CVs and Interviews

Interview Tips – Common interview mistakes

White Lies – It may be tempting but it does not work. Certainly you can gloss things up but outright lying does not pay. “If you tell the truth, you never have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain

Negativity towards current company or boss – This paints a poor picture and employers don’t like to hear it. They can trick you into taking this road. Your interview is not the time to criticise previous employers or managers

No manners – What dictates rude or manners – bit subjective. Play with caution at interview and remain professional. Remember to be polite to everyone you meet on the day.

General complaining – Again interviewer do look on this kindly. Remember your interview is a short window to sell yourself. Complaining will not support this.

Discussing work colleagues – Quite often you will be asked about previous examples of conflict, how you deal with it and how you deal with other workers. This is not an opportunity to let loose on a rampage of character assassinations. Hold back on all that built up anger until you get back to the office!!

Poor preparation – Analyse the job, the job description and your CV before interview.

Nerves – Yes it is ok to be nervous and most people are BUT some hide it better than others. There are exercises to improve confidence and proper preparation will boost this anyway. You can fake confidence.

Poor first impression – Very difficult to come back from this.

Lack of company knowledge – A definite no-no. This says I am not interested or I don’t know what I want.

Neen Interview help? Interviews & Job Interviews

Below are 10 Super Interview tips I read on another website. Take these on board and you will impress at interview says the writer. They certainly provide 10 good tips for interview but I wouldn’t say they were the 10 most important.



1. You should market your skills and experience. You must do this in a positive way, but do not be cocky or aggressive.
2. Before interview research the company. It will identify if the company is for you and let the employer see that you are interested.
3. Prepare answers for the popular interview questions before interview. Practice saying the answers out loud or role play.
4. Ensure that you dress for success.
5. Identify what questions you need to ask and bring a list of your own questions with you to interview. You should also bring a few extra CV’s.
6. Listen and focus and focus at interview. Many jobseekers talk far too much at interviews.
7. Prepare to be asked to describe your weaknesses as strengths.
8. Ensure that you make eye contact with your interviewer.
9. Never volunteer your personal views about a subject unless you are asked by the interviewer.
10. Try to establish rapport with your interviewer. BE YOURSELF!

Ensure that you take these points on board as they will enhance your performance at interview. For other tips for interview read interview tips skills. Other information includes interview questions and answers and how to handle competency based interviews.