1. Not knowing your aim. Too often candidates think their purpose in an interview is simply to ask for a job. Your goals are to demonstrate how you are a good fit for the organization, and to assess whether the job is really right for you.

 3. Lousy nonverbal communication. This is about demonstrating confidence. Your first impression makes the difference. When you enter the interview room, stand up straight, make eye contact, and offer a strong handshake with your interviewer. If necessary, jot their name on your notepad as soon as you seat yourself. Do the same for any other individual you are meeting with.

4. Compromising your position. You should always participate in the interview as an equal, not a subordinate, of the person conducting the interview. Often this is a subtle matter of self-perception, so remind yourself before the interview.

5. Falling into the answers-only rut. An interview is a conversation. Don't just answer their questions. That's why you've prepared stories to highlight your accomplishments, which will be your moments to shine. When you do answer any questions, make sure that you answer immediately and follow up with a question of your own, if at all possible.

6. Rambling. Telling your interviewer more than they need to know could be fatal. Your stories should be 60 to 90 seconds long and they should have a relevant point. Focus, focus, focus. Stick with your rehearsed stories, your research, and the questions you need to ask. Don't fill up the silence with unnecessary talk.

7. Being overly familiar. A good interviewer will be skilled enough to put you at ease within the first 10 minutes of the interview. That doesn't mean that they have become your best friend. Don't let your guard down. You're there to interview them and get answers to your questions. Treat this from start to finish as the professional business meeting that it is.

10. Not asking specific questions. You want to find out more about what this job is really about and whether you want it. Arrive with a list of several prepared questions about the company, the position, and the people who work there. Ask questions that begin with "what," "how," and "why." Avoid simple yes/no questions. Get your interviewer talking as much as possible, then take notes. Most interviewers are unimpressed by someone who has no questions.  

Some Questions not to ask and why….

If the candidate asks ?                                                

The interviewer might think ?

Do you check references from every place I've worked?

Do you ask because:

• You've been working for many years and in many, many different places?   

• You have something questionable in your background?

I have a felony conviction. Is this a problem?

• Hmm. He's sitting between me and the door.

• Just one?

• And the felony was for …?

What happens if I leave before I've completed my contract?• You mean, you've done this before?

• You mean, you're planning to do this?

Any question about money – if it's the first question out of your mouth.

• "Ask not what your country can do for you."

• They'll leave at the first sign of an extra penny elsewhere.

• It might have been nice if they'd asked about continuing education opportunities first.

Do we have to work on weekends?

• No, we close the company on weekends so everyone can do more interesting things than look after systems and release new software..

How much sick time is there?

• Do you have an underlying medical problem

• Will we ever see at work working full weeks?

• Is that why you left your last job?

How quickly can I become the charge person?

• You think highly of yourself.

How soon can I take vacation?

• Is this person really interested in working?

• Perhaps you should take a vacation before beginning work. 

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