Common interview mistakes

So what are some of the most common mistakes people make at interview?

In writing The Interview Book, I actually conducted a comprehensive survey to derive a ‘Top 15’ most common interview mistakes – and then explain in detail how to avoid them.

Some are reasonably obvious such as dressing inappropriately or making a poor first impression.  Others are less obvious such as being critical of others, failing to ask your own questions at the end of the interview or even prematurely talking money.

For example, questions about pay and holidays are best avoided unless of course the interviewer brings up these topics themselves.  Bringing them up yourself during your interview can place too much focus on what you are expecting from the employer – rather than what you are offering them.  That’s never a good idea.

Why’s that?

Because your emphasis must always, always be on what you can do for them rather than what they can do for you.  It’s an elementary sales tactic – but it works.

About James Innes

James Innes is the Founder and Chief Executive of The CV Centre - the UK's leading CV consultancy. Following more than a decade of experience heading up The CV Centre, James is widely considered to be one of the UK's leading careers experts. James regularly participates at recruitment fairs and conferences as a sought-after guest speaker, as well as being interviewed on TV and radio. He is the author of a number of best-selling careers books. His current works are: 'The CV Book', 'The Interview Book', 'Brilliant Cover Letters', 'Ultimate New Job' and 'The Interview Question & Answer Book'.
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