| Many people feel that the interview is the | | | | process related subjects that are unique to a |
| single most stressful part of the job search | | | | given firm or organization. The interviewer |
| process. Any number of things can go wrong, | | | | may have provided information you will need |
| and a big part of being successful is | | | | to answer the question earlier in the |
| avoiding simple mistakes. The things you | | | | conversation. Employers will be looking for |
| should avoid doing are as below: | | | | your ability to assimilate new information, |
| | | | retain it, and, most importantly, recognize |
| 1. Trying to wing the interview: Practice! | | | | that information as useful to you later in |
| Get a list of general interview questions, a | | | | the interview. |
| friend, a tape recorder, and a mirror and | | | | |
| conduct an interview rehearsal. Practice | | | | 4. Not providing enough details: When |
| until your delivery feels comfortable but not | | | | answering case questions, technical questions |
| canned. | | | | or solving technical problems, take the time |
| | | | to "talk through" your thought process. |
| 2. Not being yourself: Be yourself and be | | | | Recruiters are much more interested in seeing |
| honest! Don't pretend to understand a | | | | how your mind works and how it attacks a |
| question or train of thought if you don't. | | | | given type of problem, than the answer |
| The interviewer will pick up on this. If you | | | | itself. Articulate your problem solving |
| don't know an answer, say so. Relax and be | | | | process and verbalize your thinking. |
| yourself. Remember you're interviewing the | | | | |
| company as well as vice versa. | | | | 5. Lack of enthusiasm: Maintain eye contact, |
| | | | greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm |
| 3. Not listening: Focus on the question that | | | | handshake (not too weak, not too strong), and |
| is being asked and don't try to anticipate | | | | show common courtesy. Don't be afraid to |
| the next one. It's OK to pause and collect | | | | display your passion for the job/industry and |
| your thoughts before answering a question. | | | | to show confidence. |
| Pay special attention to technical or work | | | | |