Top 5 Interview Pitfalls

The most important steps in landing your next job is the job interview. The job interview is literally the doorway to the job you want. It's your best chance to show just how much you have to offer. It's your opportunity to demonstrate by your sparkling personality, knowledge of the industry and great communication skills that you are the perfect match for the job.

With so much pressure to be, say and do just the right thing, it's understandable that some otherwise sterling job candidates might crack under pressure. Most managers and interviewers agree, there are certain "red flags" they look for when interviewing prospective job candidates. With a little practice and a lot of preparation, you can be ready for even the toughest interviews.

Don't fall victim to one of these big interview blunders and lose your chance to land a great job.

Sloppy Appearance

It has been said that many interviewers make up their mind about a perspective job candidate with in the first 30 seconds of the interview. If this is true, your appearance will be the major factor in that first impression.

No matter how casual the work environment, don't make the mistake of dressing sloppily. It gives the impression you don't care and are not taking the job interview seriously. You may not need to wear a Brooks Brother's suit, but you should dress a step nicer than the current employees. Do some research to find out what the work environment is like. People hire people like themselves, so the more you can show how well you will fit in, the better your chances of getting a job offer.

Don't forget to shower and attend to all issues of personal hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth, using deodorant, shaving, and maybe even getting a haircut.

Avoid wearing too much perfume or cologne. In fact, with scented laundry detergents, body washes and shampoos, you can probably do without additional scent altogether. Also, resist the urge to wear a comical tie, too many chains or rings, and remove all facial piercings.

Poor Attitude

One of the biggest pitfalls in interviewing can stem from the very real need to sell yourself. There is a fine line between appearing arrogant and confident. Know the difference because appearing too timid will also be a big turn-off to a prospective employer.

Avoid speaking negatively about anything, especially a former boss or co-workers. No matter how horrible it was, you will never come off looking good when you trash your last job. A little practice and role play ahead of time will help you practice what to say when you are asked about your previous employment. Focus on the positive things you learned.

Avoid discussing your personal life, unless asked specifically about it. If you are asked about yourself, stick to interests and hobbies that would increase your ability to perform the job.

Finally, do not tell off-color or racist jokes.

Weak Communication

It's important to show that you are an effective communicator in an interview. Keep answers to questions succinct and relevant. Use proper grammar and avoid slang and foul language. Role playing with a good friend will definitely help to prepare you for showing your communication skills, especially if you are easily flustered and have trouble speaking off-the-cuff.

Shabby Social Skills

Show that you are confident and comfortable doing the right thing in a given social situation. To do otherwise could be the kiss-of-death for your chances getting a job offer.

Don't eat during the interview unless you have been invited to do so. Don't comb your hair or clip your nails. Don't interrupt your interviewer and do not try and tell him or her how to do his job.

Definitely turn off your cell phone during an interview, and if by chance you forget and it rings, do not, under any circumstances, take the call. Simply turn it off and apologize.

Do offer a firm handshake and smile. Make eye-contact at all times, and if you are being interviewed by more than one person, be sure to make eye-contact with each one. Sit up straight and compliment the office environment, neighborhood and surroundings.

If you are offered a cup of coffee or water, take it. Even if you are not thirsty, taking it will show that you are a team player. It will also be a nice way to buy time while you think of answers to questions. Take a sip and think while you swallow.

Lack of Integrity

Employers are looking to hire people they can trust and who will give an honest day of work. Your interviewer may never know whether you were honest or dishonest, since integrity is more about who you are and what you do when people aren't watching, but there are certain no-no's that will tip off a future boss to a job candidate's lack of integrity.

Don't lie on your resume, especially about your education. It's one of the easiest things to check on and lying about it will say a lot more about who you are than the fact that you are a few credits short of graduation.

If you have lied to your current employer to get time off to interview, don't share this information with your interviewer. This will portray you as someone who would lie to them too in order to satisfy your personal needs.

Honesty is always the best policy and an invaluable trait to offer a prospective employer.

Practice and prepare before you set foot in your job interview and you will be less likely to fall victim to one of these common interview mistakes.