March 26th, 2010 - Job Interview FAIL: How to Lose the Job in the First 3 Minutes (A Posture Brace Could Help)
Before you’re even seated, the interview could be over. Avoid these 5 common interview mistakes and land your dream job
Most job interviews are won or lost in the first three minutes. In this economy, competition is fiercer than ever and candidates need every edge they can get. Avoiding the following five mistakes in the job interview can mean the difference between being hired and heading back to the unemployment line. Your handshake, pre-interview prep, and even your posture, can kill your chances of getting a great job.
Number 5: The dead-fish handshake
A firm handshake indicates confidence and self-assuredness. Whether the interviewer is male or female, use a firm handshake; don’t make the mistake of softening or weakening your handshake if your interviewer is female.
Number 4: Showing up empty-handed
Regardless of the job for which you’re interviewing, always come armed with multiple copies of your résumé. You never know how many you’ll need, so always bring extras. Also, be sure to bring paper and pen to take notes. Taking notes shows your interest in the company and the position.
Number 3: Not looking the part
A suit is not always ideal interview attire. In fact, in some environments, wearing a suit to your interview may lose you the job. Do some research and know your environment before you arrive. Call the HR department and get their input on appropriate interview attire. They’re a great resource and can help you avoid over- or under-dressing. In some cases, you’ll even come away with additional information about the person you’re interviewing with, which can give you that extra advantage over your competitors.
Number 2: Lack of eye contact
Research has shown that people who have minimal eye contact can appear dishonest and untrustworthy. Good eye contact, especially at the beginning of the interview, will set a tone of honest and forthright communication that will last throughout the meeting.
Number 1: Don’t be a slouch
Nothing conveys a lack of confidence more than poor posture. Where a straight, tall stature shows confidence and gives the impression of competence, a slouched posture shows a lack of self-esteem and a low self-image. One of the quickest ways to help improve posture is with a posture brace, and naturally, we'd recommend the PostureNOW posture corrective brace. You may even want to wear it under your clothes during your interview. Good posture can give you the edge over your competitors, and using a posture corrective brace before your interview can make for a better first impression. After all, who would you pick if you were seeking a new employee, someone with rounded, hunched shoulders, or someone with straight, upright, confident posture? The PostureNOW posture brace may just make the difference for you in your next interview...