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Common Mistakes

Lack of Preparation: Be prepared

Know the company and know how your skills are relevant. Have extra copies of your resume and copies of your certificates and degrees. Be ready to meet more than one interviewer.

Arriving Late or even too early

Always call if you will be late for any reason. Make sure you know where you are going and the name of the person you are going to meet. Before the day of your interview visit the building so you know where it is, how to get there as well as how much time you will need. You want to arrive no earlier than 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you are too early, do not go into the office right away. Use the time to collect yourself.

Do not be anxious

For somebody who is already nervous, this advice may sound like doing the impossible, but there are things that will help. Go to the bathroom just before your interview. Make sure your hands are dry. Do not drink seventeen cups of coffee before or during the interview. Know how to shake hands Canadian style. Have everything you will need organized. Do not carry too many things into the interview.

Improper Appearance

First impressions mean a lot. You definitely should dress better for your interview than you would for the type of work you will be doing for the company. Your wardrobe should be fashionable without being too trendy. Your clothes should fit your properly, not too tight or too baggy. Do not chew gum, spit, bring coffee or your pet, or smoke beforehand. Going to an interview alone looks professional, bringing an escort or a friend looks bad. Let's not show too much skin.

Lack of Confidence

Be sure you know what you are talking about. It is okay to ask the interviewer to repeat the question or ask for clarification when you do not understand the question, but try to keep it to a minimum. Ask relevant questions. Most Canadian interviews are conversational in nature.

Poor Attitude

Be Positive. Be Upbeat. All interviews are an opportunity. Never waste this opportunity. If you do not like the company, do not let it show. Use this opportunity to practice your interview skills.

Answering Questions Incorrectly

Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if the question is unclear to you. If you do not know the answer, do not try to cover by making something up. Answer the question they asked the best you can.

Inconsistency

Make sure your story makes sense. Know your resume. It is very embarrassing to be asked about something from your resume on which you are unclear.

Failing to Listen

Think about why the question is being asked. If you are unsure about what information they are seeking, you should try and clarify the question before you start talking. Not all Canadians know how to conduct good interviews.

Do not be too modest

Being too modest does not help you during the interview and may show a lack of confidence. If you are really good at what you do, tell the interviewer. This will only help you during your interview.

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