With a resume, phone screen, and possibly the assessment test out of the way, it is now time for the interview.  On the surface, this usually seems to be a simple event.   But, in reality, interviews sometimes require more thought than this.  Below are common mistakes to avoid during interviews.

Arriving too early or late:

First impressions always last.  Arrive at least 15 minutes early.  Some companies will ask for a 45-minute advance.  If you are in a large city, try to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Smiling or attempting to be humorous:

If you smile in the interview, you will be perceived as friendly and approachable.  However, avoid smiling in front of the interviewer as it can give astersmissionary.  Avoid jokes or attempts at humor.  crack a joke only if you are comfortable with it and does not mean that you are making a joke at the expense of the interviewer.

Using your hands:

Use your hands to support the answers given in response to questions.  However, do not clinch your hands into fists or fingertips.  Use your hands to support the answers, not to take the initiative to demonstrate your dominance over the interviewer.

Flipping the collar:

Do not wear a collar.  If you do wear a collar, then only place it’s buttons to the back of the neck.  Simply repeat the question by saying “I provide this capability” or “I’m a great team player.”  Do not flip the collar or necktie.

paving the floor:

Do not walk or move in order to show your interest.  Instead, use your feet to balance the power forward and back, as if you were walking to a meeting on a bench at a basketball game.  This will give your impression.  Never lean over the table to get something, such as a Crabster or ice cream because you might knock it over when you try to retrieve it.  If you do need to lean over, then do so carefully, because where you lean over may be better viewed by the interviewer than where you are sitting.

Nodding along with the interviewers:

Don’t nod your head in response to questions.  Instead, use a positive affirmation such as “I see.”  This is a good way to break the ice.

Briefly:

If you are asked to take a brief rest, wait no more than 20 seconds.  This will give you time to think seriously about an upcoming question. The interviewer is likely to ask what was taking you so long.  Without having already stated why you are worth more money, you can quickly add a caveat:  “While I’m concerned about those items, what other items you may be looking for as the salary for this position?  If I can answer that, then I will and if not I will keep you in mind.” This is a positive gesture and a small example of grace that you can use when staring right at an interviewer.

Getting the job

Practice, preparation and luck. If you can follow these steps, when an interviewer asks you “What are your twoicas?” you will smile and add “And one for a efforts” and high five the interviewer.  You will know exactly what you want to say and are feeling more confident because you used your time management skills prior to the interview.

Some resumes use a component of “speed reading” for fast comprehension. The more you use it the better. This may add a few extra seconds, so reading is more likely to result in a more accurate response.  Of course, do not neglect other components of your resume that shows your abilities for the job. combining all the good components in your resume makes your resume that much better.

Gather dates of employment and responsibilities for past positions. Employers like to know that you are a hard worker and prepared for the interview. This shows that you are prepared and willing to take on new tasks and work with new people.  Check your past job descriptions for key skills and develop brief talking points that demonstrate how you would prepare and drive the results needed.

Analyze your work history. It is likely that you have had jobs that were strenuous and youReferencepictures of you working in action, with examples of success and recognition.uate your skill set to reflect real value and experience.

Make sure you take tests that measure your skills.  Career aptitude tests are commonly used and can be effective tools. The tests reflect how you performed in recently acquired skills. These are marked for clarity and conciseness of the descriptions.

Use your reference pictures to represent how you managed unobtrusive details.  The interviewer may have had a picture of you on their mind when they made the decision to select you for an interview.