get called back because the interviewer senses candidate's inability to answer the questions asked.

TALKING NEGATIVE ABOUT ANYTHING DURING THE INTERVIEW. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all! Candidates should never talk negatively about their current position, the industry, people that they work with and previous nightmare dilemmas. Interviewers are interested more in how you overcome these challenges. Anything negative a candidate says about any topic will reflect negatively on the candidate. If there is something you need to express that is negative, say it in positive way. For example, when asked why you want to leave your current company, don't say, "my current company offers no training". Put it in the positive: "I would love to work wit