Most Common Interview Mistakes

The Three Most Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Since no two interviews are alike, it is often difficult to be totally prepared for what lies ahead. However, even without knowing what questions will be asked, you can focus on your presentation skills – verbal and non-verbal – to make sure they are consistently good in each interview. By practicing and developing your verbal and non-verbal communication skills, you can gain an advantage on your competition and help avoid these three common mistakes:

1. Being Unaware of the Non-Verbals

The key here is to exude confidence from the get-go. Remember, actions often speak louder than words. From the moment you walk into the interview you are being judged, so be sure to make a favorable impression even when you are not talking; that first impression can be a great beginning, or a quick ending to your interview.

·         Stand straight, make good eye contact, and smile. (Note the color of the interviewer's eyes.)

·         Connect with a good, firm handshake. (There's nothing like a limp response in a handshake.)

·         Sit erect and lean forward in the chair, appearing interested and attentive. (Slumping denotes a lazy attitude.)

2. Using Poor Verbal Communication Skills

·         Observe your interviewer's style and pace and match it.

·         Use appropriate language. (Beware of using slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual preferences – these topics could get the door slammed very quickly.)

·         Do not tell the interviewer more than they need to know. (Too much information, particularly personal information, could get into some areas that are best not discussed in an interview.)

3. Not Asking Questions

When asked, "Do you have any questions?," always answer, “Yes!” Asking questions gives you the opportunity to…

·        show your interest in the company and position.
·        do your research – know the company, culture and products
·         demonstrate how prepared you are for the interview.  
·         find out if this is the right place for you.  

The job market is very competitive and the competition is fierce. Give yourself every advantage by preparing and practicing before the interview. Be aware of your verbal and non-verbal performance and the messages you are sending out. It could make the difference between a job offer or not.

Jessica Coffey, MEd, CPRW, CFRWC
MVPSource Director of Client Services

Jessica Coffey has over 15 years of experience providing interview coaching and career management strategies to all levels of government and private sector employees. She serves as lead Interview Coach and Trainer for The Resume Place, where she helped create a formal job interview coaching service. In addition, she wrote the interview chapter of Ten Steps to a Federal Job. Prior to that, Jessica created and managed three successful mock interview programs. As a Contract Career Counselor at the IRS, she developed an interview prep guide for transitioning employees and led numerous career management workshops.

Jessica's ability to quickly assess and determine key areas of improvement for interview clients has helped them, time and again, perform more confidently and successfully during the interview process.

Jessica’s clients have this to say about her work:

“Thank you for the wonderful mock interview. Your advice is invaluable and helped me to see what else I had to take care before the interview.”

“I must say I was truly impressed in the manner in which Jessica conducted the interview. She is truly a professional! She made me feel at ease and really put me through the ropes. It was great! Jessica pointed out my strong points as well as some weak areas that could use some polishing up. With her help, I am sure I will do well … I feel more confident and better prepared this time if I get a call for the interview.”

“I have to thank you again because almost all the ?s I was asked I had a prepared example for.  Thank you so much!”