Career Advice for Job Seekers
7 Ways to Screw Up a Job Interview
William FriersonOnce you land a job interview, you may feel the hard work is done. You might even allow your enthusiasm to melt your inhibitions during the meeting. Don’t let your excitement rob you of a chance for the job you’ve been waiting for. Arm yourself with these key interview strategies that include practicing restraint as well as excellent preparation.
Here are some things to avoid doing during job interviews.
7. Talking Salary Too Early
Why is it bad?: Simply put, this question shifts the focus to what you want for yourself as opposed to the value you will provide to the company.
What to do instead: While everyone wants to be paid fairly, it usually behooves job seekers to wait as long as possible into the process until salary is discussed. This lets employers know you also care about things like your job description, whether you’re the right fit for the company’s culture, etc.
6. Demanding to Know When a Decision Will be Made
Why is it bad?: Every candidate wants to know the answer to this question but asking it can make you seem desperate or anxious for results. Most companies look for candidates able to separate personal from professional demands.
What to do instead: If you do ask politely if you can follow up with someone after the designated amount of time they give you, make sure you get a specific person’s contact information. And don’t jump the gun. Eager and confident is good, desperate should be avoided.
5. Asking What the Company Does
Why is it bad?: Conducting research on corporate initiatives is easily accomplished online. If you haven’t done your homework, you won’t impress hiring managers.
What to do instead: Show off what you’ve researched about the company prior to the interview by linking your skills and work history to existing corporate projects. Also, if you know who you’re interviewing with, do some research on him/her and try to find some common ground so you can form a strong connection during the interview. Continue reading . . .
Article by Alesia Benedict and courtesy of Salary.com
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