Five ways to lose a job before you get it

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Last week I had the opportunity to sit on a selection panel for a candidate at the organization where I used to work. We interviewed four candidates in five hours, offering an unique opportunity to quickly and directly compare candidates’ strengths and weaknesses. And although each candidate was highly qualified with an impressive resume, each made errors that were easily avoidable and could have set them apart from the pack.

With that in mind, here are five ways to lose a job before you get it.

1. Be Unorganized – Walking into an interview with a half-full portfolio, unable to find a copy of your resume, with no copies of your references, or a scattered pile of papers flowing from your laptop case, you project an image of an employee who may not be able to stay on task, that is if you can find the task in the first place. Even if the interview is scheduled on short notice, take the time to get not only your thoughts, but your paperwork organized before you walk into the room.  Ask the person setting up the interview how many people you will be interviewing with so that you can have the appropriate number of copies of any materials you plan to hand out, and then bring a few extra copies for good measure.

2. Know Nothing About the Organization -  You want to work for an organization. You want them to give you an office, a desk, a laptop, and most importantly a paycheck. The least you can do is take the time to learn about the organization. What does it do? What are its mission and goals? Who is the CEO? Is there a board? Read the latest news releases on the website both on the public section and the employee section (if available).

3. Know Nothing About the Position You’re Applying For – Maybe it’s the excitement of the job title or the salary range. Maybe they are just terribly unhappy in their current position, but I have read cover letters for people who were applying for positions for which I don’t think they actually read the entire job description. Certainly the job description should be your first stop, but it shouldn’t be your last. If possible, talk to the person who currently holds the position you are applying for. If that isn’t possible, talk to other people in that industry. If you are currently in a similar position, determine similarities and differences in the position you’re applying for.

At the end of almost any interview you are going to be asked, “What questions do you have for us?” Let me give you a hint; You should have some. Unless you are being promoted from an interim position to a full-time position, you will be entering into uncharted territory.  If there isn’t at least one “what, when, where, when, why or how” running through your mind, you don’t have a thorough understanding of the position you are applying for and I guarantee a rude awakening if you are selected for the position.

4. Be Bitter About Your Current or Former Employer – You’re looking to separate with your current employer for one reason or another. Maybe it’s better pay, better hours or a better commute, or maybe you just don’t get along with your boss. If your reason is the later, leave those feelings at the door when you walk into the interview.  If you were let go from a position because of a “change in leadership” or “difference of opinion,” answer those questions honestly and briefly, and then move on.  The last thing a potential boss wants to hear is you complaining about how horribly you have been treated by your other bosses, even if it’s true.

5. Sell Yourself Short – This is your chance to set yourself apart.  Make yourself stand out above the crowd. Be the shining star. Insert cliche here. Most of us are uncomfortable with this, having been taught that humility is preferred over arrogance. But the truth is, you are probably more talented, capable, educated, and fabulous than you think you are, and now is the time to let that shine through. Unfortunately, instead of exuding confidence we answer questions with, “I’m kind of good at blank,” or “People tell me I’m good at such and such.”

To avoid this mistake, try these tips. Before your interview, enlist a trusted peer or friend to help you review your resume and portfolio. Conduct a mock interview and let them help you find answers to questions like, “What is your greatest strength and weakness?” You may be surprised that they see strengths in you that you don’t see in yourself. Have them help you craft an answer to, “Why you are the best candidate for this position?” Even if the question isn’t asked directly in the interview, just having the answer formulated before you walk in the door will give you the confidence you need to be successful.

What do you think? What other mistakes can cost people the job of their dreams?

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