Top Ten Worst Interview Mistakes

As a career coaching consultant and candidate screener at a Los Angeles job placement company, I knew within the first few seconds of meeting a candidate whether or not they had A-List job potential. It is wrongly assumed that general job interview rules are widely known. Most of the men and women I spoke with either knew what it took to land the job or didn't-and those that knew it got the top shelf jobs. Those candidates that didn't...well, they're still looking.

But, don't worry about not knowing the basic rules for interviewing. If you're reading this, you're more than half way toward getting the job. Here are the top ten interview mistakes to avoid and land your dream job.

Bad First Impression: Presentation is everything. If you show up to a job interview in clothing that is too casual, too formal or extremely dated you will most likely distract the interviewer from your stand-out skills and extensive experience. To avoid getting stuck in any decade, search for the latest seasonal business looks a mainstream magazine like Real Simple. You can tweak the style to fit your own taste.

You're Late: When you're late you are letting the interviewer know that you are not serious about the job. It goes without saying that lateness is an almost certain death sentence for any job candidate.

Resume Goofs: Misspelled words and typos on your resume and cover letter are the first sign of disorganization. Also, not being able to answer simple information on your resume or application is a big clue to potential employers that you have a) lied about your job experience b) lied about your education or c) you just plain don't care about getting a job anytime soon.

Asking about Salary: Too soon! The first interview is reserved for important information like skills, qualifications and technical knowledge. Save the salary discussion for interviews further down the road.

Inappropriate Jokes: Yes, you should be fun, creative and relaxed. What you should not be, is too relaxed. Show that you care about the job and respect the employer by remaining tactful and sticking to the interview questions and topics at hand.

Turning the Tables: There are strict rules about employers asking potential employees inappropriate questions like religious, political affiliations or sexual orientation during job interviews. These questions are off the mark for any potential candidate.

Unprepared: Always have two copies of your current resume. That way, if someone else in the company needs one, it is immediately available.

Forgetting Facts: Know your interviewer's name and title as well as a few key facts about the company with which you are interviewing. Not only will it impress the interviewer, it will put you ahead of all the other people who wandered in and forgot where they were and with whom they were interviewing.

Jittery: Save the coffee for after your interview and take your time with your answers. Your interviewer will appreciate a calm and peaceful, unrushed reply.

Limp Handshake: A firm handshake as a greeting and good bye are the best way to cement your interview in the interviewer's mind. The best experience you can leave a potential employer with is the memory of your calm confident firm handshake as you leave their office.

Best of luck on your job interview-one last piece of advice, smile. A pleasant demeanor will bring that interview home!