Get that Job You Want: Interview Mistakes to Avoid

I have been on both sides of an interview. I have gone through the interview process as the interviewee and I have interviewed many for jobs as well. We have all been in that situation where the nerves kick in during an interview and your mind is going a thousand miles during the pauses between questions; wondering about what question will be next and how to answer it correctly. Your cheeks feel hot, ears are warm, and your throat is dry. Well with these five easy to follow mistakes to avoid tips you can get that job you want.

Time management

As a manager I have a pet peeve that that if there is a suspense or a time that is placed to be in place then you better be there and it better be on time unless there is a solid reason why it cannot be met. In fact, I tell all my folks, "on time is 10 minutes early otherwise you're late." One of the biggest mistakes someone can make during an interview is arriving late to the interview. First impressions are lasting and when someone arrives to a job interview late then they must be subpar performers.

Ways to avoid arriving late would be setting your watches and alarms fast so you are always on time. Also, make sure you get directions to the location of the interview well in advance and actually drive to the location so you know how traffic is and how long it will take overall to get to the interview location.

It is possible that a real emergency could happen before an interview. If this happens give the interviewee the courtesy of a phone call to explain the circumstances and then later provide some sort of proof of the emergency so it doesn't seem like you are making excuses. Even though it was a legit emergency you could still be held accountable. Keep that in mind.

Personal appearance and character

As I stated previously, first impressions last. In fact, it is a proven fact that the interviewee has already made a determination on your character within the first 15 seconds of the interview. Even if the job is a relaxed environment you should still present yourself during the interview as a professional with appearance and with attitude.

Take into account these simple tips: never wear shorts; never wear jeans with holes - in fact, don't wear jeans at all; wear presentable clothing; make sure your hair and/or facial hair is trimmed and clean; do not smell of smoke or have coffee breath; smile and show a positive attitude (show that you care); make good eye contact during the interview; and sit professionally and not slumped over the arm rest or in your chair.

If you follow these easy tips and prepare the night before you will present yourself as a professional that truly cares about their mission and values and will be a good candidate for the job.

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses

No one wants to hire someone that has no idea what they are good at and/or what they are bad at. You don't necessarily need to be perfect at every aspect of every job in the business, but you do need to know your strengths and what you can provide for that specific job you are interviewing for. In addition, when you are asked about your strengths and weaknesses you should be able to provide them without hesitation. Ultimately, being able to own up to your weaknesses will help show the interviewer that you have integrity and that you truly are able to complete the jobs that are your strengths.

How will you be a benefit to the company?

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, the job description, and the company will help you provide the interviewer with why you are the right person for the job. In fact, I love to ask the question, "If hired, how will you be a benefit to the company?" Days before you go for the interview do some research (I will speak about this in a moment). You should be able to tie in your experiences, talents, and strengths to the job description. In truth, you should take a piece of paper and a pen and write a minimum of 500 words on why you want to be a _______ and why you are the best person for the job. If you do that and then memorize what you wrote you will be very successful in your interview, because you will have an established purpose.

Failing to research the company and job

In today's day in age almost every company has a website where you can find job descriptions; the company's business values, mission and goals; and the "about us" page that explains the company's past, present, and future goals and history. Failure to do the research and lack of knowledge is a sure way to be placed on the do not hire list. You have to prepare yourself before hand and never wing the interview. The best way to prepare for the interview is by devising several potential questions that you would ask if you were the interviewer and answer them. Make sure you devise technical questions, frequently asked questions, and those potentially personal and difficult questions. As coaches tell their players, "Practice makes perfect."

As I stated previously, I have both an interviewer and an interviewee. With the vast amount of experience on a management level I can honestly say if you mess these simple tips that I have provided then it is a sure thing that you will be placed on the do not hire list. So go out and get that job you want by studying these mistakes to avoid.