Eight Common Mistakes Job Applicants Make

1. Not Assessing skills or defining goals before interview

Focus on specific goals.
1. Skilled at working with people
2. Skilled at working with information or data
3. Skilled at working with tools

2. Neglecting to research the job or company

Ask friends, library, Better Business Bureau, Internet

3. Filling out job application incorrectly

Neatness counts!

4. Violating interview Etiquette

Be on time
Use courtesy titles
Shake hands firmly
Speak clearly

5. Answering questions not understood

Ask interviewer to repeat
Come Equipped with answers
Tell me about yourself
What are your major strengths
Name one of your weaknesses; what you are doing to correct it
Where do you hope to be in five years
Why should I hire you

6. Neglecting to toot your own horn

7. Letting the interview collapse

8. Forgetting to send a Thank-you note