RSS 2.0 - Blog FeedAvoid These Interview Errors At All Costs
So, working in the human resources department for over two years gave me some insight that I feel compelled to share with the twenty something ladies.
So, many times I have seen what I would feel to be a great candidate for a position be pulled from the pool of applicants over silly mistakes. When you are trying to get that job, you’ve got to make sure that you are on top of your “A game” or else the job of your dreams could slip through the cracks. With the economy being the way it is, and competition heavy, these are some interviewing errors that you should avoid at all costs:
• Showing up late – There is really no excuse (unless serious emergency beyond your control) for you to be late to an interview for a time that you agreed to. This is a common mistake that young women make, and to a hiring manager, this is a sign of the type of employee they will receive. Resulting in you getting the axe even before you say hello.
• Application errors – I have witnessed people’s applications get thrown away minutes after they leave because they did not properly complete the form. Don’t put your city where your state should go, and don’t misspell commonly used words or you’ll never get a call back. Another application failure is when the application is turned in dirty. You should never have cheese doodle stains or lip gloss grease on your application, because it will be placed right where it belongs… the trash.
• Interview Attire – Ladies, unless you are trying to work for a strip club or hooters, there is no need for your hiring manager to see your breasts or thighs. Therefore consider toning it down a bit. Even if the interviewer is a male, they might like the eye candy, but many times your look can come off as promiscuous, resulting in either you not getting the job or you getting the job with attention that you did not want.
• Coming empty handed – Just as the company is trying to get to know you to make sure that you are a good fit; you too should be trying to discern if the company is a good fit. You want them to feel that you are interested in their company therefore having a notebook and pens are advised. Going empty handed gives the impression that you could care less, and therefore so can they.
• Lying on a resume – If you don’t have experience, but want the job then you have to sell your skills. Never should you lie on a resume about a school, position, or community service that you’ve done or worked. You could end up in a position that is well above your head, or end up being viewed as a liar and not get the job.
Again ladies I say, just be you. By eliminating these five interview errors from your list, you are sure to stand out from all the rest. Going to an interview is like advertising yourself, and you want to make a good impression. Therefore plan ahead, if you’re not sure of the location get directions, schedule to be there 15 minutes before start time, bring copies of your resume, review your application, and most importantly be honest about who you are and what you can do. In just following these few tips you will be surprised what windows of opportunity are opened up to you.
Tags: interview, application errors, sell your skills
• Showing up late – There is really no excuse (unless serious emergency beyond your control) for you to be late to an interview for a time that you agreed to. This is a common mistake that young women make, and to a hiring manager, this is a sign of the type of employee they will receive. Resulting in you getting the axe even before you say hello.
• Application errors – I have witnessed people’s applications get thrown away minutes after they leave because they did not properly complete the form. Don’t put your city where your state should go, and don’t misspell commonly used words or you’ll never get a call back. Another application failure is when the application is turned in dirty. You should never have cheese doodle stains or lip gloss grease on your application, because it will be placed right where it belongs… the trash.
• Interview Attire – Ladies, unless you are trying to work for a strip club or hooters, there is no need for your hiring manager to see your breasts or thighs. Therefore consider toning it down a bit. Even if the interviewer is a male, they might like the eye candy, but many times your look can come off as promiscuous, resulting in either you not getting the job or you getting the job with attention that you did not want.
• Coming empty handed – Just as the company is trying to get to know you to make sure that you are a good fit; you too should be trying to discern if the company is a good fit. You want them to feel that you are interested in their company therefore having a notebook and pens are advised. Going empty handed gives the impression that you could care less, and therefore so can they.
• Lying on a resume – If you don’t have experience, but want the job then you have to sell your skills. Never should you lie on a resume about a school, position, or community service that you’ve done or worked. You could end up in a position that is well above your head, or end up being viewed as a liar and not get the job.
Again ladies I say, just be you. By eliminating these five interview errors from your list, you are sure to stand out from all the rest. Going to an interview is like advertising yourself, and you want to make a good impression. Therefore plan ahead, if you’re not sure of the location get directions, schedule to be there 15 minutes before start time, bring copies of your resume, review your application, and most importantly be honest about who you are and what you can do. In just following these few tips you will be surprised what windows of opportunity are opened up to you.
Tags: interview, application errors, sell your skills