| start off with the most common mistake applicants | | | | some details about the company will enable you to ask |
| make on job interviews. | | | | better, more relevant questions, and make a stronger |
| According to 36% of recruiters who completed a | | | | impression. |
| survey by Korn/Ferry International, one of the largest | | | | - Not having your papers and documentation ready |
| recruiting companies in the world, the most common | | | | Remember to take along extra copies of your |
| mistake is: Talking too much. | | | | resume, names and contact information of your |
| The second most common mistake in the poll was | | | | references and reference letters so you can leave |
| lack of knowledge about the company or position | | | | them with your interviewer. If there are any other |
| (22%). | | | | documents needed, make extra copies to bring along. |
| The lesson: make your point, then leave it at that and | | | | - Inappropriate dress |
| wait for the interviewer to speak. | | | | Know something about the industry and the corporate |
| In an informal survey of hiring managers about | | | | culture. In most cases the safest bet is to dress |
| mistakes people make during an interview, lack of eye | | | | professionally and conservatively. But there are |
| contact turned out to be one of the biggest ones. It | | | | variations within that general rule. In some industries |
| seems like a simple thing, but many people just seem | | | | and companies that may mean being fairly formal, |
| to forget it or don't pay attention to it. | | | | while in other industries less formality is the norm. |
| To the interviewer, lack of eye contact can signal a | | | | In the technology industry, the dress code may be |
| number of negative things: You're not telling the truth. | | | | more casual than in other iindustries, but it can also |
| Or you're being evasive. Or you're hiding something. I'm | | | | vary with the position. Sales may still be buttoned |
| not advocating that you stare at the interviewer. Just | | | | down. While being in IT may more casual. In creative |
| maintain steady, engaged, eye contact when you or | | | | type jobs a more casual dress is expected, but don't |
| the interviewer are speaking. | | | | overdo it. Know your industry and what is appropriate. |
| - Poor body language | | | | - Asking questions at the wrong time |
| Interviewers are generally skilled observers. They are | | | | You may be tempted to jump in at various times in the |
| looking not only at what you say but how you say it, | | | | interview with questions. Don't. Hold your questions till |
| including your body language. Do not slouch. Crossing | | | | the end when the interviewer invites you to ask |
| your arms in front of your chest sends out the wrong | | | | questions. Having said that, if during the interview a |
| signal. Maintain good posture and try to keep your | | | | question seems to naturally evolve from the |
| hands folded on your lap. | | | | conversation, go ahead. But be careful about this. And |
| - Not researching the company | | | | don't ask about salary or benefits unless the |
| If you do not know some basic things about the | | | | interviewer brings it up. |
| company it shows you don't care enough and you're | | | | These are just some of the mistakes many people |
| not thorough. When you know basic company | | | | make during interviews. Avoid them and you increase |
| information it shows an eagerness for the job and | | | | your chances for the job offer. |
| displays interest in the company. In addition, knowing | | | | |