Interview Chatter

To Ensure You Don’t Get The Job

by Darlene McDaniel on September 23rd, 2007

Ever had a bad interview experience? Here are 9 Don’ts that will get in your way of getting the job. I have included some coaching tips plus a bonus of 9 Answers to Avoid in the midst of your interview.

1. Don’t Be Desperate

Coaching Tip: Preparation is better than desperation.

2. Don’t Lie

Coaching Tip: Tell the Truth. Be Honest.

3. Don’t Give Vague Answers

Coaching Tip: Prepare Answers to Behavior-Based questions.

4. Don’t Be Late for the Interview

Coaching Tip: Don’t Be Late

5. Don’t Quit

6. Don’t Be Out of Alignment or Inconsistent

Coaching Tip: Your answers should be in alignment with what you have already communicated in your resume and cover letter.

7. Don’t Be Negative

Coaching Tip: It is your responsibility to remain motivated throughout your job search.

8. Don’t Exaggerate

9. Don’t Apologize

Here are some additional things to avoid from Job Interviews for Dummies: Don’t say: Uhm, Uh, Yeah, Yup, Okay, Like, I Guess, Pretty Good. Don’t: Jingle, Pocket Change, Tap You Feet or Fingers, Fold Your Arms, Fidget, Mumble, Interrupt. Slump, or Twirl Your Hair.

Bonus: 9 Answers to Avoid:

1. Avoid answers that communicate you can’t function under stress or in stressful situations
2. Avoid answers that communicate interpersonal conflicts
3. Avoid answers that communicate you are violent
4. Avoid answers that communicate absenteeism
5. Avoid answers that communicate poor integrity
6. Avoid answers that communicate lack of accountability
7. Avoid answers that communicate inconsistencies in your past, or work experience
8. Avoid answers that communicate disrespect or contempt for current employer
9. Avoid answers that communicate a lack of knowledge about the company, the position, your skills.

Share This

Related Stories

• Where Does Your Boss Think You Are Right Now?
• Don’t Quit Your Day Job!
• For Managers Only: Don’t Assume They Understand Your Expectations
• 99 Ways To Kill Your Business
• And the Winner Is…

POSTED IN: Book Review, Coach's Cornor