There are definitely things that you can do to avoid minor mishaps which could ultimately blow an interview. Become familiar with these 7 potential interview disasters so you can prevent them from obstructing your path to that ideal job.
1. DON'T ARRIVE LATE
Showing up late is both rude and inconsiderate. Is this the first impression that you want to leave with a potential employer? Map out your route and try it out before the interview. Plan on being at least half an hour early to your appointment. This will provide a buffer to protect against wrong turns, traffic jams and all the other mishaps that may befall you. If you arrive early, you can use the time to calm your nerves.
2. DON'T SAY THE WRONG NAME
Many a nervous candidate has been known to accidentally call the interviewer the wrong name. In order to avoid this disconcerting faux pau, find out who you will be speaking to before the interview. Memorize the name(s). If this information is not available prior to the meeting, then write the person's name on your notepad as soon as you sit down for the interview. If you do slip-up, do not make a huge fuss. Apologize quickly (and sincerely) and move on.
3. DON'T SAY THE WRONG THING
Choose your words carefully. Avoid impulsive answers; the first thing that pops into your head may not be the best response. Remember, it's ok to pause if you need some time to think. Feel free to say "that's a good question; let me take a moment to think about it." This demonstrates that you think before you speak. Is your everyday speech peppered with expletives or other potentially offensive phrases? If so, take care to avoid these during your meeting.
4. DON'T BECOME SPEECHLESS
Interviews are stressful situations for even the most qualified candidates. This tension can lead to candidates "freezing up" during the meeting. Alleviate some of the expected stress by practicing mock interview questions. Have a friend conduct simulated interviews. If possible, have him/her conduct the interview in a variety of manners including reserved, rushed, and disinterested. This way you will be better prepared for whatever the interview may bring.
5. MONITOR YOUR INTERNAL SYSTEM
Nature has a funny way of acting up at the wrong moments. Fortunately, you can help prevent these unwanted incidents. Avoid the awkwardness of a growling stomach by eating a few hours before the interview. Be careful in what you eat and drink in the 24 hours prior to the interview. Do not overindulge; an upset stomach or hangover is formidable distraction.
6. DON'T BE TOO MODEST
The interview is no place for humbleness. Too much modesty can make you appear introverted or lacking confidence. Don't be afraid to be your own cheerleader. Prior to the interview, make a list of your accomplishments both personally and professionally; practice talking about them. Have a friend listen to your answers as you practice. This will help prevent you from crossing the line between justifiable pride and boasting.
7. DON'T LACK ENTHUSIASM
No one wants to work with a stick in the mud. With this in mind, how can you prevent from appearing lukewarm? Smile and maintain eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Avoid speaking in a monotone. Be positive in your responses.
CONCLUSION
By preparing yourself against these potential interview disasters you are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams. Remember sometimes it really is the little things that make the difference. This article can be read online and shared with others directly at: http://www.worktree.com/new sletter/avoid-interview-disasters.html
Sincerely,
Nathan Newberger,
Managing Editor
http://www.WorkTree.com "Helping You Find More Jobs Faster"
Nathan Newberger is the job and career expert at http://www.WorkTree.com Nathan has over 10 years experience in staffing and human resources. He has worked both as a recruiter and career counselor. Mr. Newberger has been the Managing Editor at WorkTree.com for the past 5 years and his articles have helped thousands of job seekers.
![]() Google News Updated : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:07:30 GMT 'Wrestler' brings Venice fest to its feet - Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Reporter - By Eric J. Lyman VENICE -- "The Wrestler" was the toast of the Lido on the Venice Film Festival's penultimate day, with star Mickey Rourke's interpretation of an aging wrestler struggling to come to terms with the end of his career creating a buzz that ... 'The Wrestler' wins Venice Film Fest top award Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. Publ.Date : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:14:35 GMT Journals week in review: news from One Microsoft Way - Ars Technica
Ars Technica - By Emil Protalinski | Published: September 06, 2008 - 01:15PM CT First Gates-Seinfeld ad leaves us scratching our heads. The first Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates ad has arrived. Seinfeld ads only part of Microsoft push Windows Vista: The OS About Nothing Publ.Date : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:27:03 GMT Buckeyes survive Ohio's threat, 26-14 - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Beanie Wells didn't play. The Ohio Bobcats sure did. Lightly regarded even in the Mid-American Conference, Ohio put a scare into No. Ohio State Football: OSU 26, OU 14 Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg Publ.Date : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:31:47 GMT "Bangkok" a skillful action excursion - Reuters
Reuters - By Stephen Farber LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Everything is relative in the realm of hyperviolent movies, and compared to this summer's other assassination thriller, "Wanted," "Bangkok Dangerous" is a model of restraint and moral rectitude. 'Dangerous' prosperous at box office An Assassin Arrives to Turn Off the Lights Publ.Date : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:41:52 GMT Obama, McCain to Honor Victims of 9/11 Together - Voice of America
Voice of America - By VOA News US presidential candidates Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain have agreed to appear together on September 11, the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Conventions, Anything but Dull, Are a TV Hit Comment by John S. Baick Professor of History, Western New England CollegePubl.Date : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:01:14 GMT Boeing Machinists Take To Picket Line After Talks Collapse - CNNMoney.com
CNNMoney.com - NEW YORK (AFP)-- Boeing machinists took to the picket line on Saturday as they launched a strike that has halted production and could cost the US aerospace giant more than $100 million per day. Low strike pay could limit length of Boeing work stoppage Boeing machinists walk off the job Publ.Date : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:46:08 GMT McCain, Obama battle over economy, leadership - AFP
AFP - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (AFP) - Economic issues dominated the campaign trail Saturday as presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain battled over who could best lead the nation in troubled times. Reuters Politics Summary Barack Obama, John McCain say they hate meddlers ... but both ... Publ.Date : Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:15:37 GMT Increase Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... The "hard" skills necessary for an executive protection specialist (EPS)... Read More Many interview guides advise candidates to answer the common "What's... Read More Rick Jarow, author of Creating the Work You Love, introduced... Read More Do you have a difficult time determining what does not... Read More Whether you're self-employed or you work for someone else, you're... Read More Imagine for a moment that you have created a wonderful... Read More You are one of the fortunate few who have not... Read More Good News for Employers wishing to change the terms of... Read More Never a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, or... Read More A powerful resume starts with a good statement of objective.... Read More HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #1NEVER USE THE WRONG PAPER!... Read More Are you one of the thousands of job seekers who... Read More Do you know that a hiring manager just spends 10... Read More Many people, under financial or other pressures to find work... Read More Promote Your Resume Business Website!While we make our websites to... Read More The road to the top is not easy, it is... Read More Do you find yourself easily becoming bored or tired at... Read More Liars Get Caught! What NOT to Put on Your Resume"Everybody... Read More Your resume needs to outline your skills and experience, as... Read More Since college I've been told that a resume ought to... Read More It has been over twenty five years since I started... Read More Ohio has always been big on education and that means... Read More There is more attitude around than the 'traditional 'positive /... Read More What are you interested in? We all have a passion... Read More Today, it isn't that uncommon for some children and teenagers... Read More
Adsense
websites
Necessary Psychological Skills When Working in the Executive Protection Field
Job Interviews: Answering Whats Your Greatest Weakness?
The Springtime of Your Career
What Not To Include In Your Resume
Do You Need A Mentor? And How Do You Find One?
Resume That Effectively Promotes You!
Counter-Offers: Do They Merit Consideration?
Employment Law: Unfair Dismissal - Employer Succeeded in Changing Terms of Employment
Surviving Corporate Politics Part 2: Keeping Up Appearances
Power Resumes ? Writing Your Objectives
How To Write A Resume, Avoid These Resume Mistakes
From The WorkWise Collection: Ten Ways to Win the Job Search Mind Game
The 10 Second Window of Opportunity, Resume Hour Glass
The Organized Job Search
Resume Writing Service Website
Corporate World: Jungle Or Paradise?
What Every Employee Should Know About How to Overcome Boredom
What You Should Never Put on Your Resume
Telecommuting Resumes
Sample Resume Objectives: Good, But Summaries Are Smokin!
5 Things Every New Caterer Should Know
College Labor is Available in Ohio
Your Attitude Is Screaming
Seeking Knowledge Will Give You Power
Children At Work: Looking at Child Labor in the Victorian Age
Q. "I wasn't happy with my last performance review. Should... Read More
Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter,... Read More
You are one of the fortunate few who have not... Read More
Closing the InterviewKnowing how to successfully close an interview can... Read More
An industrious black-tailed ground squirrel has his home beneath a... Read More
Today, I'm going to share with you the awful truth... Read More
When more than half of Americans were identified as overweight,... Read More
You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More
"You don't have to take life the way it comes... Read More
Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More
Is an International Resume still a Resume? This is a... Read More
Deciding to leave a job isn't easy. In fact, quitting... Read More
Healthcare is one of the hottest career fields in America... Read More
It only happened on Mondays. Sometimes I escaped... Read More
Jack, downsized from his last job, was frozen in a... Read More
If you ever studied any probability theory in high school... Read More
The message came from Human Resources. There's nothing to worry... Read More
The success of any business or organization depends largely on... Read More
Employment finally seemed back on track during the first few... Read More
According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women... Read More
1. Employee Backdrop in AustraliaThe whole arena of Industrial Relations... Read More
If you haven't looked for a job recently, there are... Read More
What? Want ads are where job announcements are, not information!Wait!... Read More
The unemployment checks are running out and there is no... Read More
Unemployment carries a lot of emotional baggage for most of... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |