by Marie Bywater

Created on: August 28, 2010

In this current economic climate there are too few jobs to go around. If you have been applying for jobs and are lucky enough to get an interview the last thing you want to do is mess it up. Here are some of the biggest mistakes you do not want to make in an interview. Please bear these in mind when attending a job interview.

Turning up late

Being punctual is one of the most desired characteristics of a potential employee; therefore turning up late for an interview is not going to get you any brownie points.  Make sure you leave yourself more than adequate time to get to your interview. If you have to catch a bus or train, double check the time table and arrive 10 minutes before your transport is due to leave.

Tongue tied

If you have read the job description of the job you are interviewing for you should have a good idea of what questions are likely to come up. Make sure you have learnt answers to these questions. Nerves are expected in interviews but someone who appears tongue tied will not get the job.

Wrong attire

Dress code is very important in a job interview as it is the first impression perspective employers get before asking you any questions. If you turn up for a management job wearing a pair of shorts or mini skirt you can be sure that will be a black mark against you.

Chewing gum

Chewing gum should not be allowed in job interviews. This will provide a distraction to both you and your interviewers. Make sure you are not eating at all when you enter the job interview room. Commonly there will be a glass of water on the table for you.

Mobile phone interruption

Mobile phones should be switched off whilst taking part in a job interview. Excusing yourself to answer your mobile phone or reply to a text message is not good practice if you want to be in with a chance of getting the job.

No knowledge of the company

You should appear both knowledgeable and enthusiastic when answering questions about your prospective job. If you appear disinterested you can kiss the job goodbye.

Bad mouthing previous employers

You should never badmouth your previous employers. This shows a total lack of respect and is not an attitude a prospective employer wants.

No questions

You should have at least two questions prepared for the interviewers. This shows them that you have read the job description and are serious about the job. Not asking questions is a major mistake.

If you avoid making these mistakes when attending your job interview you should stand a good chance of getting the job.

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