The Interview Jitters

The Job Interview and avoiding common interview mistakes

Does the very thought of a job interview make you nervous? Don't worry, nerves are natural and the pre-interview jitters can be put to rest with some straightforward preparation and common-sense tactics.

A job interview is not something we do every day, therefore we have typically not developed an effective role for interviewing. Skilled interviewers, on the other hand, have developed techniques for being effective in their role.

You may be asked to explain your past accomplishments. Be prepared to talk about yourself and to make the most of your experience. This is no time to hide your light under a bushel.

Landing the job you want means developing an effective interviewing role

So be prepared for that crucial day that could change your life.

Common Interview Mistakes

Prepare in advance for your interviews:

• Have an in-depth understanding of, and practice presenting, your skills, talents and accomplishments.
• Conduct research on the company, e.g., products and services, markets, corporate culture, size and locations. Do your homework. Find out as much as possible about the company interviewing you. Business pages of the local newspapers are often a good source of information. Perhaps the company has a Web site. Ask around, someone you know may already be working for or with the company. Find out about the company's market, its philosophy, its global reach, etc.

Dress appropriately

Dress conservatively. Even if you are applying for a position within a rather relaxed office, making an effort to look professional will be appreciated. Make an effort to look presentable. It matters.

Arrive early

Arrive ten minutes early for your interview. Be on time. It is best not to have other meetings scheduled just before or just after your interview. The fluster factor is much reduced if you are relaxed when you arrive and you do not have to run out the door to make your next appointment on time.

Extra copies

Bring extra copies of your resume and any references. While there are few companies in business today, which don't possess a photocopier, it is not appropriate to ask the interviewer to do your preparation for you.

Prepare answers

Prepare answers for questions you may be asked. Some questions are obvious, others may be totally unexpected. What if there are blank periods on your resume? Don't worry about the year you spent touring Europe and don't try to fill the blanks with imaginary positions. Today more and more companies appreciate the time people spend on self-development. Be sure to look at your interviewer while talking.

What's your contribution

Focus on what you can contribute to the organization rather than what the employer can do for you. Don't ask about salary or benefits until the employer brings up this topic. Your initiation of this subject shifts the emphasis from what you can do for the company to what the company can do for you, therefore, it is usually better to wait until the employer initiates the subject, or until the second interview or subsequent interviews. It is appropriate to ask about salary ranges and benefits, and/or initiate a salary negotiation when the timing is right.

Blaming others

Don't place blame on or be negative about past employers.

Unsolicited information

Don't volunteer more information than is needed.

A positive attitude

Keep a positive attitude at all times - most offers are not extended on the spot.

Strategic follow-up

Follow up appropriately (strategic follow-up is best) after each interview. After the interview send a follow-up letter or e-mail express your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for his or her time. This is not only a matter of etiquette; it also reminds the interviewer of you and your rightness for the position. Even if you're not interested in the job, you never know who might be a good contact for you down the line.