March 11 2010 
Major Mistakes That Ruin Your Chances At A Job Interview
by Heather Eagar - 07/01/2010
"There’s no doubt that going on a job interview is a critical portion of a job candidate’s application process. "
If you were lucky enough to have a resume that got you through the door, the interview will provide you with an opportunity to further prove that you’re right for the position.
However, it's quite common for a valid, potentially hirable job candidate to get into an interview and "fumble the ball." You might lose your chance at a position very quickly by making some apparently small mistakes. So before going on your next interview, take a look at these mistakes that could definitely ruin it.
Don’t Arrive Late (or Too Early)
One fatal error that could hurt your chances of acquiring the position you desire is to arrive to the job interview late. Hiring managers are very busy people, and they often schedule several interviews within the same hour. If you show up late, you give an indication of what the employer could expect from you as an employee – not a good thing.
However, it’s also good to keep in mind that arriving too early could work against you too. While arriving 15 minutes prior to the interview is perfectly acceptable, arriving 30 minutes early could also through off the interviewer’s schedule and is generally frowned upon.
Don’t Trash a Previous Employer
If you had a bad experience with a previous employer, don’t tell the prospective employer about it. Cite "differences with the company mission," for instance, rather than telling your new employer that you frequently butted heads with your old boss. But to say that the manager “sucks” will likely leave a bad taste in the interviewers mouth.
Don’t Get Too “Familiar”
Some hiring managers have complained that job applicants often get too familiar or friendly with them during an interview. You won't get asked back or offered a job if you suddenly decide to bring up personal facts about your private relationships or anything that doesn't impact your ability to do the job.
Don’t Dress Inappropriately (or Sloppy)
We all know that wearing a t-shirt or provocative attire is unacceptable during an interview, but many employers also frown upon attire that looks cheap, or even you not ironing your suit or having scuffs in your shoes. A good rule of thumb is to remember that if there’s ever a time to shine up like a penny, it is during your job interview.
Don’t Question Pay and Benefits Too Soon
You may be anxious to know whether the position you’re interested in will pay will or offer health insurance benefits, but the time to ask is not when you walk through the door for the interview. If during the interview, you’re offered the position then it’s good to be prepared to negotiate. Hold off until that point, though, and you won't seem too presumptuous.
If you think in terms of what you should and should not do in an interview, you can strengthen your chances of getting the position you want. Besides, what’s the point in working so hard on a resume if you’re just going to sabotage the efforts in your interview?
