Interviewing Blunders To Avoid

INTERVIEWING BLUNDERS TO AVOID

With the increasing competition in the market and the daily tussle for occupying the most rewarding positions, very few opportunities are now a days available in this competitive market. It has thus become very important for even the best of candidates to make the most of their first chance and create an excellent impact. Following are the ten most common howlers which a job aspirant should stay away from committing

1.      A POOR HANDSHAKE:

This is the first chance for you to create a great impression. But sometimes this situation is blown right from the start by an ineffective handshake. Once you deliver a poor handshake, it is very difficult to establish a strong and effective rapport with the interviewer. Here are some examples:

The Limp Hand (or "dead fish"):

It gives the impression of disinterest or weakness

The Tips of the Fingers:

      This shows lack of ability to engage.

The Arm Pump:

In such a situation the sincerity is questionable, much like an overly aggressive salesman.

Even if you are a veteran professional your handshake may be telling more about you than you realize. It is always thus good to take suggestions from your most frank and truthful critiques to get the correct picture.

2.      TALKING TOO MUCH:

 Most of the recruiters and client employers abhor over-talkative candidates. Over-talking takes a couple of forms:

• Sometimes taking too long to answer direct questions gives the impression that the person does not get the point
• Talking nervously gives the feeling that the candidate is covering up something or is lying through his teeth.

To avoid either of these forms of over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner. Try to overcome nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play.

 3.      SHOW OF NEGATIVE FEELINGS:

The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things about your past employers. Even if you did not share an enjoyable stint with him/her you must never state your ill feelings. In such a case the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.

4.      ARRIVING TOO EARLY:

Showing up too early at the interview office also creates a poor first impression as well. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview gives a feeling that the job seeker has too much time on his or her hands. You should not show as if you are desperate and must act as if your time were as valuable as the interviewer's. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early.

5.      RUDE BEHAVIOUR WITH THE RECEPTIONIST:

Since the first person you meet on an interview is usually a receptionist, this encounter represents the first impression you'll make You must never undermine the position of the receptionist as she has the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you even set eyes on the interviewer. The interviewer may also consider the receptionist's opinion of you after you leave.

6.      ASKING ABOUT BENEFITS, VACATION TIME OR SALARY:

You should never ask any questions in relation to the employee benefits before leaving an impregnable remark on the interviewer. It would be same as if a car salesman would ask you to show your credit report before allowing you to test drive the cars. Such a behavior would definitely disgust the person concerned. The effect is about the same when a job-seeker asks about benefits or other employee perks during the first interview. You must wait till you have won the employer over before beginning that discussion.

7.      LACK OF PROPER PREPARATION OR RESEARCH:

Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who has not bothered to do a pre-interview research. On the other side, the quickest way to a good impression is to show your interest with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of their organization.

 8.      VERBAL TICKS:

 The first signs of nervousness for any person are verbal ticks -- "umm," "like," "you know." Ignore the butterflies in your stomach and put up a calm confidence by avoiding verbal ticks. You can also sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response. One of the best ways to reduce or eliminate them is through role-play. You must try to share your best success stories and you will feel more relaxed during the real interview.

9.      IMPROPER EYE CONTACT:

 If you avoid eye contact with the interviewer you will seem shy, untruthful, or disinterested. On the flip side if you offer too much eye contact the interviewer might feel uncomfortable. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.

10.  FAILURE TO MATCH COMMUNICATION STYLES:

 It is almost impossible to make a good first impression if you cannot communicate effectively with an interviewer. But you can easily change that situation by mirroring the way the interviewer treats you. For instance:

• If the interviewer seems serious and means business you should make an attempt not to loosen him/her up with a joke or story. Be to the point and businesslike
• If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests. Often the items on display in the office can offer a clue.
• If asked a direct question, answer directly. Then follow up by asking if more information is needed.

Allowing the interviewer to set the tone of conversation can immensely help in improving your chances of making a favorable impression

FINAL THOUGHTS /CONCLUDING VIEW:

Just as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview; strong interview skills will win you consideration for the job. It is a known fact that you will not earn an interview unless your resume sets you apart as a candidate of choice. Similarly, you should also know that polishing your interview skills can mean the difference between you being at the pole position or being the runner-up.

Start your job search with a resume that creates a stellar first impression, then back those facts up with your extraordinary interview skills. Following these simple tricks can go a long way in helping you go that extra mile and reach your goal, thus making you the person who would be looked upon as the person to emulate.