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6 job interview mistakes to avoid

Although the economy seems to be showing signs of improvement, there are still more applicants for every job opening than there are available positions. In a survey, HR professionals outlined six interview mistakes that can instantly kill the possibility of receiving an offer.

3. Lack of preparation

An interview is a test for the real world. Reflecting on your academic experience, did you perform better on a test if you only flipped through your notes for 15 minutes before class started or if you invested hours of time to study the material? Preparation yields better results.

Today’s job candidates need to do more than just pull up a company’s website for a few minutes to scan its home page for basic information. Determine what industry the company is in, and research any growing trends that might be relevant. If possible, find out why the organization is looking to hire so you can communicate how you would be the best option to fit that need.

Typically at the end of the interview, the employer will ask if you have any questions for them. Don’t ask something that could easily be answered by looking at their website. Instead, use your preparation and that information to develop an educated question that requires a thoughtful response.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

Dear Reader,

About a year ago, I happened upon this statement about the Monitor in the Harvard Business Review – under the charming heading of “do things that don’t interest you”:

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