| The purpose of this article is to cover the most | | | | Mock Interview Exercise that simulates a real |
| frequent mistakes made by applicants. Although most | | | | interview and contains grading tools to show ways to |
| of these points appear to be common sense, human | | | | improve and reveal answering patterns. You can also |
| resource professional often witness these pitfalls. For | | | | enhance this exercise with the use of an audio/video |
| more information visit our resume and job interview | | | | recording tool. |
| training and services on one of the largest job sites in | | | | 4. Over answering is one of the most common and |
| Canada, US and UK. | | | | easily correctable mistakes. Over answering is also |
| 1. First, turn off your cell phone during an interview. A | | | | one of the biggest pet peeves among interviewer |
| ringing cell phone won't impress an interviewer. With | | | | circles. Know when to stop. The interviewer's body |
| today's reliance on cell phones, in our experience | | | | language can signal to the applicant when it is |
| about 1 in every 5 applicants forget to turn off their | | | | appropriate to stop answering. These signals include |
| cell phones during an interview. | | | | briefly looking away, leaning away from the applicant, |
| 2. Reciting your resume and cover letter is also | | | | and shifting their positions frequently during your |
| something that's common, but should be avoided. | | | | answer. If you see one of these signs in your next |
| The interview is your chance to expand on these | | | | interview, ask yourself: "have I answered the |
| documents and discuss your qualifications. | | | | question?" and act accordingly. Try timing your |
| 3. Mumbling is another common mistake that can | | | | answer to see the length of your response. On |
| often be corrected with ease. Some applicants | | | | average most people take between 5 to 7 mins to |
| mumble, are soft-spoken, or perhaps have a slight | | | | answer which exceeds the attention span of most |
| accent. Remember to speak up and speak clearly | | | | interviewers. |
| when you are in a job interview. | | | | 5. Avoid being negative. While your previous |
| A useful exercise to refine interview skills is the use | | | | employer may have been a tyrant and difficult to |
| of role-play. Find someone who is willing to role-play | | | | work for, it is not to your advantage to speak |
| some interview questions with you and ask them to | | | | negatively about past work experiences. |
| provide feedback. For your convenience, we have a | | | | |