Interview Blunders

Wish you had an interview do over. Well, with these five tips, you can gain some confidence for the next time around.

1. Cut out the generalities. 

Interviewers don't want to hear "I am a problem-solver" and 'I'm a real team player". These are quickly forgotten and ignored. What is most remembered is the examples and stories that you give to prove a point. This forms the basis of their evaluation.

2. Don't say "I don't have any weaknesses".

 

Everyone has weaknesses. What interviewers are trying to assess is your character, honesty and self-awareness. The point is to state your weakness and describe what you learned from it, which will paint an overall picture of your willingness to improve.

3. Don't even peak at your résumé.

 

Looking at your résumé during your interview is a big no no. This could be interpreted as a sign of nervousness or that you were deceitful. You are expected to know your complete work history, including dates, job titles, companies, major accomplishments, roles and responsibilities.

4. Don't even think about asking "What's in it for me?".

 

Asking questions like these become an instant turn-off for interviewers. It is only okay to ask questions related to salaries and benefits only when the interviewer informs you that you are seriously being considered for the job.

5. Giving answers too short or too long can be your downfall.

 

Interviewers judge not only the content of your responses, but also the quality. The best answers are given in a 1-2 minute time frame. Short answers imply that you lack interest or insight and it forces the interviewer to work to hard to get more information from you. However, if you talk too much you give the impression of being self absorbed and boring. Even worse, you run the risk of the interviewer tuning you out.

I am sure the majority of you out there have made some of these blunders or still continue to. I know I definitely am guilty of doing some  of these things. Sound off below.

Source: LinkedIn