Subtle Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Job Interview

Scott W. Ventrella

Your interview is your chance to sell yourself. Unknowingly, many people sabotage their job interview and chance for a final round. Often your credentials and capabilities aren’t transferring over while you connect in person. You can avoid this by following these guidelines:

• Prepare for the interview by conducting proper research on the company, industry, etc. Be prepared in advance with specific examples of accomplishments, successes (even failures and subsequent lessons learned from them). Remember when talking about past successes, it’s “we” versus “me/I.” You had help along the way.
• Don’t be a know-it-all; let the interviewer lead. Keep your responses thorough but not long-winded.
• Be curious. Ask insightful questions to demonstrate interest and gain an understanding of important issues (info. can be used in follow-up thank you note)
• Shaking hands with your interviewer at the beginning and end of your meeting shows class and maturity. Of course a bad handshake is just as bad as no handshake – look them in the eye and give a firm grip. No limp hands here! And continue to look them in the eye as your interview continues.
• Cutting off the interviewer – they are the experts here. They have earned the right to speak as they are sitting on the side of the table that you want to be on. What you have to say in response can wait. They may be giving you key information about the job.
• Yawning – this makes it look like you’re bored and disinterested. They will remember that. Remain alert, ask questions, and stay on your toes.
• TURN OFF YOUR CELLPHONE! Enough said.

Keep these tips in mind next time you are about to meet with a hiring manager. By doing so, you are bound to get an offer or make it to the next round! Good luck!