Top Ten Mistakes while Interviewing

Twenty years in a single industry is a long time, at least it seems to be in my world.

I remember being trained as an entry level recruiter twenty years ago this month, the same holds true to today as it did then, recruiters are only as good as the processes they learn and the tasks they do on a consistent basis.

Today there is a glut of talent, and recruiters will repeatedly assume that if one candidate does not work out, there is another that can be located immediately without too much work.

This makes it tough on the Candidate, as recruiters are not preparing candidates for interviews today as much as they have done in the past.

So...with that said, Candidates must prepare themselves for an interview sometimes without assistance from a recruiter.

The key is: Make your Interview Mistake Free!

Here are Ten Mistakes that people make when interviewing:

1. No Goal.

You must have a goal for the interview. Most people think that the goal of the interview is to 'get the job'. That's typically a bad game plan. Your goal should be to "get another interview!" Few companies or hiring managers will hire someone after one or even two interviews. You hardly ever know if it's a one two three or even four interview process. SET YOUR GOAL: GET ANOTHER INTERVIEW!

2. Assuming that a resume will get you a Job.

Resumes should do one thing. Get you an interview! Resumes are simply sales tools, and your initial sale to a prospective employer is to Get an Interview! Re-read your resume, is it formatted correctly, what can you change to make sure that you Get that Interview! Have others read your resume and give you input, see if a 'layman', or someone outside your industry, can understand your resume. RESUME: A TOOL TO GET AN INTERVIEW

3. Using the wrong format in your Resume:

Recruiters are swamped and overwhelmed with resumes. They choose to contact you according to what they see, and you only have a few seconds to get their attention. DO NOT: 1. Use PDF formats (They will not upload into automated systems) 2. Use funky or cool Font. (makes resumes hard to read and some autoreaders will mis-read keywords) 3. Omit information: such as address city and state, this makes your resume look either fake or that you are trying to hide something.

4. Assume that a recruiter will realize that you are willing to take a lower level position:

Believe it or not, recruiters and hiring managers are interested in success, and even if you are more senior than the job requires, in this economy senior people are applying to more junior level jobs. Do not assume that a recruiter will realize this without you telling them that you are open to more junior positions. Do not look desperate, but do make it clear you are willing to work hard, in a more junior role, but apply your Senior Experience to that role.

5. Not "Dressing the Part"

I don't think that dressing business casual is a bad thing, unless you you want the job! Even if you are in Austin or Seattle or some other city where people wear Ed Hardy shirts to work, you are selling yourself! Dress above and beyond the normal dress code of the company. A suit and tie is best, almost always, a dress or slacks for women, but always professional. This is your one and only chance to make a first impression. I have interviewed people when I walk in the room and decided to Not hire them within the first fifteen seconds just because of their decision as to how seriously they take this opportunity! Serious = Dress the Part!

6. Mispronouncing words!

This is so very common, during an interview you are trying to impress the interviewer. Don't use words to impress that you don't use everyday! Trust me on that one, Poor Communication = Unemployment!

7. Not understanding that PERCEPTION is REALITY

What people think of you, or perceive of you, is truly who you really are. Build a perception that you are the Man (or Woman) for the job! Again, use friends or others in your industry to review your resume, to make comments and give you input. After all, they know you best. PERCEPTION = REALITY

8. Forgetting to do your homework

The Dog Ate It, will not work! It's obvious to look at the company website - but - use Facebook, Google, and any other information on the Internet. Look up people on LinkedIn that you may interview with. Send an Email to the hiring manager who may hire you, tell them that you are interviewing with HR or a Recruiter and are excited about the potential interview with them. DO THE WORK - BEFORE YOU GET THE WORK!

9. Not "Asking for the Job!"

Ok, seriously, how many things have fallen in your lap that you have Not asked for? Not many....if you want the job, Ask for It! At the end of the interview, tell the interviewer that after every thing you have heard, you really would love to have this job!" ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT!

10. Not understanding your Competition -

A. You DO have competition for this job
B. You DO have to outdo, outperform and out-interview your competition to Win.
C. It's a battle, it's a game, have a winning gameplan!

Ask about your competition. Try to get feedback on what you are lacking and where you may be better than your other candidate competitors. Try and make sure that every potential issue with your resume or background is overcome. Do not Assume that you are getting the job after one interview....assume that you have more work to do! and never, ever, just say "Yep, I sure am interested...., sounds like something I would be interested in...." That's fine for an interview in 2001, You'd probably get the job, but in 2011 being interested means your not the right guy....wanting the job, asking for the job, and getting the job are the new mantra's that all candidates need to adhere to.

Good Luck, do well.....Believe in yourself, and build the perception of the great person you really are.