The Deadly Dozen - 12 Critical Interview Mistakes that Will Keep You from Getting the Job

Job interviews can be very stressful. That's why very often, job applicants make serious mistakes during a job interview and are totally unaware that they are killing their chances of getting the position. Here are the top deadly mkistakes you can make during a job interview and what you can do to avoid making them.

Not being Prepared

Prospective employers expect job applicants who do their homework and research their company and industry before the interview. Never walk in "cold" to an interview. Your lack of preparation is evident from the very start and makes a poor first and lasting impression.

Not Making Direct Eye Contact With The Interviewer

Always look the interviewer directly in the eyes. Avoiding eye contact sends out signals that you have something to hide. It also makes people uncomfortable.

Losing Focus

Concentrate on the job interview and what the topics you're discussing. Don't lose focus and look out the window or around the room. Being unable to concentate and focus on the interview says you could have trouble focusing on your job too.

Leaving Your Cell Phone On

Make sure your cell phone is shut off before you go into the interview. No company wants to hire a "cell phone junkie" who will be interrupted by cell phone calls all day. It's also very rude.

Talking Too Much

Dominating the conversation or providing too much information that wasn't asked for sends out negative signals to the prospective employer. Avoid giving too much irrelevant personal details or unimportant information about your past employment. Companies aren't looking for non-stop talkers ... especially if they have nothing valuable to say

Talkjng Too Little

Saying too little can also kill any hopes of your landing the job. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you and learn things about you that aren't in a resume or job application. How can an interviewer do this if you don't talk. Silence is deadly and says you're not interested or just don't care about yourself or getting the position.

Not Listening

Every company wants to hire people who are good listeners ... so listen carefully to everything the interviewer says, Not listening shows lack of interest in the job and disrespect for the interviewer.

Not Asking Intelligent and Relevant Questions

Not asking questions about the job or the industry shows lack of interest. Asking irrelevant or inappropriate questions shows you're either not prepared or possibly the wrong person for the job.

Telling Lies

There's a big difference between promoting yourself, "putting a different spin" on something exagerrating your accomplishments an lying. Always tell the truth. Never lie or grossly over exaggerate. Lies are obvious during an interview and will always come back to haunt you.

Not Showing Sufficient Interest

Let the interviewer know verbally that you're very interested in the job. Just being there physically doesn't say you're interested in the position. Lack of interest will kill any chances you have.

Being Arrogant, Obnoxious or Unprofessional

Whether you're intrviewing for a top executive or customer service position, everything you do and say must convey the message that you're a professional. Being arrogant, abnoxious, egotistical or conceited doesn't say "professional". In fact, it says just the opposite.

Bad Mouth Former Employers or Co-Workers

Never put down a company you worked for or people who where once clients or co-workers. It's very immature and unprofessional. Interviewers hate this. It also gets them saying to themselves "I wonder what this person will be telling people about me or the company after the interview?".

Happy job hunting and good luck!