Hired!

Have you ever wanted to hit “rewind” after a bad job interview?  Did you know that according to a recent survey by Adecco USA, a workforce solutions company, hiring managers reject 26% of applicants for fidgeting. Also on the list: avoiding eye contact!

Managers believe these actions show lack of confidence and poor interview prep. Being nervous can also increase chances of blurting out answers that haven't been fully thought out. So, here are some examples from my segment on FOX and Friends on what not to do, and how to fix it if it happens.

Happy hunting!

INTERVIEW DON’TS (AND HOW TO FIX THEM):

*MISTAKE: YOU WERE LATE

*CHERYL’S ADVICE:

*If you can tell you’re going to be late call the interviewer as soon as you realize it. Do NOT leave the interviewer to wait and wonder where you are

*Briefly explain the circumstances, provide an estimate of when you’ll arrive and apologize for the inconvenience.

*Most hiring managers will understand that innocent and unforeseen mishaps occur. They might need to reschedule, but they probably won’t hold it against you.

*Be sure it’s a valid excuse. A flat tire or some other extraordinary reason can be understood. Not having given yourself enough time to get there is unacceptable.

*MISTAKE: YOU’RE DISTRACTED BY A LIFE EVENT

*Example : CHERYL: So why do you think this is a good job for you? ANDREA (while crying): I’m really friendly, upbeat person. This is a job I’m really, really excited about.

*CHERYL’S ADVICE:

*It’s okay to call or e-mail the employer afterward to explain that a particular life event occurred (for example if there was a death in the family)

*They may take this into consideration when they assess the interview

*However make sure it’s a serious life event. Your interviewer probably won’t care if you had a fight with your significant other beforehand.

*MISTAKE: YOU MADE NO NETWORK CONTACTS

*Example:  CHERYL: Oh, so you worked at FOX & Friends. Who were some of the publicists that you worked with? ANTONIA: Oh gosh, I can’t remember. CHERYL: Do you know Samantha? ANTONIA: No. CHERYL: Brian Kilmeade? ANTONIA: Never heard of him.

*CHERYL’S ADVICE:

*Every opportunity at your job should be considered a networking opportunity, both inside the office and outside the office.  You are always on!

*When a potential employer asks you for a contact, if you don’t have any or you blank on the question, say, “I’ve got my list at home, I can email you those names and companies to give you a broader sense of my network of professional contacts”.  If you DON’T have that, you can always follow up in a day or two and mention that you have some business networking parties or events THAT day!

*If for some reason you didn’t have the opportunity to pursue outside contacts at your previous or current job, honesty is the best policy.  The key is to explaining the void on your resume or your lack of an answer is to just say you haven’t had those opportunities but look forward to developing that network at your new place of employment, and that it will be a priority.