by Leigh Goessl

Created on: May 07, 2009   Last Updated: October 30, 2010

Going on job interviews is a stressful aspect of searching for employment. For many, a feeling of anxiety in the days and moments leading up to a job interview is common. However, while some level of nervousness is understood and perhaps anticipated, you do not want to do anything that will result in an interview failure.

Much preparation is involved for an interview with many details to consider. These details range from finding the right clothes to wear to planning enough time for traffic. Another significant worry many people experience is concerns over what to say and what not to say.

It is best to make a concentrated effort to steer clear of the negative aspects when going on your interviews. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid so you don't encounter any negative experiences when going on interviews:

• Attitude

A positive attitude is a winning attitude. If you exhibit a poor outlook during your interview this is likely to result in failure. Another thing to remember is to never put down your previous employer; while your reasons for no longer working there and looking for new work may be a legitimate complaint, an interview is not the place to air these issues.

It doesn't matter what kind of employment it is because an employer is going to consider a positive attitude to be a good attribute, a negative one will get you about as far as the door.

• Dress

During your interview you want to dress appropriately and present a professional demeanor. Your clothes should be clean, pressed and neat looking. Whether or not you wear a 3 piece suit may depend upon the kind of job you are applying for, but whatever you choose should be suitable.

• Careless Preparation

As your resume should be tailored to the kind of job you're applying for, your preparation should be just as customized. When going on an interview, practice what you want to say and familiarize yourself with ways to answer questions that are tough.

It is always a good idea to do research on the company, explore their website and demonstrate a bit of knowledge about the company. This isn't necessarily a "must", but it will work in your favor. Today many employers expect you to be familiar with what a company does and what they are all about.

Always be prepared before you walk into the interview.

• Inability to Answer Questions

Potential employers will likely allow a degree of leverage for nervousness, but if you avoid questions or stammer as if you are trying to hide something, this won't fare well and could result in a failed interview.

Honesty is the best policy and chances are you may be asked some hard questions. Before the interview, reflect on what your weaknesses are and brush up on some ways you can answer those hard questions with a positive spin; this will work in your favor for those difficult questions.

• Body Language

A person's body language tells a lot about them. During your interview you want to try and come across as confident and a person of integrity. It is best not to squirm and idly pick at your fingernails. When you meet your potential employer, make sure to give a firm handshake, and always make eye contact. Avoid shifting your eyes or looking at the floor.

With a competitive job market you want to give the best impression you can when you are called for an interview after submitting an application and/or resume. If you practice ahead of time and learn the ways you can avoid the pitfalls of interviewing, you'll do great on the next interview you have scheduled.

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