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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.

Getting an interview is difficult enough these days, and is nerve inducing time for anyone, especially those that are just starting out in a field or changing into one. Surviving that first interview can induce some real anxiety into potential job seekers, and for good reason. The first face to face meeting is very important for a job seeker, and you don’t get many chances to impress after that. This is especially true for positions where you will be challenged to answer technical queries or show off a portfolio. Doing well on the first interview is critical, and some anxiety will help to keep you sharp.

Allowing anxiety to take over, however, is not the reaction that you want to have when going for the first interview. Take a deep breath and try to calm down a little. Yes, the interview is worth thinking thoroughly about, but an excess of anxiety is not really going to help matters. Being thoroughly prepared for the interview is the best way to allay your own fears and overcome the accompanying anxiety. If you are well prepared, you will have the confidence of your own knowledge to lessen the fear.

More important than anything, however, is the attitude with which you approach an interview. Although technical knowledge of your field is critical, nothing can trump the importance of the perception that employers have of your personality. If an employer perceives that you may be a little lacking in knowledge, but have a very positive and responsible attitude, they will most likely overlook small gaps in knowledge and training.

On the other hand, if you attempt to oversell yourself by exaggerating claims and making false statements, your potential employer will pick up on this in an instant. This is a very negative perception that is sure to sink your chances quicker than anything else. A perception of dishonesty, even mildly seen, can destroy your chances of landing that new job. Although you want to represent the skills that you have, you should never try to pass yourself off as an expert when you are not. Even if false claims are discovered after you have been hired, the employer can still just as easily withdraw its offer of employment.

Talking about compensation and benefits upfront is another definite “no no”, no matter what field you are considering. If you talk about these points too early, an employer will think that you are presumptuous and perhaps even arrogant. These points will be covered later once an employer has decided that they are interested in hiring you.

It is also important, of course, to approach an interview with confidence. Although arrogance is not an attribute you want to show, confidence in your skills and knowledge should definitely be displayed.

Just as you do not want to misrepresent yourself by exaggerating skills and knowledge, you also do not want to sell yourself short. Be sure employers know all that you are capable of.

Once the interview has concluded, be sure to give your prospective employer a call back after three or four days. This can be a way of letting your potential employee know that you are really interested in the position. Although it is a good idea to stay in touch with an employer, neither should you over do this contact. A single phone call is a good way to remind employers of your interest, but multiple phone calls will annoy potential employers.

Approach every interview with enthusiasm. Research a little about the company you are applying to, so that an employer feels like you really have a strong desire to work there.