Getting selected for a job interview is an achievement in itself given how competitive the marketplace is with so many job applicants applying for jobs, so being at your best is vital when it comes to interview stage. Unfortunately there have been many instances where job seekers fail to make a positive impact at their job interview through poor interviewing skills, lack of research and other similar errors, today we look at 5 of the most common interview mistakes along with ways to remedy them.

1. Arriving late.

Arriving late for an interview leaves a very poor first impression which will have you fighting an uphill struggle to overcome the damage caused by your tardiness. The best way to ensure you arrive on time is to do a test-run to your interview location the day before your interview at the same time of the day in order to gauge how much time you will need to allow to get there on time the following day. For example if your interview is an hour away and is taking place at 2PM on Thursday, take a trip there at 1230PM on Wednesday to get a feel for how long the journey will take.

2. Incorrect attire.

Arriving to a job interview wearing inappropriate clothing portrays a lack of professionalism and will not be looked upon favorably by the interviewer. If you are unsure of the company dress-code simply ask the person who contacts you about the interview. If wearing a uniform or similar then call the company in advance to say wearing anything else is unavoidable and apologize, most companies will be understandable in this regard.

3. Criticizing former employers

Never criticize an ex-employer during a job interview, you may come across as a troublemaker and your chances of getting the job will diminish. The best way to avoid this is by simply not including any derogatory remarks about your former employers at any stage in your meeting. The best way to overcome this is by stating you had been in Sample Company for 5 years for example and you wanted a fresh challenge. Keeping the interviewer focused on you is far more advantageous than coming across as a bitter ex-employee

4. Not asking questions.

Appearing disinterested in a job interview will seriously damage any chances you had of getting a job, not asking questions is one such way of appearing disinterested.  Overcome this by doing some research on the company and have some questions of your own to ask.

5. Discussing salary too early.

Of course salary information is extremely important in a job interview but by bringing it up before the interviewer asks you questions about it you may come across as being cocky or over-confident. You are better served by following the interviewers lead in this matter. On the other hand if you have a job interview arranged by a recruiter get him/her to find out the salary information for you instead.

Each of the interview mistakes outlined above are avoidable so to give yourself the best possible chance at your next job interview avoid these mistakes at all costs. Arrive on time, dress appropriately, express interest, and focus on your experience and achievements when answering interview questions.

Top 10 Funny Quotes About Work

Funny work quotes provide a welcome diversion from our regular posts on interview tips and career advice, there have been many quotes from famous individuals about the trials and tribulations of work.  Here is a selection of my favorite quotations, try reading them without raising a smile.　

1.  “The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one”. Oscar Wilde

2.  “Hard work never killed anyone, but why take a chance” Edgar Bergen

3.  “I always arrive late to the office but make up for it by always leaving early.” Charles Lamb

4.  “Nobody notices what I do..until I don’t do it.” Quote seen on coffee mugs.

5.  “It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” Harry S. Truman

6.  “I like work it fascinates me I can sit and look at it for hours” Jerome K. Jerome

7.  “Many people quit looking for work, once they find a job.” Author unknown

8.  “People are still willing to do an honest days work, trouble is they want a weeks pay for doing it.” Joey Adams

9.  “If a train station is where a train stops, what is a workstation?” Author unknown

10. ”The difference between a job and a career is the difference between 40 and 60 hours a week.” Henry Ford

 If you enjoyed these funny work quotes then you may enjoy a previous post on funny job interview answers, next week we get back to business with a look at 5 common interview mistakes and ways to avoid them.

Trying to raise the point to an employer that you are deserving of an increase in salary can be a nervous experience for employees.  However if you feel that your salary is below market value then allow yourself the best possible opportunity to underpin your credentials by being  be prepared with the following list of items for when the time comes to discuss the issue with your boss.

1. A salary survey.

It is important that you do not come across as being greedy during a salary review instead explain to your boss in a friendly manner” in my research other candidates in the industry with the same amount of experience are earning 10% above my current salary so I would seek an increase to reflect my true worth to the company.” Your boss will be impressed that you have researched the marketplace and have put across reasonable logic for your requested raise.

2. Job specs off job-sites.

Similarly to the salary survey if your boss queries why you seek a certain amount you can produce job specs from job sites for jobs that mirror your experience and have higher salaries than your own. Explain to your boss that “while I am very happy here, in advance of this meeting, I researched open jobs that seek candidates with my experience and found that the salaries advertised to be considerably higher than mine.” Your manager will appreciate your reasons for seeking an increase and should reward you rather than fear losing you to the jobs that you have found.

3. Talk about the impact of your achievements in the company.

A salary review is time for you to not only talk about the targets you have reached or milestones reached it is about the overall impact those achievements had on the company. When discussing your achievements do so in a modest fashion rather than with a cocky attitude. A good example of the type of statement that would benefit your cause would be, “the project of which I was manager finished on time, within budget and to the clients satisfaction. This project is worth $50k and given the relationship that I have fostered with the client I am confident of regular future business with them, and that is why I am seeking a 10% salary increase.”

It is worth bearing in mind that you should not go into your review meeting and put the salary survey and job specs on the table, just keep them in your jacket pocket until you feel the need to introduce them, you may be pleasantly surprised your boss may have been planning to give you a raise anyway.

A behavioral job interview is an interview wherein the employer uses past behavior as a baromoter to possible future success of the interviewee. In this type of interview your answers need to focus on specific examples in order to demonstrate to the employer that you are a suitable candidate for the position.

Behavioral interview questions are usually open-ended in order to allow the interviewee provide extended answers rather than yes/ no answers. This type of interview differs from situational interviews as a situational interview usually seeks answers to hypothetical questions whereas a behavioral interview seeks answers based on past performance.

Example behavioral interview questions.

• Describe a problem you encountered in your last job, how did you overcome it?
• Summarize a situation where you had to demonstrate ability to use your own initiative, how did you do this?
• Demonstrate an example where you had to use your leadership skills.
• Have you ever had to work with a colleague or client with whom you had a difficult relationship?
• Provide an example of when your communication skills were used effectively in a work situation.
• What factors do you take into account when making important decisions?
• Describe a situation where you were put under extreme pressure, how did you handle the pressure?

Open-ended questions offer a great way for candidates to showcase their ability to potential employers through descriptive responses so ensure you know your resume inside out and provide examples to boost your chances of job success.