[pic] Robert Half International, Inc.

22 WAYS TO STRIKE OUT WHEN INTERVIEWING

A recent survey was conducted among 150 companies to discover why a candidate who is capable of handling a job is not hired. The responses all relate to the crucial interview period. Twenty-two inevitable ways to “strike out” are listed below. If you really want the job, be careful to avoid them all.

1. POOR PERSONAL APPEARANCE A company will be more likely to hire someone who is well groomed and will represent their company in a professional manner.

2. LACK OF INTEREST AND ENTHUSIASM A passive and indifferent attitude is instantly recognized as “I don’t care if I get this job.” Sincere interest and enthusiasm about the position is essential.

3. TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON MONEY Your interviewing goal is to sell yourself to the interviewer and get an offer of employment. Salary discussion is secondary.

4. CONDEMNATION OF PAST EMPLOYERS Present facts only surrounding the past positions. Interviewers will be sensitive to comments about past employers. Too much information may come across as gossip.

5. TALKING TOO MUCH Answer questions as asked without being abrupt; expound only to the point that the interviewer has a clear understanding of what you mean. Unnecessary conversation wastes time.

6. WEAK HANDSHAKE The interviewer’s first impressions are lasting impressions. A firm handshake shows confidence in yourself and you abilities.

7. REFUSAL TO TRAVEL AND/OR RELOCATE Always be open for discussion concerning travel and relocation. The employer may be talking future plans, not present.

8. BEING LATE FOR THE INTERVIEW Tardiness is a sign of irresponsibility. This demonstrates a lack of interest and what the employer can expect in the future.

9. FAILURE TO SEEM INTERESTED ABOUT THE POSITION An interviewer will be impressed by an eager