What Irks Interviewers Most?

The company asked executives to identify what they thought were the most common mistakes candidates make during job interviews.
Little or no knowledge of the organisation they applied to join clocked in as by far the most common short- coming. solid 44 percent of all respondents agreed on that one.
A lack of preparedness to discuss career plans and goals was second on the list and irked 23 percent of respondents. Sixteen percent listed limited enthusiasm as reason for eliminating prospects from the running.
After these three criticisms the percentages dropped dramatically. For the record, lack of eye contact accounted for five percent of answers, being unprepared to discuss skills and experience three percent, late arrival two percent, while four percent were made up by other choices and the three percent of respondents who didn’t answer.
Robert Half International managing director Phil Davis outlined number of measures that job seekers can take to improve the chance of successful interview.
As the research suggests, it’s essential to do some research of your own into the enterprise you are applying for job with. This can be done by visiting the company’s website, reading its mission statement and goals and reading up on its past financial history. It’s also helpful to prepare some questions to ask at the interview.
Once at the interview proper, Davis says it’s important to listen carefully to the interviewer and pay attention while trying to avoid thinking about what you will say next. “Maintain eye contact and use non-verbal cues, such as nodding to show interest in what the interviewer is saying. Ask for clarification when anything is unclear, and paraphrase when you understand what was said.”
Keep answers brief, focused and concise, he adds. And while it’s important to be yourself throughout the interview – “your interviewer wants to get to know you” – don’t go overboard. “Concentrate on demonstrating that you have the skills and attributes the job requires. If you focus too heavily on winning the interviewer over you may come across as insincere.”
If the interview goes well and you think you’d like the job, make an offer to solve problem, provide additional samples of your work or spend day on the job for free if you can.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want; if you like the job description but the salary or benefits don’t fit your needs, find out if they are negotiable. Be prepared to ask for more holidays or other benefits such as flexible hours.
Davis concludes: “Diplomacy, research and innovation will impress your interviewer and put you ahead of the competition. In the process, you’ll move closer to landing the job you are really after.”