>> Evergreen Interview Mistakes that Should be Avoided

Here is the list of top interview goof ups that never seem to go out of style:

# Turning up late : Being fashionably late is overrated and for an interview it’s sacrilegious. It sends out the message that you’re irresponsible and don’t value the time of others. Leave home early or get directions from the interviewer beforehand. If you still can’t make it on time, make sure you call up your interviewer and inform him/her or reschedule for another day if necessary.

# Dressing down : Don’t show up in your favourite pair of low rise jeans which are ripped at the knee. You’re there to impress them and looking the part is an important part ingredient in getting a job. Dress conservative. Nothing dull but nothing too flashy either. The idea is to look professional. For more tips on how to dress for an interview check out our article on corporate style “Dressing for Success”

# “Say what?” : Failure to research a company is a major irresponsibility on the part of the candidate. An interviewer may quiz you on your knowledge about the company and then you’re stumped. Prior to the interview and by that we mean at least two days before, make sure to read up on your prospective company’s products and services, and other key information from the Internet, professional magazines or from former employees.

# Wrong Body lingo : Sit up straight. Smile and make eye contact. Not too much though unless your applying for the position of a psycho killer. A person’s body language speaks volumes about them and interviewers do look out for signs like crossed arms, nail biting, tilted heads etc in evaluating a candidate. For more information on positive body language read AssureConsulting.com’s article “Baring the Body Code”

# My strengths/weaknesses…er..umm : Know your strengths and talents and connect them to experiences you’ve had where these aspects of you have shined through. Connect them so that they reflect where you fit in and what you can do for the company/job. Keep in mind your weaknesses too but play them down a bit.

# Bad mouthing the ex : Never complain or pass negative comments about former employers. It’s unprofessional and nobody likes a whiner.

# The Question question : Interviewers like it when candidates ask questions. It shows that they are interested and enthusiastic. Use your research to develop a set of questions that will tell you whether this is the job and the company for you. Then again, don’t bog down the interviewer down with too many questions, especially those that really won't count in the long run.

# Rambling and interrupting: Don't cut off the interviewer when he/she is speaking and don't answer simple questions with a fifteen-minute reply. Good answers are to the point and usually shorter.

# The Money factor : Don’t ask about compensation and benefits too soon. Wait for the interviewer to bring up these issues - after the discussion of your qualifications and the company's needs and wants.

# Failure to ask for the job : When the interview is over, convey your interest in the job and ask what the next step is.