So, your resume has been plucked from the hundreds of other job seekers vying for the same position; and you’ve made it through a phone screen and NOW, you’ve been invited to a face to face interview! Finally some real progress in your job search.
Don’t Make These Mistakes!!
DON’T ASK FOR DIRECTIONS-Do not ask anyone in the company for driving directions to the location. Show that you are smart enough, resourceful enough and motivated enough to Mapquest or Google map the location. If you are in doubt take a trial run to the location before your interview time.
DON’T BE TOO EARLY-Ten to 15 minutes is plenty early enough to show you are prompt. More than that starts people thinking “Now what am I going to do with him?” It is a subtle negative mark against you.
DON’T BE TOO CHATTY-Sure, you want to make a good impression and show what a friendly, happy person you are! Smile and answer questions, but watch the amount of conversation that you initiate with everyone, including the receptionist! Everyone has their own jobs to do and by getting deep into conversation with the administrative staff you may be viewed as distracting!
DON’T TELL A LITTLE WHITE LIE- We once saw the front running candidate get ‘kicked to the curb’ because when asked how many connections he had on a Social Networking Site, he replied “Oh, over 500”. Before he had even finished his round of interviews a potential coworker had verified the he actually had 4. The ironic thing is, he would have been hired with only having the 4 connections, but because he lied, he didn’t get the offer!
DON’T NEGOTIATE- Of course, times are tough and you really want to land this position, even if it means a pay cut. BUT, don’t offer up that pay cut right away! Your goal here is to get the company to make you the best offer based on what they have to give for the position and for someone with your qualifications. Our advice is to be indirect when asked “What is your salary requirement”. We believe the correct answer is “I was making so and so at my previous job and I am interested in what your company has to offer as a whole package.” This way, you give them a starting point that should be realistic. Once an offer is made, you can negotiate up if you feel it is appropriate. Never answer “I am negotiable” when asked how much you want. That translates to “I don’t think I am worth what I want”.
Filed under: Job Opportunities, Job Search Tips Tagged: | interviewing tips, job search tips
