The Top Five Interview Mistakes

(NAPSA)—What’s the biggest mistake you ever made during a job interview? Show up late? Insult the interviewer? How about eat a m “Wt i | nr sandwich? In a recent survey, CareerBuilder.com asked over 400 hiring managers to share the most memorable blunders that caused \ -_ them to pass on a particular candi- date. Here’s what notto do: #1—Hiring managers say they avoid candidates who exhibit poor language skills and a tendency to reveal too much or too little information. Examples: e “The candidate said he had days he could not give 100 percent.” e “She kept telling me about her personal problems.” Tip: Choose your words wisely and listen closely. Candidates must show they can think quickly on their feet and effectively com- municate why they are best suited for the job. #2—Hiring managerssay they don’t consider candidates who are unprepared, distracted or unprofessional. Examples: e “He knew nothing about the job being offered.” e “The woman answered her cell phone.” Tip: Do your homework. Re- search the company, its industry and competitors. Make sure to shut off cell phones and pagers before your arrival. #3—Hiring managers say bored or cocky attitudes are a turn-off. Examples: e “He asked me to speed up the interview because he had a lunch date.” e “He told me the only reason he was here was because his mother wanted him to get a job. He was37.” Tip: Keep positive. Avoid saying anything negative about a previous employer and show enthusiasm for the new opportunity. #4—Hiring managers say ap- pearance influences the hiring decision. Examples: e “One candidate did not wear shoes.” e “He showed up in jeans and a t-shirt with dirty fingernails and looked like he just woke up. He also smelled of alcohol.” Tip: Leave the jeans at home. Even if the company dress is casual, you don’t want to seem casual about the job opportunity. Groom properly and wear busi- ness attire. #5—Hiring managers say dishonesty calls for dismissal. Examples: e “One guy mentioned his arrest during the interview after stating on his application that he had never been arrested.” e “One guy asked if we drug- tested and if we gave advance notice (we are a drug treatment facility).” Tip: Honesty is always the best policy and remember, even the most innocent question, if not worded properly, can give the wrong impression. For more job seekingtips, visit careerbuilder.com