Last month I looked at top resume blunders, so this time I thought I would write about the top ten blunders that job seekers make during interviews.

Mistake #1: Showing up too early (or too late)

A surprising number of people think that showing up early demonstrates that they are keen or eager. It actually shows that you don’t understand business protocol. If your interview is at 10am, you show up at the reception desk at 9:55am. While it is much better to be early, simply take a walk, grab a coffee, or read a newspaper until five minutes before the appointment time. NEVER be late, but if you are, do apologize to the interviewer.

Mistake #2: Not knowing enough about the job

You are simply wasting everyone’s time if you demonstrate that you clearly don’t know what the job is about. You applied for it, so you should have read the job description. It is certainly okay to ask questions (see Mistake #9 below) about certain aspects of the job you don’t understand, or things that need further clarification.

Mistake #3: Not knowing enough about yourself

You should have already done the work involved in knowing what you bring to the table, and what skills, abilities, experience, education, and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. Yes, you do have to outline it all to the employer – they won’t connect the dots for you.

Mistake #4: Inappropriate attire

It is certainly getting harder to know what attire is appropriate for interviews these days. The safest standby is formal business attire (suit jacket and tie for men, skirt suit or pant suit for women). It is usually best to simply call the receptionist and ask them what the office dress code is, and then dress one level above that. For instance, if the dress code is casual, come to the interview in business casual. It is always better to be overdressed.

Mistake #5: Bringing too much stuff

You are not going on safari! You need to bring a pen, a notepad (with a list of your questions and three copies of your resume – see Mistake #7), your keys, and that’s about it. The more you bring, the more likely you have something to worry about!

Mistake #6: Deer in the headlights

We’ve all been there – the “stumper” question that you simply don’t know how to answer. If this happens, don’t be afraid to take some time to answer. You can throw in a “that’s an excellent question” to stall as your brain races to come up with a possible response. If you are still stumped, ask if you can come back to that one. Try to get back to it if you have thought of an answer in the meantime, rather than simply ignoring it. The interviewer will remember that you didn’t answer that one question.

Mistake #7: Not having copies of your resume

This is a simple one that many people overlook. Never assume that your interviewer has a copy of your resume. Be prepared for anything.

Mistake #8: Not showing enough enthusiasm and energy

In an interview, you and the interviewer are both showing the best possible version of yourselves. If you are not conveying enough enthusiasm or excitement for the organization and position, the interviewer may feel that you are either not interested in the position, or simply a low-key performer. Neither scenario is good. While you shouldn’t be jumping off the walls, you should show them that you are keen and enthusiastic.

Mistake #9: Not asking any questions

You should have questions! They should be questions that you couldn’t have found the answers to by doing a little research. Ask about things such as the culture of the department or organization, the boss’ management style, etc.

Mistake #10: Not following up

You have one more chance to influence the decision-making process. Send a Thank You letter right after the interview. Email is fine these days, but a personal business letter has more impact, and is worth the extra effort and postage.

Remember that the job doesn’t go to the person most capable of doing the job; it goes to the person who can best demonstrate that they CAN do the job. That is done primarily at the interview stage.

Good luck!

Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is Past President and Treasurer of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.