The
following tips are from my conversation with Carole, the Job Interview Coach
for Monster.com and the most capable interview expert I know, with 15 years of
human resources management experience (www.interviewcoach.com).
Blunder #1: Poor Non-Verbal
Communication
“Interviewing
effectively is about demonstrating confidence. Things like standing straight,
making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm handshake are all vitally
important,” says Martin.
Think of it
like this: we humans have only been using words for the past 10,000 years or
so, right? Before that, we communicated by grunting, posturing and clubbing
each other over the head.
We humans
have been paying attention to non-verbal cues for many thousands of years
longer than we have verbal ones. It’s in our genes.
The person
who interviews you is no different. That's why your body language plays such a
vital role in shaping the first impression you make. It can be a great
beginning to your interview. Or a quick ending.
Practice
accordingly.
Blunder #2: Failure to Listen
Actively
“From the
moment you start talking, your interviewer is giving you information, either
directly or indirectly. If you are not listening actively, you’re missing out
on a major opportunity,” says Martin.
Make sure
you take copious notes, jotting down every key phrase and idea that your
interviewer uses. Doing so will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job, your
attention to detail … and it will help you recall what is said. So you won’t
ask a question that’s already been answered, for example.
Good
communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard
what they said. Observe your interviewer and match their style and pace.
Blunder
#3: Talking Too Much
“Telling
the interviewer more than they need to know can be a fatal mistake. Candidates
who don’t prepare ahead of time tend to ramble, sometimes talking themselves
right out of the job,” says Martin.
Remember
that you’re at the job interview to get information as much as you are to give
it.
“Prepare
for the interview by reading the job posting thoroughly. Try to focus on the
skills you have that match the requirements of the position, and relate only
that information,” says Martin.
Blunder #4: Appearing Desperate
This can be
tough to avoid in the current job market. After all, you need a job! But you
must rein in your emotions.
“As a rule,
if you interview with a ‘Please, please, hire me,’ mind-set, you will appear
less confident. Maintain the three Cs during your next interview: Cool, Calm,
and Confident! You know you can do the job. Make sure the interviewer knows you
can, too,” says Martin.
Action Step: Follow these 4 bits of hard-won interview advice, gained during 20+ years of HR experience. Nearly all the job seekers I speak with try to “wing it” during interviews … and nearly all of them regret it later. Don’t make that mistake. Heed Carole’s advice.
Compliments of David Perry and Kevin Donlin
Grab your Free Guerrilla Job Search Audio here.
