THE BILINGUAL JOB FAIR BLOG

Job Interview Tips: Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid, Part 3

November 12, 2009

Rounding out the list of common interview mistakes that job seekers make (see mistake #1 and mistake #2):

Mistake #3: Assuming a great resume is enough to get you hired

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because you have been called for an interview the job is already yours. No matter how great your resume is, you still need to prove yourself in person. Keep in mind that the impression you make on a prospective employer may begin as soon as you walk through the company’s front door.

From the moment you arrive for an interview, remember your body language. Pay attention to your posture and your facial expressions, and keep a professional demeanor both with the person interviewing you as well as with anyone else in the company that you may meet. This includes the person that greets you in the front office or reception area.

I’ll share a true story with you about when I interviewed candidates for Account Executive positions at a broadcasting organization. Our receptionist was instructed to observe the candidates as soon as they walked through the front door. She noted how they greeted her, how they treated her, if they made small conversation with her, how they handled themselves at the front office, whether they talked to other employees — all of this while waiting to begin the job interview. If a candidate wasn’t polite and friendly to the receptionist, they would not be considered for the position, mainly because they were going to be working with people, and we took pride in treating people right.  This illustrates how a job candidate’s behavior is taken into consideration from the moment they enter the front office.

Filed under: Interviewing

Tags: interview questions, Interviewing, Job Hunting, job search, preparing for an interview