by Irini Kotroni

Created on: July 21, 2010   Last Updated: July 22, 2010

Hoorah, the letter or phone call has arrived calling you for interview, instant excitement and then panic sets in and thousands of questions go through the mind, such ‘can I do this job?’ will I like them?  Will they like me?  Am I under qualified/over qualified? 

There are many things that you shouldn’t do at an interview.  Do any of the actions that are listed here and you will certainly be remembered, but for all the wrong reasons.  Read on to learn ‘of what not to do at a job interview'  or how to fail or blow an interview.

Punctuality - Arriving late for the interview. 

Unless you have a really good excuse (start practising and do not rely on the train/bus/plane was late oldie) for your lateness, most interviewers will be unlikely to see you or even wish to schedule a further interview.  How can they rely on you to meet important clients and customers?

Sorry you have just blown your interview chance away.

Nerves

All interviewers take nervousness into account.  However if before the interview, you are feeling nervous and decide to have a quick drink to calm your nerves, well forget it.  Few interviewers wish to be knocked over by alcohol fumes when they are welcoming you to the interview.  Equally do not take a quick slug from a hip flask whilst waiting in reception for your time slot; the receptionist will note this and it will be on the internet/intranet before you’ve even had your first gulp. 

Sorry you have just blown it again unless the interviewer suddenly whips out two glasses and offers you a drink from his/her hip flask.

Equipment

More and more interviewers invite you to give a short presentation.  Make sure you have packed everything you need. Oops you’ve forgotten the DVD or CD or the laptop battery has run down and you’ve not got the boost lead. 

Oh dear, you’ve just blown it again – bye bye, unless you can talk your way out of it. 

Keep a tidy briefcase/bag

Make sure your bags only have in them what you require for the interview otherwise the following scenario could take place.  You reach into your bag to retrieve your diplomas (come on now, they should be all neat and tidy in a see through presentation portfolio or similar); glasses, pen etc and you can’t find what you are looking for.  However in order to find that oh so elusive whatever it is, you pull out, a spare pair of tights or tie, grubby

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