During the interview phase of your job search, it's important to be prepared. Statistics report that job seekers spend 30-40 hours to land each interview and less than an hour to prepare for that interview. Remember, it's the interview that gets you the job. Below are some common mistakes job seekers make during this phase, along with some tips on how to better prepare.

1.  Trying to close too soon.

Many jobseekers have the tendency to focus on one job possibility at a time and then sit and wait to get an offer. With everything depending on that one possibility, chances are you may force them to decide before they are ready. Get other things going while you're keeping an eye on the company in which you are already interested. Don't put "all of your eggs in one basket." For a more effective, balanced search, get 6 to 10 things in the works. You won't feel desperate with so many possibilities.

2. Being seen as an outsider.

To get job offers, you must be seen as an insider. You want potential hiring managers to say, "I really wish I had an opening because I would love to have someone like you on board." Then when they do have an opening, they will think of you.

3. Not recording your interviews.

Keep track of your interviews. It's hard to keep this information in your head, especially if you're seeing a lot of people. Document to whom you spoke, to whom they referred you, their important issues, etc. Then when you do your follow-up, you will have the notes from your last discussion.

5. Other things that can go wrong:

a) Not looking or acting like the level for which you are seeking.

b) Not asking questions like, "Where are you in the hiring process?" and "How many people are you talking to?" and "How do I compare with them?"

c) Not knowing with whom you will interview. This is a critical piece of the interview phase. For example, let's say there will be someone from accounting and from marketing interviewing you. Each person will have very different issues that are important to them. You want to make sure you are able to address those issues.

 

The above methodology is based on years of research by the Five O’Clock Club, America’s premier career coaching and outplacement network. Joan Runnheim, President of Pathways Career Success Strategies, is certified as a Five O’Clock Club Career Coach.

Click here for additional articles on other topics.