Some Common Interview Mistakes

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Going into the interview cold: Explore ChecklistComplete.com thoroughly to prepare. Find out as much as possible about your intended company - what they do, their culture and the type of interview they hold. Learn to interview the professional way by reading and heeding our advice. Practice your stories, think through your ideas, goals and opinions. Know your current airplane. ChecklistComplete.com has many detailed discussions about all aspects of aviation interviewing: from getting the interview to stepping on board. Learn to adopt the positives and lose the negatives.

Showing up late: There is never an excuse for being late to an interview. Just don't do it.

Being rude to the driver, receptionist or security guards: Rudeness is a character trait that is not valued by any company. Be courteous, patient and grateful to everyone you meet. Even if they are not to you.

Poor handshake: Use a firm, confident grip with two pumps. Read our discussion about proper handshake techniques.

Talking too much & not listening enough: learn to be direct and succinct. You want a balanced exchange and must allow for occasional silent periods while the interviewers are taking notes. Listen to their questions and confine your answers to two-three minutes, less if appropriate. Never speak for more than three minutes without encouragement from the interviewer to continue.

Talking too little or speaking too quietly: Sitting silently when you are expected to reply to a question or muttering only a "yes" or "no" when details are expected doesn't help you demonstrate to the interviewers your fine qualities. Be confident.

Negative attitude: Self defeatism or speaking poorly about others are more traits not valued by employers. Be proud of yourself and speak well of all others - even if the others don't deserve it.

Arrogance or sense of entitlement: Have pride in yourself, but don't think you are the only person on the planet that the company needs. You may be related to the CEO, but that doesn't mean the rest of the company will accept you. Even astronauts, Blue Angels and Thunderbirds foul up on occasion. Don't act like the company has to hire you - make them want to hire you. Don't act like the company owes you a job. They don't.

Verbal or physical tics: Those who are tremendously ill at ease often display distracting verbal or physical tics. The best tactic to avoid this is knowing what to expect and feeling confident. Know your stuff and you avoid "ummm", "er" and " ya know". Exude confidence to avoid twirling your hair, jangling keys or darting eyes.

Not enough eye contact: Dishonest, negative and shy people don't make very good eye contact. If you never lie, have confidence in yourself and can speak well to strangers you shouldn't have a problem.

Too much eye contact: This may be construed as staring, deer-in-the-headlights or looking inappropriately at confidential notes. People who are confused, lost or otherwise overwhelmed often stare at the interviewers hoping for some relief. You won't get it.

Inappropriate communication: Always be yourself, but take your cues from your interviewers' style. If your interviewers are somber, hurried or unpleasant - stick to business. If one very small, light stab at humor doesn't lighten them up, don't try again. Disinterested or threatened interviewers are particularly difficult to engage in productive conversation. Stick to business but work to bring them into the conversation. If your interviewers are personable, willing to discuss themselves or are surrounded by personal items, then discussing interests or a little humor may be very welcome. You can tell from their smiles, eye contact and the small talk they make.

Evasive answering: When asked a question, answer it directly, honestly and from the heart. If you don't know something, admit it.

Poor first impression: You have as little as 1/20^th of a second to make a good first impression. From the time you leave your home to the time you step again across your threshold, be ready. You never know when someone who could affect the outcome of your job search will see or speak to you. Be polite to everyone you meet, be properly groomed, rested and ready. Don't ace some guy for a choice parking slot in the lot. He might just be the person interviewing you. Never risk being seen engaged in questionable activities such as smoking, gum chewing, drinking alcohol or gossiping. Be circumspect about cell phone use, especially cell phone ringing. Turn it off and only use it when you have stepped aside and excused yourself from the group. Definitely watch what you say while on company property; the walls may not have ears, but the administrative assistant around the corner does.