Certified Interview Coach Institute-

8 Job Interview Mistakes Your Clients Should Avoid

By Linda Matias, Director, Certified Interview Coach Institute

Acquire Hands-On Training in State-of-the-Art Interview Coaching Techniques in Such Critical Areas as:

-- Discovering your three roles and responsibilities as an interview coach: developing a coaching plan...providing positive and constructive feedback...and building rapport and credibility

-- Learning how to manage client expectations through clear job search goals, developing and honing a personal brand unique to each client

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING

When your clients interview with a prospective employer, they probably have 100 things running through their head, and this may cause them much anxiety. However, if they can focus on the most important items of the interview, then they will feel more relaxed and in control of the message they wish to send. Your clients may find it helpful to know what not to do in the interview in order to better understand what they should do.

TOP 8 INTERVIEW MISTAKES TO AVOID

In order to best prepare for that all-important interview, your clients should avoid the following mistakes.

1. Dressing inappropriately - your clients should know the culture of the company. They shouldn’t dress in business casual if many of the current employees wear more conservative clothing—your clients should look as they already fit the bill.

2. Appearances that are loud, bright, excessive, or extreme - clients shouldn’t wear perfume, bright colors, or loud nail polish; and they cover up those tattoos. If they fail to do so, interviewers will focus less on their skills and accomplishments and less on their appearance¾sure interview killer.

3. Being late to the interview - this mistake pretty much speaks for itself. This leaves a bad taste in any prospective employer’s mouth. If your clients can’t be on time for the interview, how dependable could they be as an employee? Your clients should arrive at least ten minutes before the interview begins.

4. Not asking questions - your clients shouldn’t sit like a bump on a log during your interview. They should show interest in the company by asking the employer what his or her biggest challenges are; what the average work day for the open position is like; or what the next step is following the interview. The questions your clients ask are indicative of their interest in the position. If your clients don’t ask questions, the interviewer will assume they won’t accept the job offer if it is extended.

5. Asking about salary and benefits - the appropriate time to discuss issues of compensation is when a firm offer is on the table. Clients shouldn’t bring up the topic prematurely. They should take the time to learn about the company and the open position. In the end, money isn’t everything. Career satisfaction comes in many forms (opportunity for growth, a collaborative team environment, etc.). Most individuals are seeking positions due to issues other than financial matters. So during the interview, your clients should concentrate on what really matters—the responsibilities of the job at hand.

6. Lack of resume or vita copies - your clients shouldn’t assume that the employer already has a copy of their resume. Many employers now conduct group interviews, so your clients should always bring extra copies of their resume to pass around. This will demonstrate that they have foresight and consideration.

7. Being unprepared for the questions - your clients should avoid going blank during the interview by preparing answers to common interview questions in advance. Questions such as, “Tell me about yourself,” “What is your greatest weakness?,” and “What is your greatest strength.” Yes, those questions are still asked and your clients should have the answers down pact.

8. Dishonesty - your clients should never, ever lie to an employer to get the position. Doing so will undermine their own strengths and abilities and the trust of the interviewer. Coach your clients have to leverage their weaknesses so they will get a job offer.

MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION

Now that you are aware of the most common interview mistakes, you can take proactive steps to ensuring your clients are fully prepared for the interview. Register for our Certified Interview Coach program and get the tools you need to coach your clients effectively.

You Can Become a Certified Interview Coach™

Take the time to listen to our preview. You will learn...

-- The reasons why interviewing coaching is the MOST PROFITABLE coaching service you can offer.

-- How to define your role as an interview coach.

-- The characteristics of an effective interview coach.

-- Techniques on how to attract paying clients.

-- How becoming a Certified Interview Coach™ can add credibility to your coaching practice.

The Certified Interview Coach™ designation was created by Linda Matias. Author of the forthcoming book, How to Say It: Job Interviews (Prentice Hall Publishing, 2007). Learn more about Linda and her credentials by clicking here.

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What Our Students Are Saying

...with close to two decades of experience in talent management, staffing and human resources in Corporate America¾I didn't believe there was much more I could learn about interview techniques or approaches. I was pleasantly humbled by my experience in taking your course and must admit I was wrong!...

...Your weekly handouts were thorough, well structured, easy to understand and flowed seamlessly from the beginning to end of the interviewing process. They were current and covered all bases and types of interviews a job seeker or client could encounter...

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Interview Certification Outline : Meet Your Trainers : Interview Certification Enrollment : Resources