An applicant with the skills and experience for a position has an advantage, but interview pitfalls and mistakes can quickly derail their opportunities. Candidates must present themselves in a manner that is in line with the company culture and display a pleasant attitude and willingness to work with others. Know the turnoffs that can eliminate you from opportunities and exhibit qualities that make it difficult for employers and hiring managers to turn you away.
Answer interview questions with specific examples that display your understanding of the company's procedures, policies and product line. Vague responses to questions are one of the common interview pitfalls that taint the employer's impression of you. Provide hiring managers with detailed job duties you have performed, specific accomplishments related to the industry and an outline of how you approach tasks and projects, recommends Alison Green with U.S. News and World Report.
Show that you have researched the company and have a clear understanding of the mission and goals of the business when conversing with hiring managers. Interview pitfalls that reduce opportunities for candidates include inquiring about company products and services that can be easily discovered with research prior to that first meeting. You may not know every detail about the company's history or operations, but you should have a solid foundation of knowledge to help you focus your responses to interview questions. Show the hiring manager that you are prepared and resourceful during your first interview.
Avoid rambling on to reduce the risk of falling into another common interview pitfall. Keep your answers brief, focused and concise during the interview to show that you can organize your thoughts well. Professionals who ramble can often stray off topic and bore the interviewer. Pay close attention to the body language of the hiring manager to know when to wrap up the conversation and avoid long-winded responses. Respect the time of the interviewer by keeping your responses specific and brief.
Pay close attention to how you present yourself to avoid common interview pitfalls during the hiring process. Wardrobe blunders are careless mistakes that can cost you a job opportunity. Keep your attire professional and avoid casual clothing such as shorts, tennis shoes or flip flops. Make sure your hair is groomed, your face is shaved, your clothes are not too tight or too loose and your nails are clean. Common interview pitfalls that turn off an interviewer include distracting or noisy accessories such as dangling jewelry or shoes that make loud tapping noises when you enter the room.
Show off your professionalism with proper hygiene and grooming techniques. Interviewers are evaluating both your physical presentation and your professional skills to evaluate if you are the best fit for the job.
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