<< Back to Jengo's home page

Jengo's Job Search Tips

Tip #8: Five common interview mistakes

When interviews are not successful, it is probably for one of the following reasons.

1. You haven't done any solid research on the organization and/or the job before the interview.
2. You are not clear about what skills and experience you have to offer related to the position, and have not mentally prepared a list of major strengths you want to stress during the interview.
3. You have adopted a self-centered approach (how the job will benefit you) rather than an employer-centered approach (what you can give to the position and the employer).
4. You have not prepared ahead of time by practicing the responses to anticipated, typical questions. Any experienced interviewer can tell the difference between someone who is prepared and someone who is "winging it."
5. You have given vague, general answers rather than focusing on specifics and providing concrete examples.
6. You have not sent a thank-you note right after the interview.