Six
mistakes not to make on an interview
by Michael Neece, Monster contributing
writer
It's tough to avoid typical interview traps if you're unsure what
they are. Here are six to watch out for.
First
interview mistake to watch out for: Confusing an interview with an interrogation
Most candidates expect to be interrogated. An interrogation occurs when one person asks all
the questions and the other gives the answers. An interview is a business conversation in
which both people ask
and respond to questions. Candidates who expect to be interrogated avoid asking
questions, leaving the interviewer in the role of reluctant interrogator. So,
the tip is to go to the interview prepared with questions!
Second
interview mistake to watch out for: Making a so-called weakness seem positive
Interviewers frequently ask
candidates, "What are your weaknesses?" Traditional interview wisdom tells you to take a weakness such as
"I'm a perfectionist," and turn it into a positive one. However,
interviewers are not impressed
by such a response--as it’s been used hundreds of times before. So
instead of using this approach, highlight
a skill that you wish to improve upon and describe what
you are doing to enhance it. Takeaway: Interviewers do not want
to focus on your weaknesses; they are more interested to see how you handle this
question--as it tells them much more about you.
Third
interview mistake to watch out for: Not asking any questions
You know that the interview is coming to an
end when the interviewer asks you, “Do you have any questions for me?”
Answering “no” is perhaps the worst response, as it indicates either you are
not interested, or not prepared. So before each interview, make a list of
five questions you will ask. "I think a good question is, ‘Can you tell me about your career?'" says Kent
Kirch, Director Global Talent Acquisition & Mobility, Deloitte Touche
Tohmatsu Limited. "Everybody likes to talk about themselves, so you're probably pretty
safe asking that question."
Fourth
interview mistake to watch out for: Researching the company but not yourself
Candidates
intellectually prepare by
researching the company. Most job seekers do not research themselves by taking inventory of
their experience, knowledge, and skills. Formulating a list of accomplishments prepares you to immediately respond to any
question about your experience.
You must be prepared to discuss any part of your background.
Interviewers usually start the interview with, “So tell me about
yourself.” Don’t babble endlessly. Highlight the key points from your academic and professional
career--those that they will be interested to hear.
Fifth
interview mistake to watch out for: Leaving your cellphone on
We may live in a wired, always-available society, but
a ringing cellphone is not appropriate for an interview. Turn it off
before you enter the company.
Sixth
interview mistake to watch out for: Waiting for a call
Before leaving an interview, inquire
about the next steps/stages
of the recruitment process. This will allow you to plan your next move.
Typically, you can send a thank
you email to the interviewer a few days later, with follow-up questions, if you have any.
Source: ‘Six Interview Mistakes’ by Michael
Neece, Monster contributing writer to career-advice.monster.com
