Identifying And Remedying Job Interview Bloopers

Identifying And Remedying Job Interview Bloopers

- John Pereira

Attending interviews can be the most unnerving experience for fresh graduates. Sometimes even the experienced professionals would feel the pressures of attending an interview. Handling job interviews is an art, not all can do it well. We’ve all heard stories of job candidates who looked great on paper but who were absolute disasters in person. In this competitive job market, it’s essential to make the best possible first impression. You can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the worst interview blunders.

Poor handshake

In a job interview, it is common to shake hands when first meeting a hiring manager and upon completion of your interview. This simple physical gesture affects the first and last impression you make. Handshakes either contribute to or take away from your professional image.

The three-second handshake that starts the interview is your first opportunity to create a great impression. But all too often an interview is blown right from the start by an ineffective handshake. Once you’ve delivered a poor handshake, it’s nearly impossible to recover your efforts to build rapport. Here are some examples: The Limp Hand (or “dead fish”): Gives the impression of disinterest or weakness.

The Tips of the Fingers: Shows lack of ability to engage.

Looseness in the hands indicates lack of confidence and unpreparedness.

Make sure your hands are clean and dry before you go in for your interview. Sweaty hands are common among nervous people. Before you go in, wash and dry your hands. If you need to wipe off sweaty hands just before your interview, do so on your pant legs. Give a firm handshake looking at the face of the interviewer with a smile.