“Winning in Interviews” is the stepping stone to a dream job & a launching pad for a successful career. The passport for getting “the” interview call will be determined by the quality of your CV and the way you answer in your interview.

For being successful in interviews, you need to articulately answer various interview questions which can range from the typical questions to competency-based, personality, tough & tricky questions. The success in an interview will be determined by the way you brand & project yourself.

As per my analysis, here are the top 10 interview blunders:

1. Don’t Prepare

Not being able to adequately answer the questions “Tell me about yourself” might just end your quest with this employer. If your response starts with your family and their life, where you grew up or what your hobbies are, then you have probably lost the 1st round with the interviewer. I will dwell on the answer in my next blog.

Likewise, if your answer to “What do you know about this company?” is average, then the interviewer has already made up his/her mind not to hire you. Background information including company history, locations, work culture, products/services and the clients are available in most company websites. Review it ahead of time, print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.

2. Dress Inappropriately

Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. Choose the attire according to the professional position you are applying for. If you aren’t sure what to wear, visit the organization or similar Companies and watch employees coming in and out of the office to see what they are wearing.

3. Poor Communication Skills

It’s important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is crucial that you positively connect with the HR, the hiring manager and the interview panel. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence and smartly answer the introductory questions. The interviewer will already feel good that you are an excellent candidate for this position – before you even answer an interview question.

4. Answering the phone during an interview

Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn’t get the job, didn’t hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Just focus on yourself, your resume, your job application, and your list of references.

5. Talk Too Much

There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on… The interviewer really doesn’t need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don’t beat around the bush- simply answer the question.

6. Don’t Talk Enough

It’s really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get any answers from the candidate. It wasn’t pleasant. So, even though you shouldn’t talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.

7. Unclear Facts

Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information. If the resume and job application facts are not matching, then certainly it is curtains.

8. Give the Wrong Answer

Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Like the following candidate, you’ll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer.

The interviewer had described a sales and marketing position to the fresher who applied for the job. She emphasized that cold calling and prospecting were the most important skills and experiences needed for the position. The candidate responded to the question about what she does not like to in sales, with these words: “I hate to do cold calling and calls for lead generation, and I’m not good at it.” That response ensured that she wouldn’t get the job!

9. Badmouthing Past Employers

Your last boss was an xxx? There was no teamwork and none were ready to assist. The Company just did not care about my situation. I hated my job and I was waiting to quit. Even if it’s true don’t say so. That company happened to be our largest customer and, of course, I wasn’t going to hire someone who felt that way about the company and everyone who worked there. Be mindful of what you speak about your past employer.

10. Forget to Follow Up

Afraid you didn’t make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.