Things you should avoid in an interview
Talking too much: In my recruiting days, I abhorred over-talkative candidates. So did most of my client employers. Over-talking takes a couple of forms:* Taking too long to answer direct questions. The impression: This candidate just can"t get to the point.
* Nervous talkers. The impression: This candidate is covering up something or is outright lying.
To avoid either of these forms of over-talking, practice answering questions in a direct manner. Avoid nervous talking by preparing for your interview with role-play
Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers: The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was Attila the Hun, never, never state your ill feelings about him/her. No matter how reasonable your complaints, you will come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss because the interviewer will assume that you would similarly trash him or her. When faced with the challenge of talking about former employers, make sure you are prepared with a positive spin on your experiences.
Showing up late or too early: One of the first lessons in job-search etiquette is to show up on time for interviews. Many job-seekers don"t realize, however, that showing up too early often creates a poor first impression as well. Arriving more than 10 minutes early for an interview is a dead giveaway that the job seeker has too much time on his or her hands, much like the last one picked for the softball team. Don"t diminish your candidate desirability by appearing desperate. Act as if your time were as valuable as the interviewer"s. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 minutes early.
Treating the receptionist rudely: Since the first person you meet on an interview is usually a receptionist, this encounter represents the first impression you"ll make. Don"t mistake low rank for low input. Often that receptionist"s job is to usher you into your interview. The receptionist has the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you even set eyes on the interviewer. The interviewer may also solicit the receptionist"s opinion of you after you leave.
Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary: What if a car salesman asked to see your credit report before allowing you to test drive the cars? That would be ridiculous, and you"d walk away in disgust. The effect is about the same when a job-seeker asks about benefits or other employee perks during the first interview. Wait until you"ve won the employer over before beginning that discussion.
Not preparing for the interview: Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn"t bothered to do pre-interview research. On the flip side, the quickest way to a good impression is to demonstrate your interest with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of their organization. [Editor"s note: To ensure that you are prepared, see our article, The Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Preparation.]
Verbal ticks: An ill-at-ease candidate seldom makes a good impression. The first signs of nervousness are verbal ticks. We all have them from time to time -- "umm," "like," "you know." Ignore the butterflies in your stomach and put up a front of calm confidence by avoiding verbal ticks. You can also sometimes avoid verbal ticks by pausing for a few seconds to gather your thoughts before each response.
One of the best ways to reduce or eliminate them is through role-play. Practice sharing your best success stories ahead of time, and you"ll feel more relaxed during the real interview.
Not enough/too much eye contact: Either situation can create a negative effect. Avoid eye contact and you"ll seem shifty, untruthful, or disnterested; offer too much eye contact, and you"ll wear the interviewer out. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend.
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