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If you have already taken the time to create an attention getting cover letter accompanied by a well written and thorough resume, you are already well on your way to success at finding employment. If that cover letter and resume does the task it is intended to do and catches the attention of the hiring manager or human resources representative then you are even closer. You now have an interview set up and can start preparing for that.

Even the most seasoned veterans in the job force can get nervous before an interview. Nerves are to be expected. This is your future at stake and a lot is on the line. However, there are also some common mistakes interviewees make that can be avoided. The first step is to know exactly what to avoid.

1. Running late – There is simply no excuse whatsoever to be late for an interview. Usually the most important times in your life is when Murphy’s Law kicks in: “if anything can go wrong, it will.” So you need to be prepared for the worst. Get there early and sit in your car or get a cup of coffee at a nearby restaurant. But whatever you do, show up on time for an interview.

2. Dressing inappropriately – It is important when interviewing to put your best foot forward and make a good first impression. A business suit is never inappropriate for a first interview. If you are able to research the dress code policies and the company has a business casual policy, then slacks and a shirt and tie for the men and a skirt and blouse for the women is appropriate. However, you need to be absolutely sure. If in doubt about what to wear, go with the suit. It is never appropriate, regardless how relaxed the atmosphere, to come in looking shabby, unkempt or too casual.

3. Being ill prepared – You should have already researched the company prior to submitting your resume but if you haven’t, now is the time to do so. Even if you have, you should review all your notes and research thoroughly. This will accomplish two tasks. First, it will allow you to talk intelligently to the interviewer when asked specific questions about the company. Next, it will allow you to ask pertinent questions regarding specifics that you want clarified. You will show that you did your homework and are obviously truly interested in the position.

4. Rambling – Hiring managers are aware that you are likely a little nervous. However, if you stumble consistently over questions or start to ramble, you will give the impression you have no confidence, have something to hide or that you are not being truthful. Be careful to answer questions clearly, articulately and concisely without giving too much information, especially if it is not relevant to the discussion. One of the worst things you can do is to get so nervous you talk too much, revealing weaknesses and negatives you do not want to highlight. Practice answers to common interview questions so you know what to say when the time comes.

5. Too familiar a demeanor – This is a job interview, not drinks in a bar with your best friend. Always act professional and courteous. Do not slouch or act like the interview is a casual affair. Take it seriously. While it is important to be warm and friendly, do not be overbearingly so. You do not know the person on the other end of the table well enough to joke with him or her. Show class and professionalism and you will portray a demeanor that will illustrate how you will reflect on the company if hired.

The interview process can sometimes be a harrowing and nerve wracking experience. However, if you are prepared with the knowledge of common mistakes made during an interview, you will know how to avoid them. Come to the interview prepared in all aspects. You have already impressed the hiring manager or HR personnel on paper. Show them that you are even better in person so that you may move on to an offer of employment.

What Impression Are You Making?

Image is everything. The image you present has a lot to do with how you are viewed in the eyes of others. Your image is conveyed through a number of mediums. Yes, clothing and grooming are a part of this, however attitude, emotions, professionalism, attention to details, and communications are also integral parts of image.

There are many signals one sends either consciously or unconsciously during the interview process. These are picked up by a good interviewer. These unspoken words, which are in truth a collection of the image you portray, have much more to do with the final decision of who will be hired than you may realize.

Although we are often told how important it is to be professionally groomed for an interview, it is more important to be realistically dressed for your profession.

If you are applying for an entry level position wearing executive-type clothing, you are not appropriately dressed. You may come across as a threat to the interviewer. If you are a construction worker who arrives in a suit – you are not ready to go to work, and that sends a strong message to that foreman. You obviously couldn’t be serious about your trade. You definitely are not seasoned in the trade, only a “newbie” would come thus dressed. You won’t be taken seriously. No matter how good of a tradesman you are, you don’t look the part, probably you won’t act the part. Realistic attire speaks to ones professionalism.

Attitude and emotions are so important. The accomplished interviewee never loses sight of this. Role play for a moment, you become the interviewer: which one of these two people would you tend to want working in your office?

• Cheri – young, educated, willing. A nice smile and a confident walk, not over dressed, not under dressed. Able to communicate correctly (not too much, not too little, none of those uncomfortable pauses, doesn’t cut people off, not too loud, not too quiet). Feels comfortable and allows you to feel comfortable. Doesn’t “suck up” to you, but also doesn’t act like you are superior to her. Strong resume too. Nicely laid out, nice paper, concise.

• Jenny – young, educated, reserved. Doesn’t smile much– if at all. Walks with slumped shoulders and a slow gait. Seems a bit tired. Thoughtfully slow when communicating, attire is not bad — shoes seem a bit odd maybe (does she have a foot problem, perhaps?) doesn’t offer much information on her own, answers questions inadequately. A nice resume, a bit generic maybe, but overall, not too bad . . . and she does seem pleasant . . .

More than likely, you chose Cheri. She had a good look, a proper attitude, good communication skills. She appeared professional and that means her ability to pay attention to details is there on some level, which was also present in her resume.

It can be challenging when one is nervous to present themselves as forthrightly as they should. However, some nervousness is expected by most interviewers. They can see the difference between a person’s general nervousness and the habitual way a person tends to project themselves. Keep in mind as well that most good interviewers are a little concerned if they don’t see some nervousness – even if only slightly displayed. It is only natural that if you are taking the interview seriously.

Thus to make a good first impression. Take some time to be brutally honest with yourself in the mirror. What attitude and emotions are you projecting? Are you realistic with your attire? Have you done your homework and know what to talk about in the interview? Can you comfortably put another at ease with a confident smile or quick response? Practice and hone these skills and you will appear much more like the person that should get the job.