10 Avoidable Interview Mistakes

Most of these are self explanatory, but me being me, I had to add a few lines

- Sharing too much personal information

In western cultures the questions wont even come up, but in India, you can be sure the HR manager will ask you about your family. It has something to do with them trying to find out about your mindset, which they feel comes from the family you were brought up in. So if you are a 'defense child' or a middle class family 'elder' child you will be more responsible. I honestly cant say how much of this is true, but I do know they will ask you that.
Try to give the bare minimum answer. Dont go on about how your kid sister just might be crazy because she spends all her time looking for junk jewelry or why you think you neighbors dog is the devil's personal servant.
Also when asked about your family it is generally a good idea to start with your father's occupation, designation, present company, education etc, move on to your mother and then to your siblings. You can generally leave out your siblings' children and your cousins. Also really do not offer medical histories until you are specifically asked to share them.

- Reaching late
There is no excuse. Go home if you are not on time. I suggest doing a recon a day before and getting there 15 minutes in advance. Think of all job interviews are international flights, very expensive international flights.

- Answering your phone in the interview
Switch it off. If not that, then turn it to silent and ensure the light does not flash through your pants or shirt pocket. It is really funny for me when I am trying to have a serious conversation and the applicant's phone decides to go disco in his pocket.

- Throwing names in the interview
I mentioned this before - http://www.myeclatcoach.com/2008/07/interview-skills-dropping-names-in.html
Really, dont. It is so not good to try and create relationships with the interviewer and definitely a bad idea to try and show how many celebs you know.

- Talking about how you have more offers than you can evaluate
Really? If you did would be here? Do you really want to tell us that you are here because you have nothing better to do? I find that applicants who talk about how they have so many jobs to choose from, keeping running into me at various client interviews. Apparently no one wants someone who is so wanted!

- No research
I wrote about how research could do wonders (click here). I also wrote about it here - http://www.prabhjotbedi.com/professional-articles/why-you-should-go-prepared-for-an-interview
Do the basics, visit the company website, find a friend who works there, check out the facebook page, see the linkedin profile of the manager you might meet.

- Bad mouthing previous employers
A strict no - no, even if I as the recruiter or interviewer instigate you. Bad mouthing is just wrong, it sends out warning signals.

- Divulging Secrets
Another strict no - no. I have to say here that I routinely use this route to get market information and competitor data. It seems to easy. All I have to do is ask someone the revenue break ups, the cost, what is bad, who the major clients are, what corporates rates etc. I once got someone to send us the complete accounts receivable files. We did not hire the person.
Refuse to part with sensitive information. here is a thumb rule - share what is in the public domain - i.e. knowledge that could be yours even if you were not working there.

- Interrupting the interviewer
This is not a strict no - no but really avoidable. Try and listen to the whole thing (even if it is a rant) and then respond like an adult. Remember many of us take stress interviews and behavioral interviews!

- Saying you have no weakness
Super man?! No, be frank, honest. It is a good thing to know yourself. Blind spots or delusions of grandeur can be damaging to your cause.

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