The Day of the Job Interview

There is no doubt that the job market is very tight. When you get asked to interview, here are some things NOT TO DO. Many people make these common mistakes, and don't realize how bad of an impression this sets on the hiring manager. Don't do these simple things, and you could have multiple offers from hiring managers!

1. Don’t Be Late To the Interview
If you are early you are on time. If you are on time, you are late. If you are late, you are fired.
There really is no good excuse for being late to an interview. The hiring managers hear the same excuses all the time. If you have to, leave an hour early, and sit in your car for an hour and answer e-mails or phone calls. Also, never make the mistake of scheduling your interview where you will have just enough time between meetings or events to get there and get back to your current job.

2. Don’t Show Up Unprepared
Walking into a company and knowing nothing about the company looks very bad. The hiring manager will be able to tell if you have no idea about the position you are interviewing for. You should at least know what the company does. Take a few minutes to Google the company and read their about us and mission statement.

3. Don’t Ask About Salary, Benefits, Perks
When you have an offer, you should ask about these things. Make sure you have all the details nailed down before you sign on the dotted line, but never ask about these things on the first interview.

4. Don’t Focus On Future Roles Instead Of The Job At Hand
Although it would not hurt to show interest in future positions, do not come into the job with the attitude that this job is just a job that will help you increase your dollars somewhere else in the near future.

5. Don’t Turn The Weakness Question Into A Positive
When interviewers ask you about a weakness and you say you work too hard or you are too much of a perfectionist, chances are they are more apt to roll their eyes than be blown away. Instead, be honest and come up with a weakness that can be improved on and won’t ruin your chances of getting a job.
For instance, if you are interviewing for a project management position, it wouldn’t be wise to say you have poor organizational skills, but it’s ok to say you want to learn more shortcuts in Excel. Basically, take something you are not great at, and show how you are getting better, or how you plan to get better at this weakness.

6. Don’t Lie
Believe it or not, hiring managers call your references. Do not tell them you have skills from a job that you simply did not acquire. Be honest, because this will only help you in the long run.

7. Don’t Ask If There’s Any Reason You Shouldn’t Be Hired
Never give an employer a reason to think badly of you more than they already may have after the interview. Leave a good last impression. If you get a call saying you were denied the job, then ask why, simply for the reason that you want to improve in the future.

Some material from- http://www.businessinsider.com/7-things-you-should-never-do-on-an-interview-2012-4