The hardest part is landing the interview, but you did it, congratulations! Now, try not to mess it up! In order to understand how to interview, you must understand how not to interview!

Job Interview Mistake #1: Showing up Late

This is a big no-no, and for multiple reasons. First, you just made a bad impression, and those “sorry there was traffic” excuses just don’t cut it. Does this mean you will be late for work everyday? Not only that, but now you have lost out on the opportunity to examine the office. You don’t know the type of people that work there, how organized they are, how busy or slow they are, nothing! Big bummer!

Job Interview Mistake #2: Arriving Underdressed

Keep in mind, you are not the only candidate being interviewed for a position! So, you need to do everything possible to make, and keep, a good impression. Ripped jeans and a tie-die shirt are simply unacceptable. Remember, it is much better to be overdressed than under!

Job Interview Mistake #3: Lying on Your Resume

Oooo! This is a good one! Why may I ask would you lie on your resume, or fib, or stretch the truth? You see, an employer conducts these things called reference checks, and, they also “test” each candidate. They will ask you questions, or ask you to do something, relating to the experience you claim you have. It is better to put that you would like to get into a particular field, rather than saying you have experience when you don’t.

Job Interview Mistake #4: Being Too Modest

Let’s face it, some people are amazing at what they do! If you are one of those people, let the world know about it. Think of it this way, if you say your so-so when you really are great, the candidate who is interviewing after you may say they are amazing! Don’t be the last, be the first!

Job Interview Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Body Language

This is crucial. If you are tapping your fingers or swaying your leg, this isn’t a good sign. It shows you are bored and uninterested. Further, if you are nervous you may find the tissue you were holding in your hand is now torn into a million pieces on your lap, and their floor! Make sure your body is in agreement with your mouth!

Job Interview Mistake #6: Arriving Unprepared

This is more for your own benefit. You should, at the least, bring a pen and a notepad. A lot of information is exchanged during an interview and most of that information you are expected to remember. Better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it.

Job Interview Mistake #7: Forgetting Your Manners

Please and thank you are great things to use, but when I say manners I mean much more. You shouldn’t chew gum during an interview, you shouldn’t smoke or ask for a cigarette break, you shouldn’t swear, etc. You can, but you probably won’t get the job and most definitely won’t build your network.

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