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Box 1354 St. Louis, MO 63188 Voice: 314-771-0200 Fax: 314-771-0300 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com To advertise, contact: advertising@slfp.com Top Job Interview Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them ST. LOUIS (PRNewswire), October 8, 2006 - Most of us know what it feels like to be turned down for a job we hoped to get. Sometimes it's simply not a good match. But all too often the rejection stems from an interview slip-up. So how can we make sure to ace the next one? Interestingly, it's often the same set of mistakes that cost us the job, according to Steve McMahan, Group President for Kforce Professional Staffing. "Successful interviewing reflects your ability to sell yourself," says McMahan. "That becomes easier when you recognize the potential pitfalls and learn to avoid them." McMahan and his Kforce counterparts rate the following interview mistakes as the most common Lack of professionalism. Too often, interviewees fail to realize that the interview starts the minute they walk into the building. Impolite behavior toward the security guard or rudeness to the receptionist can ensure that this will be your last visit. Make eye contact, smile and offer a firm handshake when appropriate. During the interview, convey confidence by speaking clearly and sticking to the point. And don't forget to dress the part -- a professional appearance is a must. Preparation failure. Nothing can kill an interview faster than a blatant lack of knowledge about the company and position for which you're applying. Take the time to research the company, its economic climate and the position at hand, and be prepared to demonstrate the value you would add. Buy first, sell later. Interviewees play two roles: that of a "buyer" looking to determine whether the company is a good fit, and that of a "seller" who must convince the prospective employer to hire them. "One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is to go in with the buyer mentality and neglect their sales role," says McMahan. That's backwards: convince the company to make an offer first, then focus on the buyer questions. Money matters most. Likewise, asking too soon about benefits and financial information can be off-putting for hiring managers who are still trying to learn about your background and determine whether you might be a good fit. Advises McMahan: Sell yourself first, then worry about compensation. Negative exposure. Those who air a former employer's dirty laundry or make disparaging comments about others raise a red flag for hiring managers. Employers may wonder how you would represent their company if hired, and whether your negativity would extend to your new role. No sparks. When the interview feels flat, it's likely you've failed to create chemistry with the hiring manager. "Remember that people want to do business with people they like," says McMahan. "It's important to develop a rapport with the interviewer from the start." Overall, interviewing is not a difficult skill to master, McMahan says. With the right preparation, job seekers can avoid missteps, make a strong impression and boost their chances of landing that next great position. Archived: Survey Reveals Gap Between Expectations and Results in Sales Compensation Management Majority of Workers Favor Health Benefits Over More Pay Lower-Level Employees Use Vacation Time, While Managers More Likely to Take Long Weekends Millions of U.S. Women May Run Out of Retirement Savings This Labor Day, Six Million Americans Are Planning an Exodus From Corporate Life Got the Labor Day Blues? Maybe You Need A New 'Blueprint' for Growth Lack of Company Knowledge Biggest Interview Mistake Most Employers Report Plans to Increase Hiring in September Women-owned Firms Increase Nearly 20 Percent Be Prepared for Pre-Employment Testing More Women Choose Business Ownership to Gain Control, Flexibility and Family Time St. Louis Takes the Lead in Training Service Disabled Veterans in New Technologies Telecommuting Part-Time Is Ideal Work Situation    The Saint Louis Front Page is owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan Saint Louis area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 1996 - 2008 Moore Design Group .