Blunders that Can Cost You A Job Opportunity

Attending interviews means better working opportunities. Everyone with the thought of getting a better job opportunity loves the chance of attending an interview with the top personnel of the company. This is the time the candidate can really 'advertise' himself.

However, there are times candidates make blunders. Worst of all, they make one blunder after another just when the hiring company is about to offer them that ‘dream' opportunity!

Listed here are some of the common blunders and reminders of what to do in those situations:

1. Candidates did not attend the interview without any apologies

Reminder: If you face any problems, just give the person in charge a call to inform them of your predicament. You can request for another day if the person permits you to do so. Apologize graciously.

2. Did not bring copies of original documents

Reminder: You should bring along copies of all your original documents. Bring along a few extra copies of your resume and cover letter too. The hiring manager will be grateful to you for your thoughtfulness. Bring along your own stationery too. You will need to fill in a formal application form before the interview starts. In this case, you do not have to borrow a pen from the staff.

3. Did not greet the interviewers.

Reminder: Even though you may be a serious person, a smile is good for you. Practice greeting others, even if only with a smile. The first impression is when you start greeting others. 4. Wore the wrong outfit for the occasion. Reminder: To be sure, always wear a formal suit if you are applying for an office job. Any conservative color is all right. It is good to advisable not to wear too many pieces of jewelries.

5. Brought along a newspaper into the interview room

Reminder: Bring along a small brief-bag. Keep all your documents and stationery in your bag. Also keep the newspaper, magazine or story book into your bag. Do not leave anything behind.

6. Candidates bragged about their abilities.

Reminder: Be careful when you brag about your abilities. If you are being hired, you will be checked against your stories. You will be the laughing stock of the staff. The hiring manager will be angry as you have also made a fool of him/her. Just be honest. Only you know your own capabilities.

7. Criticizing the former bosses and companies.

Reminder: If you have had some dreadful experience in your previous company, keep them to yourself. Nobody wishes to waste those few important minutes to listen what you have to say. After all, it is also rude to talk behind one's back.

8. Chewing gums or sweets during the interview

Reminder: It is impolite to eat or having food in your mouth during an interview. Unless you are served with a glass of water, do not even drink during the interview.

9. Gave away secrets of former company

Reminder: Never discuss about your past companies. Most hiring managers are only interested in the scope of your work in the previous companies. Do not volunteer to furnish any company secrets. Remember that you are not a spy. You will be disgraced when you are found out.

10. Candidates were only interested about the benefits of the job and demanded for more

Reminder: It is all right to ask the hiring manager about your fringe benefits, but it is a mistake to ask for what the company does not offer. All companies do have a special package for each level of the employment. If you want more, then you have to work hard to get the other package.

11. Candidates disclosed the person(s) they knew in the company

Reminder: Even if you have friends working in the company, just keep quiet. Your friends are not accountable for your performance should you be hired. Nor will they be blamed if you are fired.

12. Candidates were too busy asking their own questions during the interview

Reminder: Although candidates are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the position, they are allowed to do so only at the end of the interview. During an interview, the hiring manager should be asking and you, as the candidate must be ready to answer and furnish any information required. You may jot down the questions you want to ask before the interview. Some interviewers like candidates who ask questions.

13. Candidates' ringing mobile phones interrupted the interview

Reminder: It is advisable to switch off your mobile phone or change into a silent ringing mode before you enter the interview room. Do not allow such carelessness mess up a good opportunity.

No matter what, there are still many blunders candidates like you may make. Just remember that you may be blacklisted easily. Some interviewers are just being nice. You should know when you have crossed the line. If you have not heard from this particular company again, you will know you need to be prepared for the next opportunity.

It takes lots of courage to face one's mistakes. Just do it.