1. Lack of Preparation
Once the interview is scheduled, do your best to get ready for it. Find out as much as you can about the interviewer.
2. Arriving Late
On the day of the interview, leave enough margin of error to avoid any possibility of being late. No one will remember your excuse for being late, only that you were late!
3. Improper Appearance
Every large company has its culture. This is likely to include a dress and grooming code and standards. Ensure you dress appropriately for the interview.
4. Lack of Confidence
Are you confident of your ability to meet responsibilities entrusted to you? Would you hire someone like you? If not, then you need to learn to appear as competent and confident as you would like to be
5. Poor Attitude
The best way to approach an interview is with enthusiasm and an open mind. Treat everyone you meet with courtesy.
6. The Wrong Pitch
There are different kinds of interviewers, with different purposes. The personnel/human resources professional typically is there to screen people out to keep from wasting the decision-maker's time. You don't need to "impress" them, and you certainly can't snow them. They just want to ensure that you have truly and accurately represented yourself in your job application and resume.
7. Inconsistency
Professional interviewers are quick to notice inconsistencies, hesitations, and uncertainties. They may challenge something you say just to see how you respond. If you back off, change, justify, qualify, over-explain, or retract what you said earlier, they may suspect that you've been exaggerating or lying to them, and they're likely to probe deeper.
8. Failing to Listen
The successful interviewee reads the interviewer's tone and gestures and responds accordingly. This means paying attention, and knowing when to continue, change direction, or stop talking. Avoid potentially controversial and overly personal issues.
9. Losing Your Cool
If you are being interviewed for a high-level or high-pressure position, you may be subjected to a pressure interview. This can take the form of making you wait, having the interview interrupted (once or several times), inappropriate conversation or questions, and even rudeness or hostility. Most likely, you will never be subjected to such tactics, although some unpleasant situations (especially being kept waiting) can arise without intent. The trick is to know yourself, your tolerance, and what you're willing to put up with. If you react, do so with control and resolve, so that you won't regret your behaviour afterward. It's a matter of personal temperament and values...and perhaps how badly you want the job.
10. Blowing the Negotiation
If you get the offer, at some point you will have to negotiate your compensation package and any other benefits. Make sure that the terms of your employment, including responsibilities, reviews, and related conditions are defined and that you have a clear idea of what is expected of you. Don't commit yourself to a salary or conditions that will make you unhappy.
